Mudhole sells both the Orvis Helios and the Orvis Hydros blanks. This surprised me because I thought the only difference between the factory made Helios and Hydros was in the components. In fact, I've seen several reviews saying they are essentially identical blanks. However, when I checked the weight for the 9' 5 weight 4 piece version of the Hydros, it was 2 5/8 oz.. The equivalent Helios blank was 1 1/4 oz. Can this be correct? The Hydros blank is twice as heavy as the Helios blank? Has anyone built one of these blanks?

They are not the same blanks and the weight differences are correct. The Helios is unbelievably light!!! The Helios also come in different flex's which Orvis calls their "flex index".

I know the Helios is very light and, at least in my opinion, it casts very well. That's why I was interested in the Hydros. I actually talked to an Orvis representative who told me the blanks were almost identical. But if the Hydros is double the weight of the Helios, they are clearly not even close to the same.

An Orvis rep told me that in building the Hydros they used alot they learned from the Helios and the tapers are very close to the same.

Mike

If you look at the complete Rod on orvis's website you will see mudhole published the complete rod weight for the Hydros not the blank weight

Bob