First build and have a question on blank selection. I have casted a Helios 2 build but that is expensive for a first build. Any blanks you suggest that come close to the action of a helios but are more price conscious?


TIA

you might look at:
Pac Bay QuickLine
Batson Eternity2
St Croix
They are all good. but at lower price.

Good Luck with your project.

Mike Blomme

Dennis,

It would be helpful to add more information like what type of rod is a Helios 2, the style of fishing you want to do, the species, the conditions, etc. From my personal "knowledge-base," the Helios 2 is a fly blank offered by Orvis, not everyone knows that or has followed past posts.

For me, there is no such thing as having only one fly rod. :) if it was me, i'd decide which size rod your future Helios 2 build will be, then practice on a more budget-conscious blank in a different size you would find useful.

Pacific Bay, Batson, American Tackle, and many other sources could offer you a very fine blank to practice on for your first build.

If you want to build on a blank that closely matches the characteristics of the Helios 2 in the size you want, the information i listed above would be most helpful. there's a ton of good knowledge among the people who populate this forum. people who know the Helios 2 and can suggest something close.

eric
fresno, ca.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/09/2016 03:00PM by eric zamora.

Dennis

Current generation of Helios as described by Orvis is available in "tip flex" or "mid flex" versions. Any idea which you were able to cast?

We also need to know line weight and rod length to help with suggestions.

Lots of more modestly priced yet solidly performing blanks available. In addition to those mentioned above take a look at TFO.

For a first build it is hard to recommend a higher $ blank.

American Tackle just released their new Bushido Fly blanks, I just built on one of the 4Wt 8 foot blanks, Give them a shot.

Do some shopping around and you can find Pac Bay Quickline for well less than $100, and they are excellent blanks. AND, they publish CCS numbers.

I would definitely not overlook the SHX blanks that Karen at Bingham Ent offers either. The fit and finish as well as the performance of them are nothing short of great

Ron Weber

My opinion is that you should build on the Helios as your first build. If you don't like it you can simply redo.
The Helios is a nice blank. If you build on a price-point (cheaper) blank you will have a rod that will just sit in the closet. Maybe you will lend it to your cousin -,but you will not fish it with a Helios in your quiver.

I say go for it.
Contact any of us fly-rod-only builders for step-by-step instx.
Herb

What is the finish on SHX blanks? Site does not describe them as to finish. One thing about Pac Bay Quicklines is that they are beautiful gloss black.

Sorry it was tip flex, fast action. Thanks everyone for the info.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/15/2016 05:40PM by Dennis okey.

I would check out St Croix I had a nice 9' 2 pc 5Wt SCIV blank that had nice butt power and with a 6wt line it cast well and fast Cut thought wind and hit the target nicely
Not sure what they have now but they should be what you are looking for IMHO

Bill - willierods.com