Orvis Helios 4D vs 4F Fly Rod Review

The Orvis Helios 4 Series might be the hottest release of the year. Orvis is claiming it's 4x more accurate than the Helios 3. We put it to the test to find out if it holds up to Orvis's bold claims.

Buy your Helios 4 with FREE Shipping:

Chapters
0:00 - Intro/Overview
1:27 - Specs
3:08 - Casting/Performance
6:05 - Poseidon Score
8:55 - Price/Final Thoughts

Got Questions?
~~
FOLLOW US:

[gregb]

Ben, review the F model again using a line that is applicable to the rod then report back tobus with your results.

[ryanstines]

“The F feels a little bit clunky with the MPX.”

Well, of course it does. You’re not controlling a variable by casting both rods using the same line, as the F definitely wasn’t designed for MPX. Perhaps consider using an appropriate line for each rod in the future, as others have continued to comment in your videos over the years. Thanks for any consideration.

[dankochanek]

Love my white Orvis 3H & 3F. Color does not affect my casting at all. And since I'm not a professional, even my Recon casts awesome!!

[larryh]

Over the weekend, I had a chance to cast the H4 8D compared to the Hardy Marksman Z 890-4. With the Orvis, I could make longer casts with better power and control. However, at 20% more than the Hardy, I'd be buying the Hardy, if I were buying a new rod. Since I had the chance, I compared both to the H3 8F. The Hardy was much closer to my H3, meaning it had more feel, but wasn't quite as smooth. I found that for longer casts, say 70', the H4D had more power and control than the H3. What struck me as I looked at the rod compared to the other high-end rods in the shop was that the Orvis looked like a lower-cost production rod, so the $1, 200 price seemed high. Note: All three rods were cast with the same Cortland saltwater line.

[mkendle]

I cast a 486 F today with an airflo tactical trout taper. It was a pretty good match. A couple things that stood out to me was the blank recovery and stability. There was really no need to alter the casting cadence or power from a short cast to a long one as well. Also cast the 890 D with SA general salt water taper and noticed the same qualities. Seemed like good rods. That being said neither made me “giggle”. I’m a sage guy though so what do I know 🤷‍♂️.

[tomwiggins]

A rod this expensive should not only look like a brand new Porsche, it should handle like one too with zero compromises.

[airpaprika]

Reading the comments section has been such an interesting experience. Most fly anglers seem to be more interested in the looks rather than performance of their rods. As a marketing expert, I have to congratulate Orvis for such a bold and controversial move with that white color patch and their decision to stick with it in H4, despite the criticism. That sort of boldness is rarely seen this days, especially with big companies who tend to "play it safe", trying to please everyone. The fact that anglers TALK about that white patch THIS much is a testament that Orvis' strategy works. As somebody here has said, when you see it on the water from a far, you know that that particular angler has some serious money to spend on a rod. Same thing happened in photography when Canon started coloring their premium "L" series lenses in white. Brilliant.

They are a great product I’m sure and Orvis backs their products. But when I look at it. It’s got no soul. I donno. Just looks cheap, cold. I know it’s not. But honestly looks cheap. No malicious intent. If it’s anything like the 3D, then people should buy one line size down. You want this rod in a 5wt, get a 4wt and it will perform like a 5wt. My 3D Blue Label has allot of power for a 5wt. Wish back in the day I bought the 4wt.

[richardgill]

Thanks Ben. I'm looking forward to the 9 foot 8 weight review as I have a 908 Helios 2 Covert (We all know it isn't really an H2, don't we) and when I put it up against the H3D and H3F both myself and the local Orvis Staff preferred the Covert. So it'll be interesting to see how the Helios 4 908 compares. As for the price tag...? I think that going over the £1K price point is hard to swallow for a fly rod, especially when you look at the shorter models.

[bkrred]

Accuracy comes from mastering your skill not buying a $1200 fly rod

[chrism]

I'll start by saying I'm an orvis fan. I've owned 7 or 8 recons and helios rods over the years. The H2 was a huge leap in tech and performance. The H3 brought the ultra high tech and performance. I just don't know that the H4 is bringing that much more to the game. It may just be that we're at the pinnacle of performance and we need a new technology or material to come in and change the game. I think it's a hard sell to if you're already an H3 owner.

[intoflyfishing]

Another great review Ben. We're hoping to get these in this quarter as well. Nicely done. (I much prefer the other colors over the white... but it's Orvis branding and recog. I'm sure)

[scottcaldwell]

I am glad those who can afford such rods have a good time fishing with them. Also glad my friends and I have fun fishing with our $100 combo rigs bought online. Either way it beats going to work!

[shencatteau]

Glad I picked up the 3s for $600. No hook keeper on these either which is always a nice option to have in the more premium rods imo.

[twill]

Why would you bother reviewing the F with MPX? Nobody would ever use that line on that rod.

[ryantherock]

I don’t think much new tech went into this rod.I reckon it’s very close to the H3.If you want a classy, world class rod get the Scott Centric.There is little NOT to like about the Centric.

[gpoxqeo]

Great job enjoyed the information. Makes me think about casting one myself with the info from your show

[mikedunn]

I own a H2 5wt. I will never part with it, and might sleep with it if not being a bit kinky. Big fan of Orvis is so many ways. However, that white butt section is degrading to the appearance. I believe it is there for marketing purposes only. Looking across a river and seeing that white and you know it's a Helios.

[kansasscout]

Why would you even put an MPX on the F? Makes no sense, especially after saying it needed a true to line wt

[stevehendrick]

Ben, always a great review! I have a 3D 8wt and love it, could care less about the white. Looking to get a 7 wt and am looking for your opinion. Looking at this rod, a Marksman Z and a Winston air 2 salt. I can’t cast them all at the same time due to availability around me. Also, what are your thoughts on the 8’5” 4D. I will be using this in Florida but also throwing sink line streamer fishing in Michigan rivers. I will cast them, but do appreciate your opinion. Thx for your time.