The Orvis Hydros is Orvis’ latest addition to their rod range. It is meant to be the same blank but with cheaper components; the guides and the reelseat. The rod of each range that was tested was the 9′ #5 tip flex. The rods were tested with a varietyof lines namely, Snowbee XS, Rio Gold and SA Mastery Distance. There is a difference, a big difference.

The review is based on the opinion of three seperate casters casting both rods on water and then in the field against a tape. On water both rods are very good, in fact dammed difficult to tell anything between them in a simple pick up and lay down cast. The location restricted possible casts with the water. There’s only so much I can say here as it’s impossible to put into words what the “feel” is etc. Both rods have quite a fast recovery and are marketed as tip flex but in truth you can bend them if you so desire. In terms of roll/spey casting both rods perform well, with the group concensus being the Helios had a very slight edge but again it depends on your preference of feeling. The main difference between these two rods became apparent when we went into the field…

The reason for heading to the field intially was for a shootout but it developed into a test of more depth than out and out distance. First step was to cast as long as line as possible. Then we brought a target increasingly closer from 90′ down about 20′ at a time. Immediately the difference was apparent, the Hydros is a wee bit stiffer and miles more stable at longer range. And by miles I really do mean miles. It’s an unbelievable difference for what is supposedly the same blank! As the targets got closer the Hydros still out performed the Helios until around 45′-50′ when the Helios was that wee bit sweeter at closer range. The other two testers favoured the Helios at close range but I think I slightly preferred the Hydros at all distances. I prefer the slightly firmer feel but that’s a totally subjective point. At distance the Helios feels too unstable and all three casters cast considerably further with the Hydros.

In conclusion if you consider there is a £200 price difference between these rods and in reality the cheaper one is the best performer across the full distance spectrum then why would you buy the Helios? The only answer I can think of, is you like to be seen with a bit of gold bling! Incidentally I bought the Hydros for £300 less than the Helios. I only gave the rod a 7/10 for value for money as it is 10/10 VFM in regard to the helios but it is still £400 if you buy here.

Cosmetically, not that it matters a hoot - the rod has a very nice deep blue finish to the blank. The cork on my rod is very good and that's about that for cosmetics.

Make of this review what you will, ideally try out both rods and choose the one you prefer. Also bear in mind this is only applicable to the 9′ #5 tip flex, the other models in each range may and most likely are a lot different.

Original review posted here: The Fly Casting Blog
(Also got Simon Gawesworth's book review, hope to review more items in the future)