I am off to test a couple of rods out before I buy (Orvis Helios / Orvis Hydros in 10ft 7wt). These rods are extremely light, and I am wondering which reel to take along to test them - my normal Hardy Demon 7000 (7.48 oz) or an old Danica composite (3.8 oz). I just wondered whether it would make much difference to the balance of the rods. Thanks.

If anyone owns a Helios could you tell me what weight of reel feels right on your rod?

I have both 10 ft and 9ft 7 weight Helios rods and I love them.

The answer is "as light as you can get", which is why I never bought a Demon when all my mates did. For my sort of fishing, I need lots of spools so a cassette style is what I went for and the Snowbee Geo Cassette has been very good and is lighter than the Demon.

If you do not need lots of lines, then one of SKB's anodised jobs in green and gold would match it very nicely and save you a ton of money.

Charlie

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The Helios is one of the lightests rods in the world and it would make sense to me to use a lighter than normal reel. Orvis make the Battenkill reel which has now been make even lighter by 20%. They photograph their Helios trout rods with Battenkill reels attached.This must say something?

BK

Don't think the answers as simple as that as some people are happier with a slightly heavier reel to balance there tackle,down to personal preference again

Neil

Lamson make the lightest fly reels on the market check em out.

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My mate uses the Orvis LA III on his helios and it feel`s fine.Incidentally he bought a hydros after the helios(couldn`t afford another helios).He soon got rid of the hydros,it is a totally different rod to the helios,especially with a fish on.I would say if you can afford it then you would be better off with the helios.

Got a helios 10 feet 7 wt and all my reels are william youngs ( not especially light ) but they balance the rod just right on the index finger.
It seems like I'm just holding the reel.

Take both reels and try them both , whats to loose.

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Dont own a Helios but do own a 7 weight z axis and I find a demon 5000 balances this perfectly, holding the rod on the handle where I would cast it will sit weightless and horizontal in my hand. I have never found the need for a 7000 demon with modern 7 weight, too heavy, maybe try a 5000 as they hold plenty enough backing for Trout fishing and 7 weight lines.

what does balancing a rod on a finger achieve? given that when your using it you got a line of variable length and weight hanging off the end

rods were once tip heavy beasts and this was necessary, still is with 18' ones i believe, they dont make em like that anymore.

Thanks for the responses- as all my lines are loaded on demon spools, and that is the reel I intend to use with the rod, I guess I will take that and see how it goes. The Helios appeals due to some excellent reviews and the bullet proof 25 year warranty. Hope it feels as good as my Loomis GLX Native Run. I will then need to decide which is my "go to" rod. I would buy another Loomis, but the warranty is a bit flaky and I have had problems in the past.