Recon is a mid-level fly rod, offering faster and higher action than entry-level ones. On the other hand, Helios is an upper or advanced level fly rod for experienced anglers that delivers exceptionally accurate, fast, and high performance and has softer tips.
Recon and Helios are two of the best fly rods in their classes from the same manufacturer, Orvis. So, if you are to push on your fly fishing game but juggle for the best fly rod, this article will be your chaperone.
Here I’ll show you the difference between the two best fly rods.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specification | Recon Fly Rod | Helios Fly Rod |
| Product Type | Mid-Level Fly Rod | Advanced-Level Fly Rod |
| Special Feature | Silver Snake And Stripping Guide | REC Recoil Snake Guide |
| Material | Nylon-covered rod tube | Aluminum rod tube |
| Available Variants | 1 Available Variant | 2 Available Variants |
| Length | 6 Available Lengths | Available In 3 Lengths |
| Warranty | 25-Year Guarantee | 25-Year Guarantee |
| Price | Around $598 | Around $998 |
Key Differences Between Between Orvis Recon And Helios Fly Rods
- Fly Rod Type
Orvis Recon and Orvis Helios are both fly rods for fishing. Although they belong to the same manufacturer, they are of two different classes.
Orvis Recon is a mid-level fly rod. It’s significantly faster and better than entry-level rods but slower than advanced fly rods.
It’s suitable for anybody who doesn’t want to enter into the faster action yet and bear the cost of it.
On the contrary, Recon Helios is an advanced-level fly rod designed and handmade by expert anglers. It is one of the best fly rods in the market, with exceptional precision and performance. It can be an excellent choice if you are ready to get to the next level.
Also Read: Differences Between Edge Rods And G. Loomis Fishing Rod.
- Features
Orvis Recon fly rod has matte olive blanks, charcoal, and a spring green accent. It has a quick rod identifier on the blank with beautiful font and color. Plus, you’ll get a silver snake and stripping guide with this fly rod.
Orvis Helios is a matte midnight blank fly rod with black main wraps. It has a REC recoil snake guide. Besides, you will also get Sic/titanium stripping guides with this fly rod.
- Material
Recon fly rod is made from Nylon. It has a nylon-covered rod tube. Besides, you will get a pewter type III anodized aluminum reel seat.
So, you can understand this will be very sturdy and will help you achieve the desired result.
In contrast, Helios has an aluminum rod tube, and its reel seat is also type III anodized aluminum Midnight black with matte Midnight carbon inserted. The superior material is one of the reasons this fly rod is so precise.
- Available Variants
Recon fly rod has no other variants other than the basic.
However, Orvis has stopped producing this fly rod.
From now on, you will get Recon 2 fly rod. Hopefully, there will be some upgrades.
Conversely, the Helios fly rod has 2 variants that are slightly different from each other.
The variants are Helios 3D and Helios 3F. The 3F variant has softer flies than the 3D.
So, 3F will be best for softer deliveries, and 3D will be best for long distances.
- Length
6 lengths of the Recon fly rod are 7’6”, 8’4”, 8’6”, 9’, 9’6”, and 10’. But these lengths are divided into many weights. Recon has 8 different weights from 2 to 9.
On the other hand, Helios 3D and 3F have 3 different rod lengths. They are 8’5”, 9’5”, and 11’. They also have 3 weights- 3, 5, and 8.
- Warranty
Since Recon and Helios belong to the same company, you can imagine they have similar warranties. That’s right, as you can see from the table, both come with 25-year guarantees.
- Price
Some anglers claim that with a $598 price tag, Recon is somewhat more expensive than it should be.
On the contrary, advanced fly rods are pretty expensive. So, a $998 price tag for Helios is justified.
Which Fly Rod Will Be Best For You?
Fishing with fly rods requires skills and expertise. That’s why you need one that you feel comfortable with. If you are ready for mid-level action, you should go for Orvis Recon.
But if you are up for top-level action, Helios is right there for you. So, Helios is the superior one between the two. But choose one that matches your skillset. Here is a walkthrough for Helios.
Also Read: Differences Between NRX And Edge Rods Fishing Rod.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Recon is the mid-level fly rod from Orvis; and delivers pretty high action and is faster. But Orvis has discontinued producing this fly rod. But this is still available to purchase on its website. Most importantly, they are producing its successor with the name Recon 2.
Orvis Helios has two variants- 3D and 3F, where D stands for distance and F stands for Fines. 3F has softer flies and is better for soft deliveries of dry flies or dry rigs. On the other hand, 3D is stiffer and is better for long distances and large flies.
Orvis Recon is one of the best fly rods in the mid-level class. This freshwater fly rod is meticulously engineered for faster and better performance. Recon is an American-made fly rod made by some people who love fishing. It is manufactured in the Orvis manufacturing plant located in Manchester, Vermont.
Helios is also manufactured in the USA, like every other Orvis fly rod. This upper-level fly rod is wholly designed and handmade by experienced anglers who are addicted to fishing. That’s why you will get advanced accuracy and precision from this fly rod. However, this fishing tool is made in Orvis’ rod shop in Manchester, Vermont.
Final Thoughts
The main difference between Orvis Recon and Helios fly rods is their build quality and performance. They both are the best in their league. You can choose whichever you feel is right.
However, picking up a fly rod is never easy. Reading reviews and watching videos help immensely. But make sure you take some rods in your hand and observe them closely before making any final decision.
