What fly rod is better for me, the Orvis Helios or Zero Gravity?

Question

I need a rod that is light enough so i can fish around 6 hours without getting tired, but has backbone enough that it can cast far into the wind.

Answer 1

definitly the zero gravity if your looking for all of that.

Answer 2

The Helios is lighter than the zero gravity, especially in the higher line ratings, i own both rods but prefer the newer helios, however one last bit of advice match your helios rod with a light reel, such as a Lamson waterworks or an abel reel, also the orvis battenkill is an excellent reel with lots of backing capacity, if you intend to use a large arbor reel then there is a good chance you are giving your self extra weight. Gel spun backing is light and lots more can be used on a spool than standard dacron backing, if you still have trouble feeling tired after using it you should look at your casting technique as even with a  heavy outfit you should not feel tired after 6 hours, it could be you're casting stroke, other rods to look at are the sage z-axsis, also a tip action rod means a shorter casting stroke so less strain on your arms etc a WF line should also help.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product_choic...

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templa...

You should also find that the helios does have a little more power in the actual blank than the zero gravity. Info on fly casting, dont let the name stop you it is fly fishing.

http://www.sexyloops.com/flycasting/cont...

Answer 3

When the ZG came out it was praised by all. The very next year Orvis brings out the Helios. Hmmmmmmmmmm........Next year (2009) the ZG will NOT be made. In fact you can get a ZG for ALOT cheaper than a Helios.

When I first picked up a ZG I was amazed. Now when you pick up a Helios and compare it to a ZG it is like jumping into hyperspace.

Although the Helios is lighter  in weight (but not by much) it

"feels" 10 times lighter and tracks more true (read: less false casting)

Since you will be making less casts during the day due to a reduction in false casting and the amazingly light feel, you would be able to fish for longer periods of time with less fatigue.

I own the 8'4" 3wt and it feels like I am merely holding a piece of cork in my hand, yet it has enough backbone to toss a size 10 wooly booger. Imagine what a 9' 5wt can do.

If you are a good caster and can afford it (since they are not cheap)

I would pony up the extra $$ and go with the Helios, you will not be disappointed.

As Airflow pointed out you need to balance the rod with a light weight high quality reel. The Orvis Battenkill LA is made to match the Helios and is very reasonable in price. The Ross Evolution, Sage 3000 series,

and the Lamson Litespeed Hard Alox are great reels also.

Answer 4

I have cast both of these, and I like em both, maybe the helios a little better.

Technique has a lot to do with it- once you learn to adjust the casting stroke to get the most out of a rod, you can cut down on the fatigue factor. Either of these rods is good, If I had the money and was in the market, I would probably go for the Helios

Answer 5

zero gravity