2 7/8 oz. 9', 4-piece, Tip-Flex 9.5 fly rod for 8-wt. line.We set out on an adventure to make the world's lightest fly fishing rod. Along the way, we also made the world's best.The new patent pending Helios saltwater fly rod is so far ahead of all others it skips generations in how a fly rod should feel, cast, and fish. It is so sublimely light, incredibly responsive, deadly accurate, and just plain easy and enjoyable to cast that to compare it to other graphite saltwater fly rods is like comparing graphite to bamboo. There is no comparison. The Helios fly rod is that good. And everyone is noticing. Our best-selling saltwater flex profile for bones, reds, stripers, and larger freshwater species. Ice cleans out of Recoil guides quickly and easily. A real plus when steelheading or trout fishing in cold conditions.
Average Customer Rating:
5 out of 5
Rating Snapshot
(21 reviews)
5 stars
21
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
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21 of 21 (100%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Review 1 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
50 pound Tarpon on 8 wt. Helio,
February 15, 2010
By:
Gliderfrom NYC, New York
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Belize Tarpon on an 8 wt.
"Purchased the 908-4 Helios a couple years ago primarily for bone fishing on my semi-annual trip to Belize. On my last trip to Belize fishing for bones, a pod of tarpon where working the edge of a channel, just off the flats. I never purchased the 8 wt. Helios for anything other than smaller fish,but said what the heck and quickly tied on a 2/0 Malzone Tarpon Fly. One cast, and Tarpon on. I'm still amazed to this day that the combination of my Helios and Battenkill Reel handled the hour fight of this Tarpon. WHAT A ROD!"
Review 2 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Beats them all,
January 10, 2010
By:
Salmonaddict
"I have fished small and large salmon rivers in New Brunswick, Canada with Sage, G Loomis, St Croix, and other Orvis rods. Last summer, I fished one day with my Sage rpl rod and the next day pulled out the Helios 8 wt 9.5 loaded with a 9 wf line. The difference was amazing. It felt like I was casting with a 6 wt rod but the power and feel of the rod were superb. I was able to cast another 20 yards with far less effort. My arm was a bit sore after casting almost continuously in heavy wind for about 8 hours the day before. Using the Helios under the same conditions was effortless. I felt I could lighten up on the effort with the same casting distance. The balance and feeling of much lighter weight made casting all day a breeze. I picked up my sage 4 piece 8 wt again for comparison and felt like I was casting with a baseball bat. I handed it to my fishing companion who uses the same sage gear as me and he was really impressed with the difference. The helios will now be my primary rod for both big and small water."
Review 3 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Best of the best,
September 13, 2009
By:
Kevin2from Michigan
"I bought this rig because I needed another 8 weight for fishing salmon and bones for my kid. Being only 11, I just didn't think he could cast a 8 weight for any amount of time OR even cast it. So, anyways, I bought him a 6 weight Clearwater rig THINKING that this might give him the best chance on the flats. OK, cool. BUT then I was reading about some fancy new pole on another forum & was amazed at the comments I was reading all over the internet. So, off to the Orvis store I went to test this Helios out for myself. Wasn't hard to return the 6 wt I bought just a few days earlier TOO drop some more coin on what I think is the finest rod I've ever used.
The salesmen asked me "who is this pole really for?" and I had to be honest, "my 11 year old, WHEN it's his turn to cast on the boat. If we are on the flats, it is going to be hard to give it up to him!"
Took the helios the next day, fished 4 days with it over the holiday weekend. My kid loved it. And, it casts like a canon IF you need the quick distance. Really was great for short delicate casts as well.
If you've got the scratch in your pocket, then buy it, if you don't, charge it!
Kevin"
Review 4 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Endorsed by experienced guide,
September 8, 2009
By:
Wildweed
"My best friend booked a trip for us to Florida's Ponce Inlet as he had just moved there and wanted to discover salt water fly fishing. Knowing this was coming I purchased a Helios salt water 8 wt. and Gen 3 line.
While we are reasonably good freshwater folks, this was our first real saltwater excursion. Obviously I would know little about how the rod would perform vis a vis others. I learned our guide was significantly more experienced.
First , a little background: A. the guide did not know the rod, let alone the model. B. he represents another well known manufacturer. C. he has been guiding Florida for 13 years and before that the NY area for 17 years.
I asked him to demonstrate a couple of things to help my cast. He picked up the rod, cast it once, and asked what kind of rod this was.
He kept casting. All the while he was telling me this was the best loading and most forgiving rod (apparently I needed it) he had used, and it would make a good caster great and a great caster a legend.
Lastly, he did not comment on my best friend's 8wt rod (& he was the main customer) which was made by another well known manufacturer.
That is it. You decide.
PS - He also noted the line and said - "this is a good line, with this rod and line you have everything you need."
Also, my friend is now purchasing Helios."
Review 5 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
One Time Addiction,
March 19, 2009
By:
FlyFishingAddictfrom Essex Jct., VT
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Stalking a pod of tarpon
"Recently, I had the opportunity to do some saltwater flats fishing in Florida's beautiful Biscayne National Park. I was a little nervous as this was my fist guided trip AND the first saltwater fly-fishing I'd ever done. My guide set me up with an 9', 9.5 Tip-Flex Helios rod for 8-wt. line with a Battenkill Large Arbor reel. I had never used or, for that matter, even seen a Helios rod in person. When I first held the rod, I was surprised at how light the entire outfit was. Thanks to the thermoplastic, thermoset resin construction, it felt lighter and, yet, more responsive than the 8'6", Mid-Flex, 5-wt. rod that I normally use for trout fishing back home. On my first cast, the Helios loaded gracefully, but with enough backbone for the accuracy and distance I needed. Whether it was making short casts to little snappers and jacks, shooting 80' of line to reach spooky bonefish, or fighting a 60lb. tarpon, the Helios had the strength, delicacy, and accuracy I needed to do it all. It was an experience I'll not soon forget."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 6 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Helios Contest,
March 19, 2009
By:
HeliosSlingerfrom Atlanta
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Helios on the Hooch
"I was given my Helios as a wedding gift, and I have fished it from Hawaii, for bonefish, to South Carolina, for Reds. I cannot say enough good things about it. I can cast it all day long, with out getting tired and feeling no negative effects the next day. The 8wt feels like my Orvis 4wt and the feel of the rod is unbelievable. This rod is so sensative I feel like I could nymph a small stream, but there is enough backbone to fight the hard fighting fish I hunt, snook, bones, reds, stripers. I love to pick up my carbon fiber case and put it in the SUV, because I know regardless of the fish biting or not I am going to have a great day on the water because I have the greatest fly rod in the World, in my hand!"
Review 7 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Six for Six With My Helios,
March 2, 2009
By:
flyfishermonfrom San Mateo, CA
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"When the guide saw me prepping my new 8 wt. Helios for our day of Steelheading on the Trinity River in No. CA this January he did his best to discourage me. Apparently his prior client used a competitive 8 wt the day before and went 0 for 3 with three break offs. He was of the definite opinion that 8 wts were typically too stiff and had lacked flex and sensitivity. In addition we were using fine tippets with size 14 and 16 Pheasant Tails and Copper John's so we needed a light touch.
Despite his push back I loaded up my Helios with the 8wt. Wonderline and set out. I went 6 for 6 with my 9' 8wt. and NOT ONE breakoff. Several of the fish took me down to backing but the rod handled it well - I found the key is letting the rod do the work. I was able to apply steady pressure by simply keeping the rod tip up.
At the end of the trip the guide admitted he had never seen a rod handle so well and the Tip Flex was perfect. He was a Helios believer and so was I.
I landed this 36"+ 15lb buck to bring the perfect end to the perfect day (photo enclosed).
I can't wait to take it out for Striped Bass in September in the Delta. Thanks ORVIS, awesome technology!"
Review 8 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
120 bonefish in 6 days,
March 2, 2009
By:
jdmacfrom Modesto, California
"Being relatively new to fly fishing with no experience in saltwater, I ventured down to Turneffe Flats in Belize to try my hand at bone fishing. In my bag was a brand new Helios 8 wt. saltwater rod with an Orvis large arbor reel.
With some expert coaching from a knowledgeable guide I was able to catch 120 bonefish in my six days of fishing. The rod was an absolute pleasure to use and my normally desk bound arm never got sore or tired, even on the day that I land 43 bones. The wind effect was minimized by the great casting attributes of the Helios rod.
I am sure that the Helios rod had a lot more to do with my success than my novice level fishing skills. Thanks Orvis and Helios for making this one of my most memorable vacations ever."
Review 9 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Steelheading with My Helios,
March 1, 2009
By:
FlyFish4Funfrom San Mateo, CA
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My First Steelhead on the ZG Helios
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My Helios Made it Look Easy
"When the guide saw me prepping my new 8 wt. Helios for our day of Steelheading on the Trinity River in No. CA this January he did his best to discourage me. Apparently his prior client used a competitive 8 wt the day before and went 0 for 3 with three break offs. He was of the definite opinion that 8 wts were typically too stiff and had lacked flex and sensitivity.
Despite his push back I loaded up my Helios with the 8wt. Wonderline and set out. I went 6 for 6 with my 9' 8wt. and NOT ONE breakoff. At the end of the trip the guide admitted he had never seen a rod handle so well and the Tip Flex was perfect. I landed this 36"+ 15lb buck to bring an end to the perfect day (photo enclosed). I can't wait to take it out for Striped Bass in September. Thanks ORVIS, awesome technology!"
Review 10 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Why I love my Helios,
February 27, 2009
By:
FlyFishingFrogfrom Dublin, Ohio
"Bass and Tarpon and the wind and Helios, oh my! Who would have thought that a rod so light, and I might add-sexy, could tame big flies and the wind? My 8 weight Helios made a believer out of me. It was with some trepidation that I finally decided to find out what the salt water fly fishing hype was all about. My reservation was that at 61 years old I am no longer a spring chicken. The thought of standing on a deck in salt water with the heat and humidity while casting a heavy broom stick was not appealing to me. Nevertheless, I agreed to take a trip with my friend from South Dakota to fly fish for juvenile tarpon in Campeche Bay on the Yucatan peninsula.
While gearing up for the trip, the owner of our local fly shop, Mad River Outfitters, in Columbus, Ohio stuck the 8 weight Helios in my hand. He assured me in spite of its light weight and, to me, a classic trout rod feel, that it would handle the wind, large flies and “baby” tarpon without wearing me down. Off to the Yucatan I went with a couple of heavy rods and my new Helios 908-4 tip flex. What a blast. We boated about 25 juvenile tarpon in the 20-35 pound range during our five days on the water. I never bothered rigging up any rod but the Helios. I could cast it all day disregarding the wind and never got tired of casting or playing tarpon with it.
Two months later my Helios again conquered the wind and big flies while bass fishing at the Wilds in central Ohio. I have found my new favorite rod; Helios."
Review 11 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Top 500 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Bonefish in Paradise,
February 18, 2009
By:
SteveRfrom cordova, tn
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burned fingers
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bonefish in paradise
"With temperatures falling below 20 degrees at home it seemed only natural to call Jason Elkins at Orvis Travel and explore an adventure of a lifetime for my Pastor and me. This served as my Pastor's first flyfishing experience so all available options were considered. We quickly landed upon Belize as the destination of choice since Orvis was offering a specialized flyfishing school at Turneffe Flats. We boarded an airline for this pristine location equipped by Orvis with brand new Helios 8 weight rods, large arbor reels and dreams of bonefish streaking thru the crystal clear waters and world famous coral reef off the coast of Belize. Expert instruction prepared us for the challenges and rewards of stalking the wary bonefish in the shallow flats. The first sight of tails caused my heart to leap so my guide helped me focus on the target and cast in front of the pod of 30 magnificent bonefish that were feeding before us.Dion whispered "cast 50 feet and adjust for the wind"! I dropped my crab-like fly in the water and raised my Helios for the first time, placed the fly before the nervous waters and slowly stripped the fly away and then the line began to scream thru my fingers. In the twinkling of an eye my first bone had already sprinted the length of a football field. It was the first time I had seen the color of the backing on a large arbor reel and lifting the great fish from the water was the start of a new love affair. My Helios rod definitely made a difference and handled many more bonefish to hand as well as countless others that decided to use the sharp coral to their advantage. I am now the proud owner of three Helios rods with an eight and nine weight for bonefish and permit and the perfect six weight for the mighty brown trout of Arkansas. My six weight Helios enabled me to land many browns this Fall with a 30 inch topping the list of quality fish."
Review 12 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
First Helios bonefish,
February 17, 2009
By:
NeoDoc
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"I begged my wife to get me a Helios flyrod-reel package when it first came out for Christmas in 2007. When we got to Loreto the following spring - I found out that I had left the rod at home! Using a borrowed 8-weight non-Helios from the local flyshop left me wondering how I would have done with my forgotten rod. This January, with my Helios in tow, I went bonefishing for the first time. Despite stormy weather, I landed my first bonefish - a 3-4 pounder that took my line to mid-backing. Before a thunderstorm made the guide and me pack it in - I caught another fine 4-pound bone. The rod and reel performed flawlessly. I recommend the Helios highly - nice flex, effortless casting and tough enough to land those hard-to-catch ghosts!"
Review 13 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
helios,
February 11, 2009
By:
steeleheadfrom i fish alot i live is so calif
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"I own 6 helios rods a 6' 2wt, 7' 4wt,7'6' 3wt, 8'4' 3wt 9' 4wt & 10' 5wt they all have a purpose for me . the 6' 2wt is just right for the small creek the brookies,the 7' 4wt & the 7,6 3wt i use together the 7' for the sinking bugs & 7'6 for dry's on bigger creeks or small rivers, the 8'4 & 9' i use the same way,also i use them by them self depending the size of the river. the 10'5wt is really nice in a tube"
Review 14 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
amazing,
February 7, 2009
By:
steegen
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opening day of bass season
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some fish from opening morning
"This rod has it all! Its smooth to the touch, its an animal when fighting fish. I own many fly rods and this one out performs them all. It has no problem turning big fly’s. I mostly target steelhead and bass when I fish but occasionally catch walleye and salmon. The rod has no problem turning any of these fish. I fish mostly rivers and in the wide open lake. It cuts through the wind like a knife. Its balance is unreal. Due to baseball i have shoulder problems. This rod is so light and balanced it doesn’t affect it. Overall this rod out performs any other rod, and has many more advanages then most and i recommend this to anyone"
Review 15 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Top 500 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
February 6, 2009
By:
browntrout22
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First catch
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The best guide ever! Wish I spoke spanish.
This customer did not provide a text review.
Review 16 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Top 25 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
SWEET ROD!,
October 10, 2008
By:
SWANKfrom Hammond, LA
"Unbelievably light, unbelievably strong and accurate. DON'T BUY THIS ROD! Once you fish with the Helios you will become addicted and will have to buy all new rods. The feel, the stiffness, the castability, AMAZING!!! I love it, unfortunately! Anyone interested in a slightly used 5 wt rod? I need a new 5wt Helios.... SOON!"
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 17 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Number One Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Fun to own, funner to use,
September 10, 2008
By:
Muskratfrom Oakville, ON
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Lovely Dolly Varden
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A nice little salmon
"I am flabbergasted at the feel, performance and quality of this rod! I have used many different 8-wts over the years, and this rod tops them all. It is SO light, SO easy to cast and gets SO much distance, accurately, that it is in a class of its own. I agree with the other reviewers: you can cast this all day without getting tired. I've caught everything from 12" Cutthroats to Dolly Varden and Bulls, up to 20lb Chinooks and it performs like a champ. Can't wait for Steelhead season! Get one soon."
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Review 18 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
8 weight,
July 6, 2008
By:
Wayne
"Just returned from several days of Atlantic Salmon fishing on the Gaspe. Salmon are refered to as the fish of a thousand casts. My new Helios performed perfectly, not only casting but playing and landing salmon. Usually other rods would tire your arm, and shoulder out by the end of a week, not the helios, I could have fished for another week, and not be bothered by fatigue."
Review 19 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Top 250 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
I can't believe it is this good!,
March 20, 2008
By:
LoneStaronaFly
"I recently purchased a new Helios 5-weight . I cannot begin to explain how much better my casting is with this new rod. My first outing with it was an all day trip and I had plenty energy at the end of the day. My only problem fishing with it was that my fishing buddies and the guide kept wanting to use it. By the way, all of you Orvis retailers and guides pay attention: the Helios 5 weight is plenty powerful enough to land bass. No problems for bass up to 6 lbs on this trip. To top it off, it is great looking with the gold colored BLA III reel. What a great rod!"
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review 20 for ZG Helios™ 908-4 Fly Rod
Top 500 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Super Sick Rod,
February 19, 2008
By:
Mossycreekfrom Harrisonburg, VA
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10lb bone on the ZG Helios 908-4 Tip!
"Insane! This is the lightest 8 weight imaginable. We took this rod to the East End of Grand Bahama in January 2008. By far the best rod for bonefish we have ever used. It is as light as most 5wt. rods making casting a pleasure ALL DAY! This is a true casting machine. Matched with the Gen 3 bonefish line, it will punch casts through a stiff wind with ease. Very responsive and forgiving. No one should head to the salt without one!"
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