ZG Helios Fly Rod

The world's lightest fly rod has changed how a fly rod feels, casts, and fishes. The Orvis Company set out on an adventure to make the world's lightest fly fishing rod. Along the way, they also made the world's best- Orvis ZG Helios Fly Rods. Built by Master Craftsmen(women) in Manchester, Vermont.

Construction
Helios rods are lighter and feel different from any other rod because their materials and construction methods are different. For the first time, the scrim used to augment hoop strength in a fly rod is made from a unidirectional carbon fiber and held together with a thermoplastic resin. Why is this different and why should it matter to the fly fisher? Historically, even 100% graphite rods were almost 50% fiberglass. Rod manufacturers were using 100% graphite for the power fibers of the rod, but an equal amount of cross-weave fiberglass scrim was rolled into the blank. (Scrim is necessary for hoop strength, or keeping the hollow rod tube from collapsing under stress as the rod bends.) Was ignoring this fiberglass misleading? No more than ignoring the epoxy and paint on the outside of a rod, or the resin that held the graphite together. A 100% graphite rod would merely be like a hank of loose hair in your hand.
Orvis' first modern breakthrough in graphite rods was the T-3 rod. Heavier, more brittle epoxy resins used to hold the graphite fibers were replaced with lighter, more durable thermoplastic resins, which encased the fibers instead of just sticking to them like epoxy. Next were the Zero Gravity rods, where the cross-weave fiberglass/epoxy scrim was replaced by a unidirectional graphite/epoxy scrim. This made rods lighter and more durable. Finally, the Helios, which replaces the graphite/epoxy scrim with unidirectional graphite/thermoplastic scrim.

Orvis fly rods, over 150 years of rod making tradition combined with the most innovative technology available. Purchase a fly rod and fly reel package and receive the corresponding fly line and backing at NO CHARGE. Offer not valid with any sales or special promotions.

Orvis Unconditional 25-year Guarantee: No company stands behind their product as proudly as Orvis. When there is a concern or problem with the product, the Orvis no-questions-asked policy ensures the customer is made happy.