Orvis ZG Helios

[paulj]

I went over to the Orvis Days event in Boston and did a little casting with a 10 wt. ZG Helios rod. I'm no seasoned fly guy, so take this with a big grain of salt, but it struck me as an excellent rod. I was casting with less effort, but better accuracy and distance than I've done before. I wish I'd had my LLBean Orion 9 wt with me to compare it to. Well, maybe not - it's bloody expensive - $775!

I've not tried out the other big names yet (Sage, Loomis, TFO, etc.). Anyone have experience with comparing the Helios with these other big names? Any hidden inexpensive gems I need to try?

Thanks
-Paul

[GULFSTREAM]

Try the TFO ticr and x models. CANNONS! Loomis cross current non glx is a sweet rod 2. Especially the 9ft 9in 9 and 10wts...

[NMB]

ditto on the loomis cross current 9'9" 9 wt. it, my striper flats rod. i also like the loomis crosscurrent 8' 9wt. i use it as my boat rod for stripers and for peacock bass. both are great casting rods.

[Kuskus68]

Sage Xps one of their best rods pick them up on Ebay got a 9ft 8 and a 9ft 3wt
my favorite rods.
And I have a Orion too which is a Loomis,I also have a 10ft 6 wt Glx which is a favorite also.