The new Helios 2 Switch Rods will handle everything from steelhead and musky to striped bass and king salmon.
In the year since its unveiling, the Helios 2 fly rod has made a pretty big splash in fly fishing, garnering rave reviews from around the world. For those fly fishers who chase big game, we’ve made five new additions to the Helios 2 family.
Built entirely in the Orvis rod shop in Manchester, Vermont using the same finely tuned tapers as their single-handed predecessors, the two-handed Helios 2 switch rod models feature a 20% reduction in swing weight, a 20% increase in lifting power, and a versatile solution for the angler who wants to use both overhead and two-handed casts. The rods will be available in five 11-foot models, from 5-weights through 9-weights.
“When we were designing the Helios 2 switch rods, we wanted to reduce their swing weight (from the original Helios) without sacrificing any power or accuracy,” explains Orvis product developer Shawn Combs. “The H2’s steep tapers allowed us to keep more mass in the butt section for fish fighting and longer casts, but the rods are still light enough to overhand cast like a 10-footer.”
To celebrate, we’ve decided to give one of these bad boys away. Enter the contest by using the cool widget below, which offers you a couple ways to earn additional entries and increase your chances of winning. The winner will be announced on Monday, November 4.
Best rod ever used, great!!!!
I can always dream about owning one, r. just keep looking at the pictures…
I’d love to try one out! Looks good from all the reviews!
Great contest!
i would love this rod… since my 8wt helios snapped this sun on the salmon river… whitakers nor orivs wanted to do anything to help get me back on the water.
sorry your rod broke, I know the feeling. But honestly I find it hard to believe that Orvis wasn’t willing to replace your Helios nor help you in anyway to get you back in the game. I’ve been an Orvis customer for 15 years I’ve broken a few rods and have had problems with boots,waders etc. but not once have I ever had a problem with Orvis replacing any of these items. My daughter accidentally snapped the tip off one of my rods while she was float tubing on a high mountain lake 300 miles from home. I called Orvis about it explained what had happened and I’m one rod short now. Orvis was kind enough to send me a brand new rod with in 3 days before even receiving my broken one. My wife drove it to our camp so we could continue our fishing trip.
This is just one of many stories I have pertaining to Orvis’s excellent customer service. I find it hard to believe that Orvis or anyone that deals with Orvis wasn’t willing to try their best to acomadate your needs.
Would love you have this rod! Looks like a blast
I would live to have one of these.
Only one? Here’s to hoping!
Great deal!
Would love to win this rod as would love to own a truly wonderful rod from the best brand in the world
A new Orvis switch would be nice!
own a Access Switch 8wt and Mirage V
But love to win Helios 2 Switch Rods for musky & kings but i Can’t afford it .
cheers 🙂
After 62 years of fly fishing why not try something new!
Tryed some orvis rods and Love the orvis rods …but don’t have the $ to by one :-/ 🙂
please let me have one
Dream Rod 🙂
I love the Helios switch rod! Can’t believe it’s been improved.
I started fly fishing 20 years ago on a fiberglass rod and just moved up to graphite /composite rods in the last 5 years. Ready for a Orvis !!!
hey Keith… bitter much? lol
I could use this rod
Would love to feel one of those bad boys bend over on a big steelhead!
Best rod in the market
Will go nicely with my Clearwater 5wt, Helios 2 8wt and Access 10wt. Love Orvis Rods!!!
Would love to add this rod to my Orvis collection.
Snap Em And Slap Em
Helios
Could always use a switch rod to go with my 13′ spey rod.
Make my recent bad luck good
When are these prize draws coming to the UK? Would love to enter!
This would be a great addition to my fly gear. I’m sure it is amazing to cast.
Love Orvis rods. Never used a switch rod yet.
sure would have fun using it
I’m a big fan!
Looks great.
J. Lampros is now a model.
Got a 7 weight Orvis switch line I need a rod for lol
What a great way to get into spey casting, giving away an switch rod,,,,,,,,,,,
Definately built for power.
Would like to win this rod to give it a workout on some Great Lake Tribe fish.
Need this!
Would like to have one.
I want to try a switch rod. What could be better than a Helios 2?
This would be a great rod here on the American river!
I’ve got a Fly Logic 8wt 14′ steelhead rod that I like….however, I’m always interested in a new rod and the Helio rod sounds and looks interesting.
I’ve tried the Helios 2 in Ireland and its a great rod the perfect balance between power an precision
Looks like a great rod to have.
I have the helios 1which i think is great but i would love the helios 11
I just got into using a switch rod. I would love to fish the Helois 2.
Yes please!
I got to use a Helios rod this summer while fishing with Orvis endorsed guide Captn Warren Marshall on Cape Cod. It was my first guided trip and first time out for stripers and bluefish. I was very impressed with the helios strength and casting feel. I hope the switch rod is of the same fighting power and castability. Thanks much for the opportunity!
Mark Barry
I would love to chase Steelhead with one of these.
I want to start fishing with a switch rod. Soon!! Might as well be a Helios!!! I’m sure it’s a beautiful rod.
What a great 1st switch rod this would be
How often can you enter the contest?
I would be happy to test a Helios rod out in Southern Europe in my post-Peace Corps travels! 🙂
Recently visited an Orvis store and was able to pick one up. Wonderful!
Not able to buy one, but got to hold one!
This rod would be great to really kick my fishing passion
I want this ROD!
Be nice to have.
maybe an early Christmas
This isn’t just a rod, it’s THE rod!
Would like to try one.
I want it so bad!
I would love to win this rod so that I could teach my son the enjoyable difference of fishing with quality gear.
What an awesome rod .. Hope I win:)
Fingers and toes crossed. 🙂
Love having a Orvis Store in Grand Rapids. They take care of my Fly Tying needs!!
Would love to win!
This would make my first steelhead season extra special for sure! Thanks Orvis!
It’s great to now have an Orvis store in Biltmore Park between Hendersonville and Asheville, NC.
Another great rod I would love to fish
Was a winner announced? Did I miss it?
Hi Pat,
We will be announcing the winner tomorrow.
Thanks
Orvis has always impressed me. Would love a new helios switch to add to my Orvis collection. 🙂