Orvis Helios 3D Blackout 8wt Fly Rod Review

Trident Fly Fishing is a full-service fly shop. We spend a lot of time testing gear and writing reviews to give you all of the tools to make your next trip a success. We are not a blog or a review site. 100% of our funding comes from your gear purchases, so if this blog post helps you on your next fly fishing adventure, please support us by buying your gear from us.

Over the past few years, the top rod manufacturers in fly fishing have released new high-end rods, but Orvis has stayed surprisingly quiet. They are opting to ride out the H3 series, which has proven to be critically and commercially successful. Orvis has added three models to the Helios 3 lineup, giving them a “Blackout” makeover and redesigned for purpose-driven applications using existing Helios technology. Considering we are well underway with striper season here in Maine, we thought it would be appropriate to review the 8ft 5in 8wt model, which seems tailor-made for our fishery. However, it faces stiff competition, so If you want to see how the new Blackout H3D 8wt stacks up against the G. Loomis NRX+ Swim Fly 8wt and 8’4” 8wt Scott Sector, read on.

Outfit

Orvis Helios 3D Blackout 8'5" 8wt Fly Rod

Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan Fly Line

Fit & Finish

We are happy to report that the white branding featured prominently on the original H3 series is gone, replaced with silver Orvis lettering in a flashy design above the cork. If you like the look and feel of the original H3, the Blackout version is even better. Typical of Orvis, the build quality and componentry are top quality and, in some ways, surpass the original H3. For instance, Orvis opts for the lighter-weight Fuji Cerecoil guides, amongst other componentry upgrades.

Distance

The H3D Blackout is an absolute missile launcher and even more powerful than the original H3D 8wt. If you have experience with the latter, you know that is high praise

Accuracy

We weren’t looking to drop the fly in a teacup for our on-the-water test, as our striper fishery in the Portland area doesn’t generally call for this. However, based on the H3D Blackout’s performance in the boat, we would not hesitate to bring the rod on a permit or bonefishing trip. Or any fishing application where accuracy is paramount for success, for that matter.

Flex & Feel

After casting the rod for the first time, we immediately noticed how light the H3D Blackout was. The rod has an even lighter swing weight than some five-weights out there! The shorter length helps reduce the swing weight, helping to reduce arm fatigue for anglers who blind cast all day. It has plenty of power to throw a Scientific Anglers Titan Taper for stripers. Still, it possesses enough feel to adequately cast tropical lines such as the Grand Slam for flats fishing. However, you will probably reach for the H3F 8wt if you plan on tossing a lightweight bonefish line with small Gotcha flies in skinny water.

Warranty

25 Years

Conclusion

Lightweight and powerful, the H3D Blackout 8wt gets high scores across the board. This is lofty praise for a rod billed as a specialist. In comparison, it may not have quite the power of its contemporaries, such as the Swim Fly, but the rod’s chameleon-like ability to handle different lines and fishing situations more than makes up for it. There aren’t too many 8wts out there that can cover our needs for fishing our home waters while still being a viable option to take down to Florida or the Bahamas. If you are looking for one 8wt to take pike, bass, striper, redfish, or permit fishing with, the H3D Blackout should be near the top of your list.

Pros

• Ridiculously, insanely low swing weight
• All-around performance
• High-end componentry

Cons

• It lacks the Swim Fly’s power