Orvis just announced the newest addition to its fly rod lineup, the redesigned Recon series. Since the release of the first Recon back in 2015, this rod has developed a huge following as a mid-priced, performance-driven fly rod. Now on its third iteration, Orvis is poised to continue this trend with a reasonably priced premium fly rod. Considering the trend of fly rod prices (like the $1700 G. Loomis Asquith), this is especially refreshing to see. Follow along as we break down what options anglers are getting, as well as our first thoughts on one of the new Recon models.
Orvis Recon Freshwater Fly Rods
Orvis
Recon Fresh
Tech Specs
The new Recon series is available in two models: freshwater and saltwater. The freshwater series consists of 13 different rod configurations, ranging from small stream brookies (3-wt) to the biggest muskies around (11-wt). In terms of freshwater fly rods, having one model to do it all is a rarity in the fly fishing industry. The freshwater series sports a matte olive blank, with honey accents and premium hardware. Best of all, every rod configuration comes in at the same retail price of $698.
Orvis designed the Recon with inspiration from the Helios. This is not a repurposed Helios blank, but rather a completely new blank based on the tapers of the Helios—regardless, the Recon maintains the signature fast action found in Orvis’ flagship rods. In addition to standard 8’6″ and 9′ industry standard fly rod offerings, Orvis also includes five 10′ models (3-7-wt) and an 8’9″ 8-wt bass model, as well as the 8’9″ 11-wt pike and musky model. The last thing worth noting is that all rods in the Recon series are backed by Orvis’ 25-year no-questions-asked warranty program.
Orvis Recon Saltwater Fly Rods
Orvis
Recon Salt
Tech Specs
The Recon Saltwater fly rods consist of six new offerings, ranging from 9′ 6-wt to 9′ 11-wt. Like the freshwater models, they are also based on Helios technology, creating a fast-action blank designed for the ever-changing conditions of saltwater fly fishing. This series features a matte blue blank finish with light blue accents throughout. Unlike most saltwater fly rod offerings, the Recon does not go up in price. Any model comes in at $698, the exact price of its freshwater counterparts. These models also come with a 25-year warranty.
Our Thoughts on the Recon
Prior to the launch, we were fortunate enough to get our hands on a 9′ 8-wt Recon Salt. Among saltwater fly rods, this configuration is the most versatile, making it the gold standard for saltwater rod testing. For all you trout anglers, stay tuned, a freshwater review is in the works.
We ran the Recon through our standard testing, a day of lawn casting followed by time on the water. This test is two-fold: first, to see how it casts without outside factors like wind, the pressure of a fish coming your way, or someone yelling at you from the poling platform. Second, we get out on the water to see how the rod performs in actual fishing scenarios.
Aesthetics
While I haven’t been a fan of Orvis’ aesthetics as of late, the new Recon is definitely a step in the right direction. The matte blue blank, while untraditional, is easy on the eyes and seems right at home in the salt. My only gripe with the aesthetics is the now-signature, glaringly white-wrapped Orvis logo at the bottom of the blank. That said, it’s notably smaller than that of the Helios—hopefully a sign that this design is on its way out.
Performance
When it came time to test the Recon on the lawn, the Helios-inspired design immediately became apparent. The rod blank is definitely fast, with plenty of power to launch casts when you need to. However, this rod is no broomstick; the softer tip section creates an overall pleasant, controlled casting stroke. I will say the Recon is definitely heavier than the Helios models, which is to be expected. That said, the weight had no effect on the rod’s swing weight.
Fishing the Recon confirmed our lawn testing results. The rod is used for accurate casts at various distances. It also had the needed punch for windy days and throwing larger, weighted flies. Upon hooking a few fish, the Recon had no issues steering them clear of structure and boatside in short order. All in all, the newest iteration of the Recon is built for the demanding needs of saltwater anglers.
Final Verdict
The Recon is known as the mid-priced workhorse of the Orvis lineup, and the newest iteration carries that torch. They are fast-action, technique-driven fly rods built for anglers who use and abuse their gear. At $698, for any rod in the lineup, they are also very attainable for a majority of fly fishing anglers. Not to mention, species-specific anglers benefit from several speciality models like the musky stick. Is it a flagship fly rod? No, but it’s not designed to be. What you get is a versatile, yet still premium fly rod that makes sense for the fly fishing community. At a time when rod prices are skyrocketing, it’s reassuring to see Orvis stay in touch with the needs of the average fly anglers.
I thought I was the only one who disliked that awful white sticker on the Orvis rods. Reminds me of the metallic silver labels stuck on the bills of baseball caps.