Orvis Recon Fly Rod Reviews – Is this a Great Beginner Rod?

The Orvis Recon is described as an affordable fly rod that is suitable for use by both beginner and experienced fly fishermen. The Recon is also at home in both freshwater and saltwater. This freshwater series comes in sizes 3-6wt, in various lengths, including a 10′ 4wt and 5wt, and the series comes in sizes 6-10wt, in lengths up to 10′. 

Orvis Recon Review

The Orvis Recon rod can accurately target fish from 35 feet up to 70 feet, making it an impressive choice as it provides smooth short and mid-range casting abilities.

The graphite rod is lightweight, loads quickly, and packs much power. 

Orvis Recon has a powerful drag system that works efficiently and supports the overall rod. This helps to control the force applied on the line while throwing and pulling. The drag system is a precaution to save the rod from breaking if the line is stripped.

The smooth, sturdy cork handle provides a perfect grip over the rod.

Alignment dots and hook keeper are also not there in this Recon fly rod.

Key Features & Its Benefits

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Weight, Line, and Length

Orvis Recon fly rod comes in different weights ranging from 3-weight to 10-weight. They also come in lengths ranging from 7’11” to 10′ models. Orvis Recon fly rod has a smooth and efficient working line. The weight of the fly rod is supported by the length of the rod to give maximum performance and quality fishing. The standard length for the Orvis recon fly rod is 9ft; the length of the rod provides the necessary flexibility to the tip. This Recon fly rod feels light in hand and well-balanced, providing easy casting and impressive accuracy.

Rod Action

Orvis Recon produces a very high performance with its fast action and light swing weight. The softer tip of the Recon perfectly matches the fast action. The stiffness at the bottom and center section of the rod makes it a little flexible at the tip. This fly rod is accurate to cast over all distances, with the accuracy gradually decreasing over longer distances.

Orvis Recon fly rod performs well against wind and harsh water conditions and can be used to trout easily, which will be very suitable for luring and catching small and big fishes.

Build Quality

Orvis Recon fly rod comes with a 7-inch half-well grip, providing a smooth and long-lasting hold to the angler. The olive blank build helps maintain a small wrap on the section, which is required to protect the rod’s body.

The Nickel hardware used in the rod protects it against corrosion and other harsh conditions. It is also equipped with a dark wood insert that makes the rod look good and stylish, with silver stripping guides and snake guides all around the rod.

Guides are located close to the reel. Stripping guides are used to handle the energy of the lower section of the fly rod, while the Snake guide helps reduce the rod’s weight and handles the energy of the stiff section of the rod. Aluminum rod tube helps to protect against saltwater conditions.

Warranty

Anglers can get a warranty on many fly rods. But often, many anglers don’t get a good warranty. Orvis Recon fly rod offers a 25-year warranty which is a great warranty any angler can ask for. 

If your rod is broken or ineffective, you can get a free replacement from Orvis for that same model. Orvis can also fix your damaged rod; the only thing you have to do it to send your rod to Orvis’s office. But in case of a fire or threat or any such incident, there is no responsibility of Orvis. In such a case, the angler is himself responsible.

Orvis Recon Vs. Sage Motive:

The Sage Motive fly rod is a medium-action rod heavier than Orvis Recon. The rod offers various models ranging from 6-weight to 12-weight.

Because of the large snake guides in the Sage Motive, it has a more powerful drag system than Orvis Recon. The large arbor size of the Sage Motive makes it a better choice than the Orvis Recon.

Casting at long distances becomes more accurate with the Sage Motive as this rod can target a fish up to 100 feet, while the Orvis Recon is not that smooth and accurate for long-distance casting.

This Orvis Recon fly rod comes with a 25-year warranty, whereas the Sage Motive fly rod comes with a lifetime warranty. 

Orvis Recon Vs Orvis Helios:

Orvis Helios is light in weight and provides a smoother and faster swing than Recon. Helios has various models ranging from 5-weight to 10-weight and is sturdier than the Orvis recon. Offering a flexible tip results in a far better rod action than the Orvis Recon, which does not have a very flexible tip. Orvis Helios consists of titanium guides that help to perform well in saltwater. 

Alternatives for Orvis Recon Fly Rod

There are a lot of alternatives to a specific fly rod. Still, to choose the best, one needs to consider overall performance, durability, quality, the material used, and price. After conducting a lot of research, I have picked some of the best alternatives to the Orvis Recon Fly Rod.

Redington Crux Fly Rod- If you are looking for a rod that offers great performance in terms of power and flexibility and that is suitable for especially windy conditions, then Redington Crux is a terrific choice.

This is one of the best alternatives to the Orvis Recon Fly Rod if we discuss durability and build quality. The castability and accuracy of the Crux fly rod are perfect for all distances. Redington Crux Fly Rod offers a lifetime warranty to its customers, while the Orvis Recon Fly rod only provides a 25-year warranty.

The Redington Crux offers much more features and specifications than the Orvis Recon Fly Rod and is also in the price range of $400-$500.

Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod- These rods will provide a greater casting range and have the power to reach far banks. This is another alternative for the Orvis Recon Fly rod. The Orvis Clearwater is a lightweight and best-suited fly rod for trout fishing. Orvis Recon fly rod has a more powerful, efficient drag system and a large arbor than the Orvis Clearwater fly rod. 

Most of the features and specifications of this Clearwater rod are the same as the Orvis Recon, but the essential factor is the price of both rods, creating a key difference between these two rods.

One can get the Orvis Clearwater Fly rod under the price of $250, but the Orvis Recon Fly rod is costly, and it is available in the price range between $400-500.

Conclusion

Orvis Recon performs exceptionally well, equipped with the latest features and technology. The different Orvis Recon models offer flexibility and accuracy, allowing you to fish in different areas and conditions for various species. 

A person should always consider various factors when purchasing a fly rod. Such factors should be built quality, rod action, weight, line, length, warranty, and price.

All these factors determine which fly rod suits you the best, and the Orvis Recon performs exceptionally well in all these aspects.

Orvis Recon is the perfect rod on the market now that provides the best value for money. With a 25-year warranty, this fly rod could be all you dreamed of.

Read about other Orvis Rods which suit trout, such as Orvis encounter.