The difference between the rods is the matrix of the rod blank. The more expensive blanks recover from flex differently which tends to keep the tip of the rod flexing straight instead of left and right. Simply put, the tip doesn't wander around so your fly line lays out more efficiently. If you go to an Orvis shop they will demonstrate this factor.

I don't have (nor have I casted) a Recon, but I own several of their top of the line rods, from the older ZG's up through the H1's the H2's. They are all excellent, and each iteration has done nothing but improve noticeably. Having test casted numerous different H3's, I'm of the opinion that they are some of the finest fly rods ever made. They will flat out throw some line. By the time summer sets in, I'm planning on picking up a 7wt.

Definitely swing by a store and give them a look. I can only imagine you'll be hugely impressed by their performance.

...and just to add to that, if you like glass, look at the Superfine. That action on that stick is nothing less than seductive.

I really really really wouldn't get an $850 rod straight off the bat.

This is probably the best advice. A $200 Redington (or whatever) casts completely fine, to be honest.

I kind of glazed right over that "complete novice" part and jumped right into the Helios part of the question.

That's my bad there - definitely take Glitchmo's advice and save those extra bills on something that'll be more meaningful...comfortable boots, maybe some extra line, and a couple trips somewhere enjoyable to fish.

buy a used fiberglass rod (it is the material God intended for flyrods).

http://fiberglassflyrodders.com/forum/index.php?sid=f2ef8c436d5c58f44af24a0e63c170bd

Have you ever checked out those Cabela's CGR rods? Immensely affordable and they are a blast to fish with.

I have a CGR 593. It is a fun rod. I prefer more vintage rods and lamiglas honeys (I have a 3wt honey that is really more a 2wt. It is a blast). I like to feel the rod bend into the grip. The newer glass rods are too fast for my liking.

I started out on an old cabelas slow action outfit. It was great to learn on, but then I started to cast med, med-fast, fast, ultra fast rods. They all feel different. I still use my Sage 4 wt Zxl for dries, but my favorite rod is the Sage Method.

Tailwaters in Dallas is having their anniversary event tomorrow. They typically have good sales on gear, food, beer, and rods from TFO, Sage, Scott, and other brands set out to cast. It's free, you should check it out.

Guys, I appreciate every bit of advice given but one little bit of information I did not mention is the rod I am going to purchase is not for me but a knowledgeable and skilled fly fisherman that is a very good friend. I have asked for help in deciding because I do not want him to get suspicious of my questions. BTW he has the means to purchase any rod on the market that he might want but sometimes his frugal ways override his spending. Thanks Daniel
PS I will maintain an open mind on future suggestions.

Daniel,

Per our conversation, and reading all the good input you�re receiving here on this forum, I have to wonder if your friend would appreciate a custom built rod. Any and all of the manufacturers mentioned have their blanks available for sale on many websites. There are even split cane blanks that can be had at a decent price.

Someone mentioned a fiberglass rod. It is the latest fad. Over the past six or seven years, there have been SO MANY improvements in graphite & composite blanks, I don�t see how there could be a gnat�s wing�s difference in the top-of-the-line rods. Sage, Orvis, Winston, even TFO and Reddington have excellent offerings.

Your friend would certainly appreciate a finely crafted fly rod made specifically for him, with his name written on the butt section, and the date built.

Something to consider.

JR

Or you might combine two ideas from previous post. Most of the graphite rod brands have already been mentioned. There are some really excellent rod makers building custom rods in fiberglass these days, and some of them also build in graphite. Some of these builders are Steffen Brothers, Graywolf, Chris Barclay, Mike McFarland, Mark McKellip, and many others. The problem with a custom builder is there may be a wait of 2 months or more, though some will occasionally have some rods in stock, though of course these will not be custom built for your friend. You have already looked into Orvis, and Orvis builds a very nice fiberglass rod, the Superfine Glass. In the above post, it was mentioned that fiberglass is the latest fad. I respectfully disagree with this notion. I fished graphite for many years, but switched to glass about 11 years ago and enjoy my fishing considerably more now. Check out the Fiberglass Flyrodders forum for some ideas about glass rods in the modern day. You will also be able to get a look at the work of many really good rod builders.

Larry

If he can afford any rod himself and is an expert fisherman already then he should already have the best in his rod box . There are many high dollar rods out there and that's for those who can comfortably afford them . I use a Cabelas RLS+ combo and a Sage VXP with an Orvis Access reel . Both can be had fairly cheap for the pocket book but both are great rods especially the Sage VXP , use to be one of Sages Flagships . If Cabelas' isn't out it can be had for around $300.00 . The RLS+ can be had for less than $200.00 . But if your determined to spend a lot a good rod you might check out is the Orvis Helios 2 or 3 . Both high class great rods but way out of my pocket range . Good luck !

http://www.orvis.com/fly-rods

I have TFO, St. Croix and a White River rod that I got on clearance at BPS several years ago. I enjoy them all but really like my TFO rods.

A few years back I snapped the tip section of one of my TFO rods, trying to fight a brown like I would fight a bass on a bait casting set up, while in Colorado. When I got back I sent it in and had a new tip section less than 2 weeks later. As previously mentioned they are in Dallas. Was impressed with their customer service and how quick I got it back.