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Orvis Mission Rods

15K views 23 replies 15 participants last post by  redband02 
#1 ·
Just curious...anyone fish any of the Orvis Mission rods this past fall? For a big company with their fingers in a lot of pies, they've done a fine job of revamping their singlehand rod line-up over the past 10 years, and was wondering how they fared with their new two-handers (which have usually seemed rather an afterthought).
 
#2 ·
Hi Blix

I normally cast Burkheimers, but Orvis approached me last year and I have been trying their new Mission rods along with my Burkies.

I must admit, I prefer longer rods, so I received the 14' 9wt and the 13'6" 8 wt. I really like both rods. They have a nice flex with some reserve power. I cast mostly Rage lines in winter and Scandi heads in summer/fall. I don't have any problem casting those lines or any of my sink tips or flies. I think they are a big improvement over the Clearwater series in that they have more power for sure, especially for casting and fighting fish.

I don't know which rods to compare them to because I generally cast 3-piece Burkie models. I prefer fewer ferrules. The Orvis Mission rods are 4 and 6 piece rods. I always find that more ferrules impact my casting, so I would prefer fewer ferrules.

That said, I would recommend the rods to anyone. I think they are every bit as good as any two handed rods produced by large companies. They don't have as many models as Sage or some others, at least yet, but I find the Mission rods are great because you can fish all types of lines, tips and flies within a day and not need to change the rod. I think that most companies are moving towards rods that are really good at casting Skagit setups, but far fewer are adequate for casting longer lines. So I really like the Mission. It allows me to change gear and keep the same rod.

Hope this helps. I like the rods and believe they are well-rounded enough to cover lots of situations.
 
#3 ·
Cool. Thanks. I really was just wondering because nobody was discussing them (I think Orvis itself put more effort into marketing their new jackets and waders than these rods), and we don't have any good shops where I live that let you see anything. I didn't think Orvis had any big designs on becoming a significant player in the two-hand world (or convincing you to replace your Burkheimers), but Orvis is making good rods again and needed to have a more ordered and respectable two-hand offering. I was just wondering what was up. As you indicate, the models seem straightforward with a very simple progression up the weights and lengths, including a couple of switch rods, which, alongside the 13' 7wt, are probably their main targets. Looking at the price, it seems they're using the Recon graphite. Nice to hear that the rods aren't clunkers and seem well-rounded enough to do everything you've asked of them.

Did they give you their new Mission shooting heads too? I don't think I've ever liked any kind of Orvis line...which is strange seeing as they've owned Scientific Anglers for a few years now, and hopefully they're working a little better together in this regard.

Thanks again for the information.
 
#4 ·
Thanks Blix

I think you are right. I love their new Helios single handed rods. Wow. Beautiful.

The Mission rods have a similar feel to them. I have had minimal tip deflection and they flex into the handle well enough. Plus, the tips aren't so thin and light that they can't handle a longer line or touch and go casts in wind. I really like them. Frankly, I was surprised how nice they cast and fish.

But I think you hit it, they aren't trying to take over. Just trying to make a more progressive rod than their Clearwater series.

I haven't tried their heads yet, but I am expected to get a few this winter, probably in next couple weeks. I'll try to give some feedback after I fish them for a month. Right now I mostly use Rage in winter, and both the 13'6" 8wt and 14' 9wt do well with 540g and 570g, respectively.

thanks
 
#6 ·
I do. Build quality seems great. Ferrules are nice and smooth, tight. And the cork is good enough with composite on the front and end of the handles, about what you find from all mass produced rods.

I think they have made substantial strides with this rod compared to the clearwater series.
 
#7 ·
I currently own a Mission 13' for a 7wt. The rods were only available beginning in October 2019, so Orvis basically missed the fall season. I can echo what Steelheadman had to say. The rod is light weight with lots of power, I have been trying the Mission Scandi Lines in addition to the Rio and Rage Scandis, the Mission lines are exactly the same as the SA Scandis, same line different package. The rod handles a range of lines very well, everything from 420 - 450 - 480, I will probably settle on the 450 Scandi. I like the Mission lines. I was thinking of getting the 14ft as well, so any feedback on that would be welcome. I have not tried their Skagit line yet, but will in the near future. I have had it on the River maybe 3 times so it is still a work in progress. One thing that found a little annoying was the reel seat. I fish Hardy's, Perfects, Bougles and Sunbeams and the reel seat tolerance is very tight.
I should be getting out quite a bit in the next couple of months so will keep you posted.
 
#9 ·
Great point about the reel seat. I think Orvis could probably remedy that pretty easily, but it is an issue.

I have the 14' 9 wt and it is a very nice rod. Feels like an 8/9 rather than a strong 9 -- at least compared to other rods I have tried -- but that is fine with me. Good power into the butt. Smooth casting. I don't fish Skagit lines more than a few times a year (a FIST). I fish Rage 80% of the time, in 570 g for the 14' and it works wonderfully.
 
#18 ·
I have the 14' 9 wt and it is a very nice rod. Feels like an 8/9 rather than a strong 9 -- at least compared to other rods I have tried -- but that is fine with me. Good power into the butt. Smooth casting.
I also have the Orvis Mission 6pc 14' 9wt rod and can agree, Compared to my Beulah 8/9 at 13'8" it is more of a 9 than an 8. I use three lines with this rod depending on conditions, a Orvis Mission 565 gr 38’ Scandì head (favorite of the three), a Orvis Mission 640 gr 23.5’ Skagit head (casts well with T11 or T14 mow tips) and a Gaelforce Equalizer Spey 585 grains 54’ head (might be a little too light for this rod but it gets out there). Overall it is the rod I grab if I need a little more distance on larger (wider) rivers and for trips involving air travel. If it matters to you the build quality is good but the aesthetics and hardware are more modern than a traditional rod. I was a little taken back at first but it grows on you. With both my Beulah 8/9 6pc and the Mission 9wt 6pc these are great for my trips on airplanes and have caught Kings, Silvers, Steelhead and Sockeye with no issues on both rods.
 
#11 ·
I purchased the 13'0" 7wt back in January, and man, first time I took it out was blown away by the casting capabilities. The cork is really nice, I prefer handles that are thinner and this rod fits the bill nicely. I really appreciate the down-locking reel seat, and while the reel-seat components are good, I wish Orvis would give this rod series a wooden insert to compliment the Recon series, instead of the plain aluminum.
I also purchased the Mission Skagit 480 grain, and this line soars. Orvis recommends the Mission Skagit 520 grain, but the head lengths are similar to OPST Commando heads, so I thought 520 might be a little overkill. I'm glad I went with my gut at bought the 480 grain. The rod also rocks with the Rio Scandi Versatip 7wt.
I used to work or Orvis so I'm pretty familiar with the spey rods they've produced over the years; this Mission series is a vast improvement.
 
#13 ·
so i finally bought this 8wt mission rod few weeks a go. It is stunning.
It is pretty easy to cast far and very easy to cast accurately. The whole rod bends from top to bottom. And that was a small suprise to me how deep can these Modern rods to bend. Tested it with few lines different weights and brands. My favorite at the moment is Rio skagit Game changer 525gr. Orvis recommends 580gr, but i think this lighter line enables to use more line speed without perfect acceleration in front cast. Anyway i think it is worth the money. Not as much power as Helios 3 F, but enough anyway.
About 10 rainbowtrouts it has seen allready, but next week to real test in Finnish lapland with Atlantic salmon, and the ultimate test five weeks from now in Norway 🙂 if Corona allows.
 
#14 ·
Hey everyone! Just entered the spey world this morning. This post got me decided on the Orvis Mission 13' 7wt. I wanna say a big thank you to all of you for sharing they're experience and knowledge! Happy that I found this group! Time for me to go and get all tangled up 😅 Have a great weekend everyone! Cheers from Montreal, Qc!
 
#15 ·
Spey is fun!! And addictive! That’s a great choice for first spey rod. There are a lot of Spey casting videos on YouTube but I think the most helpful for me was the DVD “skagit revolution”. The cast is broken down and explained very well. Also, if you can get some lessons from an experienced teacher that would be really helpful. And the just practice. Lots of practice!

Jake
 
#17 ·
Hi everyone!

I just became a member this morning. Norwegian, so my spelling isnt that good, hope you all will forgive me.

Red this thread about the Orvis mission, and I wondered if there is anybody that have tested both the Helios Spey 14' #9 and the Mission 14 #9. And can say something about the differences in these 2 rods?

Jarle
 
#21 ·
I've owned the 13' 7wt Orvis Mission for over a year now and I really like the rod. The rod construction, cork, and hardware are top notch. The rod has a good amount of reserve power and can be fished with a wide array of heads and lines with a very wide grain window. The rod flexes in the mid to tip section with a stiff tip, so it's fairly fast and loves touch and go style casts. My favorite line in this rod is the Rio Scandi Body 375gr with 10 or 15 foot Rio replacement tips in 7 and 8 wt.
 
#22 ·
A few weeks ago I tried out a 3 wt Orvis Mission Spey rod at Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig Montana
Liked it so much, I bought one from Headhunters
What a sweet rod. light enough to swing soft hackles and can carry a fair size streamer
I put a 275gr Rio Skagit Mini Max Power integrated line on it and it rocks
I would not recommend going into the Headhunters Fly Shop
They have a plethora of trout spey rods to try out
The problem with them is that I have tried out 3 different rods, and bought all three
Your mileage may vary
Go into their shop at your own risk
Don't say I didn't warn you
TJ
 
#24 ·
Yes, those folks at Headhunters is very knowledgeable.
I went in to try the Mission 4 wt, but Sara recommended the 3 wt instead
I had it out on the Missouri again yesterday, windy with some major wind gusts
Rob preformed superbly, caught quite a few fish on Carrie Special and Fruit Roll-up
Mostly football sized fish. One even took me down to my backing, but not into it
Using an Orvis CFO V clicker reel
Sweet
 
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