Every fly fisherman is looking for that stellar rod that is built to last for a lifetime. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, the search for the perfect rod isn’t an easy task. At Fly Fisher Pro, we aim to make it easier for you to get your hands on the right rod with our in-depth reviews of fly rods on the market.
I was looking for a great mid-range rod that I could use on both larger and smaller water. But my problem was, what to buy with the range of fly rods available and the vast price range.
I searched far and wide until I found the rod that was perfect for both the beginner and the experienced fisherman looking for a versatile mid-range rod, the Orvis – Recon.
In this detailed Orvis Recon review, I’ll take a close look at every aspect of this rod, so you can decide if it’s the right model for you! How does this rod feel? Does the Orvis Recon compare to other popular rods? Read on to find out!
Orvis Recon Review
Orvis Recon Specs:
| Line Weight: 2 – 12 | Length: 7 – 10 |
| Action: Fast | Handle: Full-Wells / Full Wells w/Fighting Butt |
| Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: Nylon-Covered Rod Tube |
| Color: Olive / Dark Blue | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: The Orvis 25-Year Guarantee | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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The Orvis – Recon can be described as a mid-range fly rod that is suitable for use by both beginner and experienced fly fisherman. It’s the latest design in the well-known Orvis rods range, replacing the Access series. The Recon rods are an affordable, accessible option high quality fly rods.
The Orvis Recon with its shadow green blank has a new ferrule design, black reel seats and nickel hardware. When you have one of these rods in hand, you’ll have no problem approaching your chosen target covertly and with stealth.
The Recon comes with an aluminum tube, cloth rod bag and a preloaded reel with backing and protective case. It’s an attractive rod that won’t spook the fish with its dark green blank and dark hardware detailing. This all-in-one combo is a great choice for beginner fly anglers, as it will kit you out with everything you need in one go!
Features & Benefits
At Fly Fisher Pro, we take a close look at the important features and benefits of the rods and products we review, so you can make an educated buying decision. Now it’s time to see exactly what the Orvis Recon rods have to offer:
Weight
The Recon fly rods reviewed cater for both freshwater and saltwater fly fishing, making them a versatile option for avid anglers. The 4-piece Orvis Recon rods are currently available from a 3-weight right up to a 10-weight fly rod.
They come in a variety of lengths ranging from 7’11” up to 10′ models, with the length carefully matched to the weight for superior performance on the water.
The Recon fly rod reviewed has received great praise for the excellent combination of overall light weight and swing weight for easy casting and impressive accuracy.
The recon feels light in the hand and well balanced, with many users commenting that they can use the rod all day without feeling fatigued.
Build Quality
The Orvis-Recon is a well-constructed fishing rod that is more than just a pole to cast with. As with all Orvis rods, it’s manufactured in Manchester, Vermont, with the quality and componentry you’d expect from a US-made product.
Orvis have cleverly used the latest technology, fine materials, and resources in a blend of different modulus graphite and resins to create the Recon. It’s a beauty to behold and the smart design translates to more catches out on the water!
The ferrule design is new and the rod is equipped with a 7″ half wells grip and heavy-duty hardware. It looks stylish and classic, with a covert, shadown green blank color, complemented by the black nickel reel seat, dark wood insert, and silver stripping guides and snake guides.
The taper and action were designed to be the perfect match for each specific Recon rod. You can pick any weight and length from this rod series, and the action will be the right match for it.
There is no need to be concerned about mid-flex and tip designations, as the rod has been built with the appropriate flex into it. The built includes a nice aluminum rod tube and cloth rod bag, and the generous 25 year-warranty backs up the quality of the build.
Action
The Recon boasts a high performance with fast action and light swing weight, which results in exceptional accuracy and power every time. The Recon is accurate to cast over the mid-range, with the accuracy gradually tapering off over longer distances. But you can harness the Recon’s power to chuck those bugs out 60+ feet, without losing any of the feel.
The softer tip of the Recon is a perfect match for the fast action, enhancing the feel of this rod. The rod performed well in shootout test reviews against similar rods on the market. Commentators agree that it can be used in many different situations to land you trout with ease, from smaller panfish to lunker trout.
With the Recon rods, you can switch easily from one fishing technique to another when the fishing conditions call for it. You won’t get bored with the Recon rods, and can switch up your fishing experience by varying the flies and techniques you use. You could fish with one of these rods all day for an epic fishing experience.
The Recon rods’ action will suit most anglers from beginners to veteran fly anglers, with its wide selection of rods available to choose from.
Versatility
The Recon performs well across distances from 35 feet up to 100 feet, with the accuracy and power at 100 feet still impressive. You can’t beat that for an all-rounder rod. This makes it possible to fish relatively close and with long casts with excellent results.
With the Recon rod at your side, you’ll be able to travel and fish a variety of environments like large lakes, big rivers and small streams. The Recon is also at home in both freshwater and saltwater.
This excellent mid-range rod has an all-round performance which makes it an excellent choice for anglers who need flexibility in a single rod.
The Recon can be used to present dry flies on the surface, streamer flies through deeper water and nymphs under indicator areas. The feel of this rod is just as impressive as the power and accuracy. The rod can be used to catch large brown or rainbow trout just as well as it can catch big saltwater fish. You’ll have no problem fishing in fast water, and the Recon can handle anything from trout, bass, and perch right up to catfish.
It can be used to land saltwater species like ladyfish, Spanish mackerel and schoolie speckled trout. The different lines weight and length combinations available make it the ideal fly fishing rod for any situations.
Warranty
The Orvis Recon fly rod carries a 25-year guarantee to either fix a damaged or replace a broken rod at no charge. Just send it back in the Orvis’s Recon tube to Orvis who will fix or replace it.
You can have peace of mind on all your fishing trips, knowing that your Recon rod is guaranteed for the next 25 years with this exceptional warranty.
Pros and Cons
In this section of the review, we will take a look at a number of the things and points we liked and things we didn’t like that much about the Orvis’s-Recon rod.
Pros
- Low overall weight with fast action.
- Excellent mid-range fly rod which is well prized.
- Great versatility and excellent casting ability.
- 25-year warranty for peace of mind.
Cons
- Some complaints about the tip flex being more than expected.
- Overall weight could have been lighter.
- Less accurate on the longer distances.
Orvis Recon Rods Review (By Locals!)
We scoured the internet and found several positive Orvis recon reviews by users that we would like to share:
The Recon is a pure delight to fish with, it handles every situation better, that a trout angler could ever find themselves in. The Recon casts with authority and is pinpoint accurate.
This rod is excellent for casting close or far. I have used it with small dries and mid-sized streamer and even some nymphing.
Handed I’ve been fly fishing for over twenty-five years, after casting many different rods, the Recon just felt right in my hand. I heartily recommend the Recon.
Wrap Up
In summary of this review, we firmly believe that the Orvis Recon is the best mid-range rod on the market right now that provides the best value for money.
The quality and feel of the Recon build, the materials used and the 25-year warranty provide peace of mind, no matter where and how many times you use your rod. The different rods available in the Recon Series offer flexibility and versatility, allowing you to fish in many different areas for a variety of species.
You won’t go wrong with this amazing Recon fly fishing rod, backed by the innovation, clever design, and high standards of the Orvis brand.
