Our shop favorite rods and gear from Echo, Orvis, Temple Fork Outfitters, and Mountainsmith. Have a question about a product on our website? Shoot us an email at sales@raftandfly.com
Skagit (wet flies/sink tips) heads offer the ability to fish larger heavier flies which require sink tips. It is possible to fish small dry flies or soft hackles on a skagit head, just a little less finesse.
Scandi (dry flies and small soft hackles) heads offer a more delicate presentation and are used for skating dry flies and soft hackles just beneath the surface.
OPST vs. Orvis Mission. A major grain difference what's going on?
OPST threw the skagit head industry a curve ball when Ed Ward and Jerry French collaborated on a whole new methodology when it came to designing skagit lines.
OPST heads are lighter and therefore 40 to 60 grains less than the rest of the industry.
So how did they do it and which is right for you.....
Skagit Head Formula
#1 It takes mass to move mass - Weight aka Grains
#2 Kinetic energy - Velcro Effect or Line Stick
Designing the perfect skagit is a delicate balance between these two elements.
OPST took the unique and wholly original approach of the "velcro effect."
OPST has designed a wider head which means a larger surface area must be peeled off of the water in order to execute the cast.
Feel. OPST vs Orvis Mission
OPST heads will feel lighter when casting. Most folks who began using heavier heads go through an adjustment period and may tend to find initially over line their rods by 25 grains though eventually dial things back as they adjust.
Mission Heads will be easier for most folks to adopt if they have some prior spey casting experience. They will load deeper into the rod and have an easier time punching through the wind due to the greater weight or grains.
All outfits come with 30lb dacron backing, and all shooting head packages (non-integrated heads) come with 35lb OPST Lazar running line. If you prefer 40lb please shoot us an email prior to ordering.
The Mission Two-Handed 4-Weight 11'4" trout spey is the culmination of years of field testing and input from some of the best two hand anglers. Perfect for swinging dries on a scandi or emergers skagit. The Orvis Mission Two-Handed Rod Series is a comprehensive American-made series encompassing the two-handed casting spectrum from compact and versatile 11-foot rods to big-water 14 and 15-foot models. Mission rods are the result of Helios 3 design advancement techniques, tested by experts from the Pacific Northwest to Europe. Helios 3 construction design dampens vibrations making casts easier and more accurate with an inherent autocorrect that allows even a mediocre cast to be rescued by these rods. The increased hoop strength we obtain by using H3 construction means less energy lost and more efficient energy transfer. It is easier to develop fluid power in the cast with less effort, because the rods dampen quicker with no wobble, shooting long casts with accurate presentation. Made in USA.
11'4" 4-weight, 4-piece rod
Blanks are matte olive with orange accents
Quick rod identifier on the blank
Composite cork on grip in high wear areas
Chrome snake and stripping guide with a SiC insert
Reel seat is downlocking, self-indexing, with a solid aluminum barrel
Comes with orange aluminum rod tube with black anodized cap and collar
25-Year Guarantee
Made in USA
The Mission rods from Orvis are well-designed Spey and Switch rods made for anglers who prefer versatility and all water performance. Built with Helios 3 Technology, these rods feature a Medium-Fast action blank and accommodate a variety of casting styles. Practical features including composite cork in high-wear areas make these rods efficient and extremely durable. If you’re in the market for a new Spey rod, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, these rods are some of the smoothest on the market.
Blank
Helios 3 Technology - The Mission rods are built on the back of Helios 3 technology and construction. Orvis has built the Mission rods to have a strategically reinforced rod blank to maximize strength without increased overall weight. Helios 3 tech creates a blank that tracks beautifully, takes a truer path to the target, and can land a fly accurately from anywhere.
Guides
Hard Chrome Stripping Guides w/SiC Insert - Hard chrome stripping guides keep the Mission rods lightweight and functional. These guides feature a SiC insert for minimal line friction and added durability.
Hard Chrome Snake Guides - Hard chrome snake guides are a classic in contemporary fly fishing and there’s a reason most major manufacturers use these guides… they’re simple, effective, and stand up to weather and wear.
Reel Seat
Type III Anodized Aluminum w/Double Downlocking Component - The reel seat on the Mission combines durability and craftsmanship. Grey anodized aluminum ensures maximum strength and a solid aluminum insert keeps the rod sleek and stylish. A double dowlocking component anchors large reels in place during long days on the water.
Rod Tube
Aluminum Rod Tube - The Mission comes with an Orange rod tube that sports catchy black Orvis lettering. This Mission-specific tube protects the rod on the water and during travel and storage.
Warranty
The Orvis 25-Year Guarantee - As of 5/8/2019, Orvis rods fall under the one-of-a-kind Orvis Guarantee. If broken within a quarter-century of purchase, Orvis vows to fix your rod. If they cannot fix the rod, Orvis will replace it regardless of circumstance. Normal wear and tear, accidental breakage, misuse and mistreatment along with anything else resulting in a broken rod are all covered in the Orvis 25-Year Guarantee. No questions asked. If Orvis cannot fix your broken rod and the rod has been discontinued, they will replace it with a current rod-model of equal value.
