Fly Fishing

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

Post what you like about the ORVIS Zero Gravity Rod and/or the ORVIS Mach Arbor Reel. A post is all that is required to win. The winner will be chosen randomly and will win the ORVIS Zero Gravity Rod and the Mach Large Arbor Reel setup that was used to make the video. This is not the first Flies And Fins contest that the ORVIS company has sponsored. Click below to see a list of past winners and the products that ORVIS has given them.
[url]http://www.fliesandfins.com/forum8.html[/url]

MarshallD · Location: Naples, Fl

When Orvis first launched the Mach, Mike Holt of Fly Fishing Only Orvis Shop loaned me his to take to Florida for 2 weeks. Now, this was a reel that eventually had to have the drag redesigned, but during the first 2 days before it froze up, I was totally delighted with the reel's performance. It's strong, not too light and not too heavy. It has a positive feel to it and sounds great when big fish are taking line to the backing.

I'd love to own one and I plan to buy one for my next big game reel.

Marshall DeMott
www.flyanglersguide.com

P.S. I watched the impressive video ...so how do I... "Win this Rod"? Sadly, I have to return my new TLS Power Matrix 10-weight because the cork grip is not glued to the blank in a few spots and I can feel space between the cork and the blank. It would be sure nice to have a Zero Gravity 9-weight to take it's place.

Last Summer, I cast a Zero Gravity rod which the Orvis Rep brought to Mike's Casting Contest. The rod is exceptional in every way. It has fine workmanship and practically casts itself.

waterwhippa · Location: Upstate, NY

The Broflon drag system is one of the best I have had the pleasure of fishing with. It is also one of the lightest large arbor reels in its class. For the price, you would be hard pressed to find a better reel elsewhere.

sbeausol · Posted: Fri 11/18/05 8:10 pm Post subject:

looks like it would work out nice for steelheading and fishing in the salt

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

what i like about the rod is the fact that its an eight weight and 4 pieces. makes it easy to bring on airplanes and perfectly suitable for many florida and carribean salt applications as well as steelhead and big trout applications out west or anywhere else in the world for that matter. also - it is VERY durable - built to last - and i am very tough on gear so that matters to me.

the reel is really smooth - also easy switch from right to left - no tools needed to switch spools - big drag knob - and 100% corrosion proof. and the price - very nice price.

also what alot of people don't realize is that ORVIS has been around since 1856 - imagine how many fly by night rod and reel companies have come and gone since then - imagine how many fads that have come and gone - yet - tORVIS stands the test of time and offers a great guarantee - seriously, for 100 years they have been providing 100% satisfaction guarantee. ---> so, through the years i have heard alot of guys says all sorts of things about all sorts of products and brands etc....many of those brands are not even in business anymore. so - when it comes to fly fishing purchases - i like to go with things that are tried and true and guaranteed. since 1856 says alot more than just 150 years of business. also, for me, it is kind of personal. my parents bought me my first fly rod and reel - and it was ORVIS. i thought it was the greatest thing. i took such good care of it and thought i had the best thing since sliced bread. so, aside from anything else - for me, the orvis name always invokes good memories.

FlyCaster · Posted: Fri 11/18/05 9:10 pm Post subject:

Orvis is apparently relating the performance of their new Mach series reels and Zero Gravity rods to the fundamentals of physics that the design teams used in creating these masterpieces.
If I remember correctly, the term 'mach' is the ratio of speed of a moving body to the speed of sound in a certain medium..........hmmmmmm, this sort of conjures up the sounds and images of the lightning speed of an aggressive rainbow in the water after a take?
Not sure of this but I am sure that my equipment could use an upgrade.

RickW · Location: Syracuse, NY

At one point during a recent steelhead outing, Joey handed me his rod and was off to assist Jeremy with a nice brown, or was it a steelhed? Which fish, I don't remember. What I do remember is the sweet Orvis rig. The Zero Gravity rod and Mach Series reel balanced perfectly in my hand and begged to be cast.
Before I could hand my own rod off to Waterwhippa, Joey was back to reclaim his rig.

I was left with the impression that the Zero G and Mach combo is as good as it gets.

envoy · Posted: Sat 11/19/05 5:33 pm Post subject:

My obsetion is steelhead in the samon river and suroundings and the mach reel would be a great advantage to land at least a few of them.The zero gravity rod i'm shure is a lot lighter rod than the one i own and would make a great match for the mach reel.Well my buddies would freak out if i'd win this orvis rod and reel.

Austin · Posted: Sat 11/19/05 8:56 pm Post subject:

Howdy!
I know nothing about this rod and reel set up, but can say that I have always stood by orvis gear. I Love the mid arbor reel for trout and salmon, and they're rods are an unbeleivable value, not just a couple of them, all of them.
The reel sound like a dream come true. We all know that you really do need to have a super smooth drag, and this seems just what the doctor ordered. Tight lines

Austin

flyfishingjunkee · Location: utah

I have owned pm-10's which I liked but had them replaced with TLS rods which I dislike. I have an odysey reel which has been sent back twice with drag issues. It needs to go back again as the foot comes loose. I really like the new reel but find it a bit pricey. Orvis rods tend to be soft which contradicts my fishing style. My brothers orvis also had isues with the cork and glue. He broke his new orvis rod in New York on a fish but that was his fault.

Keith · Posted: Sun 11/20/05 8:48 am Post subject: Zero Gravity

Ever since my first fly rod, I have been fishing Orvis Rods. I have been impressed with almost every aspect of their product, not to mention the awesome customer service the company provides. However, I have one gripe. Durability. In the last 4 years I have broke 4 TLS rods under normal fishing conditions. It is like a curse! I have wanted to try one of there other rod lines, but my budget has kept me in the TLS. The Zero Garvity is said to be 25% more durable. I would love to give this rod the test on North East stripers and blues, gulf coast reds, and great lakes salmonids!

heyjonah · Location: Teton Valley and Sawtooth Valley, ID

Never have I owned an Orvis rod.
(I have the Battenkill mid arbor in 7/8 and I want to make love to it after we fought this dastardly Albie together...but that's another story entirely and not exactly PG-13.)
I used to think Orvis was for pipe-smoking uptight old duffers who made their fortune in the real estate business by pooping on us little guys and now were buying up all the rustic cabins on blue ribbon trout water. I was an LL Bean boy thru and thru; as well as young, dumb, and full of.... well you know the rest; and apparently, bitterly prejudiced.
Then, LL Bean began to cut corners on issues of quality, become a refuge for all things yuppie, regard their hunting gear with apathy, ask 20(thousand) questions when ya tried to return stuff that broke, reserve parking spaces for Subaru Outbacks Only, and generally just suck.
(luckily they've reversed some of those curses by now.)
(I drive a Subaru by the way.)
Soooooo,
I started using some Orvis gear. (Smoking a pipe, too, though that's unrelated and I never really got into real estate.)
To my grudging surprise.... it performed, and still does.
Though I'm still young, and dumb, and full of whatever it was i was full of before, I've cast friends' Orvis rods and failed to be disappointed, ever. I could catch the tops of trees that were farther away, spook fish at greater range, and snag the bottom closer to the middle of the West Branch riverbed. Silver label dry lines that present Pink Cardinelles with the grace of a snowflake or feather. Depth charge lines that get those Chernobyl Ants suspended at juuuuuuust the right level off bottom.
Right. All BS'ing aside, I just broke a very nice custom built St Croix 8wt. I don't have the money to rebuild it. the ZG and Mach set up, I'm not going to lie here, gives me that funny feelin'..
yeah - the hell with a company's image as long as their gear is bomber and they support the right causes. (I didn't really have a correct perception of Orvis anyway.)
but enough about me. Back i go to the Barren Void of Academia -
Slay,

Mark

Oh PS - - A Shameless Plug here. Laughing

If you like reggae, and you like to listen to it at lunch time, and are in the Maine area/and/or have internet access of relatively high speed, ...........welllll have i got a show for you. Lunch Box Reggae airs on WMEB 91.9 FM every Wednesday (except this coming one) from 12-2pm. Orrr, you can go to www.umaine.edu and search for "wmeb" to listen online.
That is all.

Boz · Location: Portland

I'd love to pour words of praise for Orvis rods and reels, but the only Orvis gear I now own is a Battenkill 5-6 spare spool( the old model).
(Available cheap if anyone needs one...)
Great reel, what I remember of it...
It now lies somewhere in the guts of Ripogenus gorge attached to a nice St Croix rod.
long story.

Anyhow...
For the last two years I've been wanting to buy a 9 wt I could use for Stripers and Blues down in Southern Maine, and for Atlantic Salmon someday when they return to Maine.
Recently my wish was granted when my wife(of two months now) bought me a LL Bean Orion rod as an early Christmas present. She found a hell of a deal, and I was delighted to say the least.

While I've often caught myself drooling over the next "new thing" in flyfishing it just doesen't always make sense finacially to act upon these urges...
So I'm quite content with the new gift...

However, the past eight years of knowing my "now" wife, she has happily accepted all of my factory second flies, the reel that works fine if you keep tightening the screw on the drag control every so often, the rods I'd fished for two seasons then give to her, you know, Hand me downs.
(Those here with many siblings know this too well.)
Despite all of this she still loves me, and can cast this crap gear better than most of my buddies, and myself on most given days.

I'd love to have the new Orvis Zero Gravity rod and Mach reel to give my wife for Christmas. If anyone deserves it, its her, and she's never fly-fished the salt!

She'd be so happy to go Striper fishing for her first time equiped with only the best gear!

I can picture her "gloating" smile now.

patm · Posted: Mon 11/21/05 9:19 am Post subject: Zero Gravity and the Mach

The most intriquing thing to me about the rod is that it is 4 piece. As I have expanded my flyfishing I have come to appreciate the convienence of packing a 4 piece rod. My 4 piece orvis t-3 5 weight packs nicely into the backpack I use to transport float tube and accessories to some of the walkin trout ponds that I fish. I currently own a Mach reel that Mike Holt recommended to me for fishing for saltwater and larger freshwater fish like the steelhead. It is equipped with a nine weight multi-tip line. I have found this reel to be trouble free. The drag is easy to adjust and the action very smooth. I have landed, bluefish, stripers, rainbows, browns, and searun brook trout with this reel and have never been disappointed.
I would be thrilled to add these products to my limited flyfishing equipment list. I can see me now, sitting aboard a 737 jetting off to Montana or Utah with my zero gravity rod and mach reel clutched in my hand as I dream of the fish I will encounter as my fishing adventures continue to grow.

vermonter · Location: Vermont/Rangeley

I've got trips booked for Labrador and British Columbia next year. Looks like this Orvis rod and reel would fit the bill!

Bob

joey · Location: Colorado

The Drag on the MA reel is the best- Easy to use and the big knob allows you to adjust it quickly when battling with a large fish. In one word to describe the reel is - Smooth.

The 0G is a very durable rod. It is also light in weight - I fished with other orvis 8 - 9 wt rods (TLS) and the 0G out performed them. And as with all Orvis rods the Gaurntee is the best. if anything happens to your rod they will fix it or replace it.

I fish with a T3 4 wt for trout in ME and I broke the tip while fishing one afternoon - I brought it to the closest orvis dealer and explained my problem - They shipped the rod, gave me a loaner (orvis TLS 5 wt), and when I got my rod back it was brand new - New case the whole 9 yards.

NHtrouthunter · Location: New Hampshire

Orvis Zero Gravity = the most responsive, sensitive, yet powerful rod you'll ever cast.

Sensitive for steelhead takes, powerful for steelhead fighting!

I also love the reel seat,

What more could you want?

groutbrook · Posted: Tue 11/22/05 10:56 pm Post subject:

The term 'form meets function' is the perfect way to describe this rod and reel combo.

sean · Posted: Sat 11/26/05 3:10 pm Post subject:

I'm planning a trip to Alaska and it looks like a great set up...

pck · Posted: Sat 11/26/05 5:44 pm Post subject:

I own a TLS, a battenkill, a mid-arbor, and I've broken three other Orvis rods Sad

. Their equipment has always performed well and their warrenty is great. I've love to have an outfit such as the one being given away for the salt and chasing the steelhead that I've yet to catch.

Paul

Stonefly · Posted: Sun 11/27/05 8:19 pm Post subject:

Looks like a great setup. The looks and style of the reel matched with the rod using "Military Technology" makes me want to try one. Although I'm new to saltwater flyfishing; that outfit would keep me going back for the Stripers.
Mike

Z · Posted: Mon 11/28/05 10:23 am Post subject:

I'll be honest and say I have always dreamed of owining an orvis rig, ever since I used to read their catalog as a kid. Now I'm getting a bit grey in the beard, but never got around to making the investment on an orvis rod and reel. I fish in Europe, mostly, and this set up looks like it would really sing on big trout in Slovenia's Sava Bohinjka or Slovakia's Orava rivers. But what I would really like to try with a reel having a really good drag system is to follow my buddies down to Bajina Basta in Serbia or on the Vag River in Slovakia in the early spring and late fall and fish for some Hucho Hucho - Danubian salmon.

patm · Posted: Mon 11/28/05 11:32 am Post subject: orvis rod and reel

do i improve my chances but multiple postings?

Fish_King_7 · Posted: Mon 11/28/05 10:05 pm Post subject:

Honestly I have never had much experiance with Orvis, i say much i mean none. I guess I just never was impressed with the all orvis flyshops and whatnot. However I have heard very good things, and if I do buy another reel for freshwater I have a strong feeling it will be there mid arbor. I have handled and wathced this reel perform and I really like it. This new series of rods has realy sparked my interest as well, and I know I have a few good uses for an outfit like this!!

Very Happy

Caleb

Rooster · Posted: Tue 11/29/05 11:20 am Post subject: Mach Reel and Zero Gravity Rod

Just because I have been living in Europe the past two years, doesnt mean I havent been fishing. But the small creeks and ponds and the smallish browns and grayling dont compare to the big cutthroats, bulls, browns and 'bows I got used to living in Montana. Now that I am back in the American West, I would happily take a 4 piece (for backpacking) 6 weight rod and the Mach III reel. I would hit up the my choice spots on the Bitterroot, the Blackfoot up near the Bob, Rock Creek, the Bechler in Yellowstone, and for the first time, enter the Wind River Range looking for Goldies.

Hoo-wee, I got my fingers crossed.

KodiakCommando · Location: Kodiak, Alaska

I think orvis makes some great products but i find they are far from the best value. I'm the kind of guy who wants the most bang for my buck and although orvis makes quality reels i think they sell them for too much. I have found reels just as good as orvis high end reels for much much less.

James · Location: Gorham, ME

That set up is awesome. When we were out in WNY, our buddy that lives out there, has friends who work at Orivs and he received a zero gravity 7wt to test out and it's schweeeet! Very Happy

That rod is like butta! Add the Reel to it and you've got a serious combo that's worth every penny.

It would see action year round. From the browns/steel Nov-Apr to the Stripers Apr-Oct.

Wife and I are expecting out first child end of July, so, I'm not going to be able purchase, quality, expensive fly gear for a while.

This would hold me over for a few season. Very Happy

Lumpydog · Posted: Sat 12/03/05 7:38 am Post subject: The perfect match

This rod/reel combo provides nice versatility. Living on the ocean and within 1-2 hours of trout fishing, I could use a setup that can "go both ways" in a pinch.

Looks like this combination is up to the task!

I got a first hand look at the new ZG in October - with the MA reel. Great pairing - satisfying feel and sound.

justin63 · Location: Potsdam New York

I wonder if the rod and reel feel as good as they look

tight lines everyone

briscoe · Posted: Tue 12/06/05 5:55 pm Post subject: Zero Gravity

i have tested the zero gravity, it is extremely light, and it casts like a dream, too bad it costs more than my truck. I just got an orvis clearwater and i couldn't be happier with it, but i could never afford a zero gravity on a students income of $0 i would also like to know where all of those steelhead and large browns were caught?

Linesidesonthefly · Location: Old Orchard Beach, Maine

I must admit that I am primarily a Sage rod fan. I recently sold two Orvis HLS rods. I enjoyed them while I had them but they did not compare to the Sage in performance. The Orvis rods felt more like work while casting.
Last spring I gave a Sage Xi2 a test cast at the Bean fly fishing expo. As someone described the 0-G rod earlier in this post, "It casts itself". The rod felt very natural while casting it, most like an extension of my arm.

Sounds like Orvis has stepped it up a bit, offering a rod (Zero-G), that might give Sage a run for their money. I'd be happy to receive the set up and write an honest review after a seasons use.

RunningWild · Posted: Mon 12/12/05 2:51 am Post subject:

Orvis has outdone themselves again. The new zero gravity rods look amazing. It has been awhile since Orvis released a new rod, but it is always worth the wait. It would be great to win this 8 weight setup for the redfishing that I will be doing in the gulf this summer. The mach reel looks like it was made for this rod. I have tested the mach and fell in love with it. It is so remarkably light yet strong and the line retrieval rate is great. I will cross my fingers and just dream about hooking some reds and specs.

mike-c · Posted: Tue 12/13/05 1:41 pm Post subject:

That is a really impressive rod and reel set-up. I know exactly how I will use it, if I am fortunate enough to win one - striper and steelhead fishing. Razz

I primarily fish for trout and salmon, though last season I picked up an old Beans Guide series 8 wt. rod, and bought an Orvis Clearwater IV reel. I did get to do some striper fishing with it, but mostly hooked smaller schoolies. I would love to fish for some larger quarry and hear that reel sing! The zero gravity rod seems like it would make casting large strper flies and steelie rigs much smoother. I'd like to say if I win it, I would retire my other rig to freshwater bass fishing, but I expect I'd reach for the zero Gravity every time and save the old rod for friends! Very Happy

Thanks, Flies and Fins and Orvis for the opportunity!

Mike

Shaq · Location: Adirondacks

Love the orvis reels and would love to test out that redesigned drag on some Delaware Browns

Striper_Kim · Posted: Fri 12/16/05 12:06 am Post subject:

The setup makes me drool. After having tried out the zero gravity rod and fondling the reel I can only imagine what it might be like to have them as my own and what I could do with the setup against NE stripers and possible steelhead. Impressive rod, and it gave my loomis cross current a run for their money. Sweetness...

unclebob · Posted: Mon 07/10/06 6:30 pm Post subject: Orvis Zero Gravity

I cast a 9wt Orvis Zero Gravity rod today at the Arlington VA Orvis store. Up on the 3rd floor roof of the parking garage. It was a little windy but it did make me look like a better caster anyway. I was casting 80 ft easy.
I am going back Saturday morning. In order to get my free hat or buy the rod. I am hoping for some lighter winds.
Uncle Bob

LindasJon · Posted: Thu 07/13/06 12:38 pm Post subject:

Having only my single 4 pc., 5 wt. Sage Launch, this would make a great addition. I would love to try my hand at Steelheading...

notime2fish · Posted: Tue 11/21/06 1:53 pm Post subject:

Was happy with my 9footer T3 for steelies. That is until I tried out the new zero grav at ncflyshop. Santa, I believe in you again, how about it?

Bwallace44 · Posted: Wed 11/22/06 5:33 pm Post subject: Best of the Best

highest in quality and durability - all you can really ask for in a rod and reel. I wouldn't pick any other than Orvis.

killermccoy · Posted: Mon 05/21/07 3:30 pm Post subject:

I have fished with Orvis flyrods for about 15 years. I fish a lot for bass and my current rod is a 7wt power matrix. Love all Orvis stuff and would love to have a Zero Gravity.

peterdk · Location: Denmark

I am the owner of an T3 that I use in salt, great rod I would like an Zero Smile

Sounds like a cool rod.
I hope you ship to Denmark Smile

Peter

AlexisMT555 · Location: French West Indies/Guadeloupe

I currently own a T3 9' 11 WT
two zero G 9' 9WT

Two mid arbor Battenkil Pro Guide 5
And two Mach Arbor VI

What can I say?...all these stuff truly outpass the work they are supposed to do. When I try an other rod from an other brand, it's just not what I like.

Orvis always been for me sinonym of Tradition, Purety of the line, High tech materials.

It would be awsome to get a new outfit...It's like christhmas before christhmas so merry christmas to all fliesandfins members and staff. Laughing

Alexis Ducros

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

hey guys ... not so sure how this forum post re-surfaced .. but it was a promo that was run back in 2005 .. and the winner was "emilia" ... maybe we can get another one like this going ... let me check into it .. thanks.

AlexisMT555 · Location: French West Indies/Guadeloupe

That's so funny, the way I run to post here, just seen the word "win" and "gear" not even noticed that the first post date from 2005 Laughing

alex · Posted: Sat 05/26/07 8:00 am Post subject:

The mach arbor reel is a very good tool to have to hold big lines and has a consistent drag that each year must be maintained , but overall is solid The zero gravity rod is made of high quality components but the guides are not big enough to throw big lines . I think they could trick them out with bigger snake guides and barrel guides , just a thought.. For the price very competive and consistent with Orvis merchandise.