- Small Stream Delight: 2025 Orvis Superfine Graphite Rod Review - September 3, 2025
- Wading Wisdom #13 – Simon Gawesworth - July 7, 2025
- On the Water with the Korkers Bantam Lite - June 26, 2025
There are few rods out there with a tradition quite like the Orvis Superfine.
More than 50 years ago, Orvis premiered the Superfine series and has since reworked it over the decades. While the prior version was a glass rod, the 2025 model is made from graphite. We got our hands on this small rod as a 7’11” #4. Here’s how it went.
Specs and features:
Weight class: 4wt
Length: 7’11”
Price: $598
Action: Slow/Medium
Blank Material: Graphite
4 piece rod
Made in the USA
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Steeped in Tradition
I had first heard about the new Orvis Superfine Graphite rod in my chat with Orvis legend Tom Rosenbauer during the recording of our episode for Wading Wisdom (see below). Tom loves fishing a small stream in his Vermont home. And that’s the type of water this rod is made for.
Design and Build
At first glance you realize that this rod features Orvis’ new color design language. It’s almost a black and white rod. The butt section (see photo above) is pitch black and the lowest section of the blank (where it meets the cork grip) is all white. Orvis introduced the white blank section on their Helios rods and Tom told me in the video that people either hate it or love it.
I have to say that I give credit to the company for going a new road – I like that. In my eyes it gives this rod with a long history a modern touch. But that will be left to each one’s taste.
Besides the color language, the Superfine also features some Helios technology. In the real world this translates to a quick recovery and beautiful tracking. Claiming this in a marketing brochure is one thing but delivering it when it comes to casting is a whole other thing. We got the rod as a #4 coming in at 7’11” – not exactly a long rod but rather something for tight quarters. But boy does this rod have power. I was blown away by how easily I was able to make a precise cast at 50ft. Much more than what was needed on my first day of testing on the River Itchen (see photo below).
On the Water
Obviously, this rod is meant to be a tool of precision for delicate presentations in small waters. But even at longer distances, I hardly lost in terms of accuracy. Rather than when casting the rod, I could feel its limitations when playing a bigger fish (20+”). That’s when you can tell you’re fishing a short stick.
Packabilty
Measuring only 7’11” the Orvis Superfine is a great travel rod for any trout or grayling fisherman as well. I’ll be going to Kenya for some trout fishing on Mount Kenya and I’ll surely bring along this rod for the excursion.
Who’s the Orvis Superfine for?
The Superfine will cost you $598. In my eyes that’s a fair price for a rod that delivers serious performance. It’s ideal if you’re mostly fishing creeks but occasionally need to make a longer cast with a precise presentation. It’s surely for the people who love the tradition of Orvis’ Superfine history but also to translate this heritage into the modern world by the design language and its performance. We paired it with the VR Trutta Perfetta Reel which I think looks great with it.
FAQs: Orvis Superfine Graphite
What material is the blank of the Orvis Superfine made of?
While the predecessor of the Superfine was made of fiberglass, the 2025 Orvis Superfine Graphite is made from graphite as the name suggests.
Can the rod handle different fly fishing scenarios?
Absolutely. While being primarily built for small stream fishing, we had no problem with casts of 50+ feet.
What makes the Orvis Superfine special?
The Orvis Superfine has a long tradition in rod building. With the modern white blank design, Orvis has found a way to make it look contemporary.
Is the Orvis Superfine suitable for travel?
Yes, especially if you get it as a #3 or #4. These rods come in at only 7’11”.
Author Bio
Leonard Schoenberger and his team spend plenty of days out fishing. Their goal is to test and review products for you so you can make a solid purchase decision and improve your fly fishing game. We always express our honest opinions, never get paid for reviews and are proud of our editorial independence.
