Thanks Tom, I had read those links but the greatfeathers site - when I clicked on Hardy nothing ever came up. THis changed sometime yesterday I am very happy
to say. Maybe i DO need one more rod.
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Hardy introducing glass fly rods
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 Rockthief |
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Master Guide
Posts: 978 (11/16/08 11:35:23) |
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Cameron |
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Posts: 2679 (11/16/08 21:39:19)
Administrator &
Chat Room Host |
Rockthief...of course you need another rod! I am wondering if I need another four or five weight more? I am thinking five weight...
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OLD YANKEE |
House of Hardy Trout Fisher 8' 5 WT | ||
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Master Guide
Posts: 179 (11/17/08 09:54:06) |
Hello
Well I finally found the time to devote to sampling the new offering From The House of Hardy. The Trout Fisher 8' 5wt 3.40 oz. is the rod I had the opportunity to put through it's paces ! The Line I sampled the rod with was and Orvis Wonderline WF 5 the reel a Hardy. The rod esthetically is eye candy the thread work and finish truly superb. The reel seat and grip design are reminiscent of the early Palakona 
The only noticeable difference was that the cork filler matched the cork color better on the new model and there was more filler than I would have expected. The use of filler and good grade cork rather than floor grade cork should be expected on production rods, If I were purchasing one of these rods I would defiantly seal the cork before I fished the rod to guard against premature loss of the filler. The rod has 8 guides including the striper personally I would have liked to see one more guide but that is arguably a personal preference not a key point ,again the norm for a production rod. The ferrule was very well done and the fit leaves plenty of room for the effects of time ! Now for the casting the rod loaded with little more than a leaders length of line,the action is progressive and the rod has that sought after and seldom seen punch, short precise cast were a snap,at the mid length 40' the rod was screaming for more line and the action was easy to feel ,I was quickly connected,no need to strip loads of line to pick up the line,the rod has back bone and pick ups were performed with ease.I was able to get 60' of line out with little trouble and the presentations were fabulous throughout !!. I will not try to compare this rod with any other ,thats like comparing children this rod need not a likeness to any other rod and will stand on it's own ! I fell in love with the rod in the first 5 minutes and it wasn't the looks of the rod it was the feel and performance of the rod that won my heart. When double hauling with the rod the rod was wanting more not what you would expect from a 5 weight. I am sure heaver tippets for streamers or bass bug fishing the rod should handle a 6 WT with no problem. The only thing I didn't like was the rod tube cork cap plug the fit was loose and not my idea of how a rod should be stored again a personal preference and you could easily purchase a screw cap to fit the tube if you were so inclined. Now I am bracing at the bit to cast the rest of the series and if they perform like this one the House of Hardy has hit a home run in my opinion. Tight Lines and Hardy Trout Fisher Loops Andy M 
 
'FISH AND VISITORS STINK AFTER 3 DAYS' " DON'T FORGET THE BACKBONE" " REMEMBER TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FISHERY"
Last Edited By: OLD YANKEE
11/17/08 09:58:32.
Edited 2 times.
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Spencer DT |
Andy's Report | ||
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Master Guide
Posts: 58 (11/17/08 21:54:08) |
Delete your last post please, my hand is reaching for my wallet... |
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scud dog |
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Master Guide
Posts: 1120 (12/21/08 20:29:19) |
Ebay has some NIT Hardys. HRGL25, 8'#5 is #300281384739. The 7'6" #4 is #300281214518. The seller's pics are the best I've seen on this
rod thus far.
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creakycane |
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Guide
Posts: 171 (12/22/08 16:00:12) |
Are all the new glass Hardy;s (even the 5' 2 wt) outfitted the same - ie, the seat as shown earlier like the Perfection glass?
I noticed the lightweight reels have dropped in price considerably, too. Anyone waggle the 5' 2wt and can you compare to the little Diamondglass or smallest Scott F? Thanks |
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Flyfishingshaman |
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Sport
Posts: 1 (01/03/09 23:52:21) |
Don't know where they're made; however, Hardy just moved U.S. ops to Lancaster, PA this past year. I just bought the 7' 3wt. Stream ($349) and it
casts like a dream. In practice casting on land, was able (with a little more force) to cast it into a 20mph wind and it handled it fine. Haven't had it on
the water yet so will reserve further judgement. I will say that its action is pretty close to my cane rod and it is very light and comfortable in my hand.
Will report back when I have fished it.
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streamcaster |
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Guide
Posts: 151 (01/04/09 14:06:08) |
Welcome to the board, flyfishingshaman! And thanks for that report. Sounds like a beautiful rod, in appearance and feel. Hope I can affford one when I grow
up.
Regards, Peter |
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 cross creek one |
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Guide
Posts: 108 (01/08/09 12:20:53) |
I was in my local fly shop just this morning. We were talking about the incredible prices being asked for some of the new rods, like the Orvis Ion. I mentioned
that Hardy seems to have found a way to produce well-appointed rods at decent price points, and the manager said that they had recently become a Hardy/Greys
dealer. He then became all gushy about the new Hardy glass rods, which he had recently been able to cast, and he likes their prices for our market. Things are
looking up!
-CC |
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Cameron |
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Posts: 2953 (01/08/09 21:21:15)
Administrator &
Chat Room Host |
Something I noticed this week on the new Hardy glass is that some models have just a cap on the end of the reel seat while others have the retro Hardy reel
foot hold. Which models have what?
Also...for those that haven't read it...the last blog post on The Fiberglass Manifesto is in regards to the Hardy glass.. |
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kinzua |
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Guide
Posts: 82 (01/08/09 22:25:22) |
I believe the two smallest rods, 5' 2wt and 6' 3wt, have the downlocking cap and ring. The rest have the "W" fitting reel seat.
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wacokid54 |
Denver Flyfishing Show | ||
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Master Guide
Posts: 415 (01/09/09 17:13:40) |
I got to the Denver Flyfishing Show today right when it opened, and went straight to the Hardy booth. I cast the 8' 5 wt glass rod, with a 5 WF line and
some model of Hardy reel. I jumped on it so that I could have the casting pond to myself (safer for others that way!). All the glass models on display were a
color pretty close to British Racing Green. Simple dark wraps, white glass spigot ferrules with plenty of room to wear in. Cool cork reel seat with the
"receptacle" for the rear of the reel foot held on to the rod with two screws per side. The Hardy guys told me there is a dowel extension under the
cork that the screws anchor into. The rod seemed pretty ordinary until I got out to mid-range. Then all of a sudden it loaded and shot line nicely, with a
lot of what I call feedback back to my hand as it loaded and unloaded. Very light in the hand for a glass rod. Crisper than any of my vintage rods. Roll
cast well, and I suck at roll casts. I don't own any modern glass to compare it to. I liked it a lot, and wish that I could afford one right now. I
talked at length to these guys, and it sounds like you can expect to see a much higher Hardy profile out in the flyshops as they work harder to push the brand
in the US. The Greys line of low to midrange priced rods (and reels) seemed like good graphite rods...but I did not cast one. Hardy North America might be
interesting to watch.
wacokid54 |
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jkurtz7 |
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Master Guide
Posts: 390 (01/10/09 19:41:23) |
I just handled (didn't get to cast it) the new Hardy 8' 5wt today at the Northern Ohio Fly Tying Expo. The rod is very nice, the workmanship is much
better than I thought it would be.
J.
Last Edited By: jkurtz7
01/12/09 18:25:54.
Edited 1 times.
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Marshall8 |
Denver Show | ||
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Master Guide
Posts: 241 (01/11/09 10:08:29) |
I cast the 7 1/2' 4wt yesterday and there was nothing wrong with it other than I have a preference for heavier reel seats so you can use a light small
diameter reel and still get some balance. Nice crisp action somewhere between Scott/Lamiglass. I think I saw a sticker "made in China". I wiggled
the 8' 5wt and it felt just a hair stronger than the Diamondglass I am familar with.
Marshall |
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Andymanyankee |
HARDY FIBERGLASS MARLBOROUGH MA 01/17/09 | ||
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Master Guide
Posts: 1086 (01/17/09 18:41:28) |
Hello
At the Marlborough MA Fly Fishing Show yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting the Hardy & Greys Limited booth. I was greeted by none other than Jim Murphy President of Hardy North America . The first thing I said to Jim was I am here to cast all the new Hardy Glass, Jim's response was sure we will be glad to accommodate you . As Jim rigged up the 7'6" 4wt I explained that I had cast the 8' 5 wt and did a short review on Fiberglass Fly Rodders of the rod. Jim knew instantly who I was and commented how he knew of me for a time and my reputation ,Jim thanked me for doing the review on one of the first 8'5 weights sold. Jim then introduced me and Josh known as "SNOOK" here on the site and My wife Janet Known here as LADYFISHER to John Shaner we all chatted about fiberglass in general and the introduction of the new Fiberglass from Hardy for a few moments. Soon this very nice gentleman was introduced Charles Jardine and we had a wonderful conversation about the history and development of the new line of Hardy glass rods. The booth became busy so off we went to the casting pond with the 7'6" 4wt . I let out the leaders length of line and did a little load test the rod was beginning to load with 5' of line. Next I striped off another 10' of line and twitched it out effortlessly did a couple of short roll casts stripped off more line and did some more roll casts until there was about 35-40' of line out the rod roll casts like a dream. Now it was time to do some false casting the rod picked up and dispatched line with that feel and grace we all long for in quality fiberglass. Then I tried a few steeple casts, side arm cast, S casts ,double hauls, mends, the rod was like an old friend. I don't like to compare rods but this rod really reminds me of my Kennedy Fisher 7'6" 5 weight and it was as if I had spent many a day fishing it. I handed the rod off to Snook and he put it through his regiment of tests he had a smile that I have seen before. Ladyfisher whom by the way prefers Graphite rods was very impressed with the rod and said "can you make me one of these" ?, My wife loves the rods I make her and is just a bit biased thus predisposed to my rods. Jim brought me the 7' 3 weight next the rod performed very well and is defiantly a true 3 weight the rod was a pleasure to cast ,I was able to hit pin point targets with the precision of a surgeon, the rod will roll cast with great ease and control, a true winner in my book but more of a specialty rod for gin clear small streams and selective trout in my opinion. We took a brief break from the casting and retreated to the booth . Charles and I got chatting about the little 5' 2 wt and Charles being from Britain explained how he preferred long rods for small stream fishing as is the case with most folks in the UK. John suggested that I try the 5' with a 3 weight and Jim agreed that he thought it may be the better choice for me based on my preference for how a fiberglass rod loads. So off to the casting pond I went with the little Banty,In one word all I can say is the rod was FUN to cast. The rod did everything you would want a 5' rod to do on an over grown small stream, roll casts were a breeze as were tight loops and side cast to get under branches etc.Bow and Arrow cast well lets just say I think one of Robin Hoods descendants helped work out the design for this rod. You won't win any distance casting competitions with the little rod but for what the very special lillte rod was designed for I have never cast one better. On a side note when casting this little rod I drew a crowd and many were amazed how well the little banty performed. I didn't get to cast the 6' 3 weight unfortunately none were available next time for sure. I will not go in depth about the Hardy Graphite rods as we are fiberglass fly rod folks here but if any of you are looking for Graphite you should give the Hardy's a good look ! We also had the opportunity to check out the 6' and 7' Hardy Bamboo and all I can say is the fine tradition of Hardy bamboo is alive and well and you should check them out as well if you ever get a chance. I have seen and known many a expert fly caster in my days, I thought I had seen it all ,Most times I don't pay much attention anymore. I had the pleasure of watching Charles Jardine's presentation and demonstration on European Casting Techniques and I was extremely impressed. If you ever have a chance to see Charles give his presentation I strongly recommend you do so. I know the Queen makes appointments and such she should consider knighting Mr Jardine if she hasn't already (No Joke) ! In closing the House of Hardy has listened to the consumer and in the case of the new line of fiberglass rods they have listened to what I believe the majority of us here on Fiberglass Fly Rodders has been asking for. www.hardyna.com Tight Lines and Fiberglass Loops Andy M "FISH AND VISITORS STINK AFTER 3 DAYS" THE GUY THAT SAID MONEY CAN'T BUY YOU HAPPINESS NEVER BOUGHT A FLY ROD FROM ME ! "http://OLD-YANKEE.u.yuku.com/?referredby=OL
Last Edited By: Andymanyankee
01/17/09 19:23:44.
Edited 5 times.
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CreationBear |
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Master Guide
Posts: 284 (01/17/09 19:00:49) |
Andy-- Great review! But now that you and Mr. Murphy are tight, though, could you please lobby for a multi-piece rod? (And if that works, I'll get Mr.
Morgan on speed-dial for you, too...
 )
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jgestar |
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Posts: 3163 (01/17/09 23:35:04) ezOP |
It's a small world. In the mid-80s when I lived in Syracuse, the best place in town for fly tackle and advice was a store called The Troutfitter. The gentleman running the store was the one and only John Shaner, now employed by Hardy & Greys. John kept
the store stocked with the GOOD gear - Ross, Abel, Marryat, and Hardy reels, and Fenwick, Sage, Kusse, and Aroner rods. John also brokered classic cane when
most of us thought it was just Granddad's hand-me-downs. I learned an appreciation of fine tackle from John Shaner. Hardy & Greys is lucky to have
him.
I recently acquired an 8 foot, 5 weight Hardy glass rod. Unfortunately, between weather and work I've only been able to test cast it once. I think Andy's earlier review is a good description of how it handles. The close casts are presented softly, but the rod also handles longer casts with ease and even some snap. This is not the same limber action as the recently discontinued Hardy Perfection. I used an old Cortland Peach DT5 on a Hardy LRH reel and I felt it was a perfect marriage (coincidently, John Shaner sold me that reel 20 years ago). The LRH balances the rod at the front of the grip and is an ideal cosmetic match. Hardy should offer this rod and reel as a package deal (hint, hint). I'm really looking forward to fishing this rod when the ice breaks. Aesthetically, Hardy got it right. The thread wraps are ever so slightly darker than the rod blank with a well done epoxy finish. No football shaped wraps here. The grip is a comfortable cigar style. The reelseat is outstanding. Hardy used a thin walled, tapered, sliding ring with a well shaped stirrup on a cork body. The stirrup and ring taper conform to the reel foot. Slide the ring over the reel foot, squeeze the sides, and give a slight push and turn. The reelseat holds like duct tape. I don't know why more reelseat makers don't produce tapered rings. Hardy gets two thumbs up for sticking with their classic reelseat design. My only quibble with the rod is the ferrule plug. The plug's slit was not deburred. Take a fine file to the plug and knock off the sharp edges before you put it back in the rod tip. Much earlier in this thread, I said Hardy would have to make an impressive rod to compete in this price range. This is an impressive rod. It's pretty, it's well designed, and it casts with feel. Now that I've handled one, I understand the buzz they are creating. With a product this nice and Hardy's new marketing organization, we'll see these rods in stores that haven't stocked glass for decades. It's a good time to be a glass fanatic. Tom CreationBear, This rod feels really good. Maybe it would be as good in a three piece. Maybe not. But if Tom Morgan feels two piece design are best, I won't disagree with him. |
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gearboy |
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Master Guide
Posts: 257 (01/18/09 07:40:28) |
I can't take it anymore. I love this forum but this thread has upset me. Our economy is in the worse condition since the Great Depression and things are on
a slippery downward slope. Winston laid off most of its workers at Christmas, rumor has it that Scott is also in trouble. Hardy, a British company that is
building a rod in Korea, is being touted on this forum as the latest and greatest in glass. I don't get it, don't understand the fuss, and can't
figure out how anyone can support a foreign company building an Asian rod during these lousy times. There are many outstanding U.S. glass makers producing
fine rods for LESS than Hardy. We need to be supporting Mark Steffen, Dwight Lyons, Dave Redington, Lamiglas, T.L.
Johnson and the others. It also bothers me that Hardy is not labeling where these rods are being made. They just mention that the rods are developed in
Alnwick. I think they are embarrassed and ashamed to be producing a glass/graphite rod outside of England.
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Snook65 |
Globalization of the Tackle Market | ||
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Guide
Posts: 127 (01/18/09 09:07:59) |
Respectfully, this topic is beyond the scope of this forum, but a response is warranted. Hardy products have been imported for many, many years; so why
squabble if they are coming via the Atlantic or the Pacific? If the glass rods were designed, tested and produced to tolerances specified by UK Hardy
employees, but built elsewhere, I'm still happy to own one.
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frogmorton |
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Master Guide
Posts: 240 (01/18/09 09:42:54) |
I think it's obvious that US labor is being priced out of the market. I think this is because US companies are forced to pay domestic labor a living
wage,provide a safe work environment and assume some of the costs of health care for their employees. I think these three issues should be considered
fundamental rights to workers everywhere. As long as consumers make it profitable to outsource labor US corporations will contiue to do so. I think this trend
of outsourcing is a large part of the reason unemployment is reaching record levels and why the middle class can't afford a Chevy or Ford much less a
Winston or top of the line Orvis.
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- Welcome, Messages, Claves, News, and FAQs
- Fishing with Fiberglass Fly Rods
- Glass Tech
- Collecting Fiberglass Fly Rods
- What's New on the Market
- Rod Pictures
- Classic Fly Reels
- Another Spin on Glass
- Rod Building & Tackle Tinkering
- The Tying Bench
- Fiberglass Fly Rods For Sale
- Fiberglass Fly Rods Wanted
- Fiberglass Flyrodders Wiki
