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ICAST 2015 Coverage


Cutting-Edge Rods and Reels from Hardy

 

Date: 8/23/15
Location: Orlando, FL
Admission: Buyers & Press Only
Manufacturer: Hardy
Reviewer: Wolbugger








Introduction:
When strolling the aisles of the IFTD show, there are a lot of “must visit” booths. Hardy is one of those. With a long history in the fly fishing marketplace, the legendary brand is always improving and innovating. We met up with the good folks at Hardy to see what's on the horizon!

 
Ultralite CA DD reels make use of ultra-large arbors.

 
The drag knob features color-coded adjustment points.

Ultralite CA DD Reel: These reels were designed by Hardy in England and are Hardy's finest large-arbor freshwater reels to date. Machined from 6061 anodized bar-stock aluminum, they are made to be refined and strong. The enclosed drag is comprised of proprietary carbon fiber and the full range of adjustments can be achieved in less than one 360-degree turn of the dial. Titanium-colored reels can be had in 3/4/5 to 10/11/12 sizes, while black models come in 3/4/5 to 7/8/9 sizes. Look for prices to be around the $275–$329 range.


The internals of the CA DD.....

Ultralite CA MA Reels: The MA (Medium Arbor) DD series touts the same features as the CA DD, just with a medium arbor for extra backing capacity. These reels are titanium in color and range from a 3/4/5 to a 10/11/12. Expect a price range of about $275 to $419.

 
MA DD reels closely resemble their large-arbor relatives.

 
The medium arbor still retains a nice rate of retrieve.


Wraith fly rods exude high-end refinement.


The handle section of the Wraith 7-weight is one of the models featuring a carbon reel seat spacer.

Wraith Fly Rods: These new flagship fly rods use SINTRIX 550 blank construction and an extra-fast action for the highest possible performance. All models come equipped with titanium-framed Fuji stripping guides, black pearl Recoil guides, and Recoil hook keepers. Lighter models sport select hardwood inserts, with heavier fighting butt models are adorned with carbon inserts. These high-end rods will have a price range of $849 to $899 and be available in four piece 9–10 foot lengths and weights from 5 to 8.

 
Hardy Zephrus SWS rods are made to conquer salty environments.

Zephrus Fly Rods: New Zephrus rods are built using SINTRIX 440 construction and produce solid fast actions. Freshwater and All-Water models are adorned with Fuji titanium-framed stripping guides and Recoil black pearl guides. Three series' will be available: Freshwater Series (FWS) that comes in four piece 8–10 foot lengths and 3–6 weights; All-Water Series (AWS) in four piece 9–10 foot lengths and 6–9 weights; Saltwater Series (SWS) in one or four piece in 8-foot 10-inch or 9-foot lengths and 5 to 12 weights. Pricing will range from about $649 to $799.

 
Zephrus SWS Saltwater models utilize Recoil stripping guides.

 
Trout, salmon, and steelhead anglers take notice—there's a new two-hander in town!

 
Jet Switch rods tout the classic two-handed style.

Jet Switch Rods: This brand-new series comes in either 10-foot 6-inch or 11-foot lengths in weight ranges from 4/5 to 8/9. Built with SINTRIX 330 blank construction, these four-piece rods feature fast actions and stainless-framed Fuji guides. All reel seats are comprised of 6061 bar stock aluminum. Prices span from $589 to $599.

 
Howard Croston poses with the new top-tier Hardy Wraith.

Conclusion: What's your preferred target species? Browns? Atlantic Salmon? Tarpon? A Pure Fishing brand since 2013, Hardy makes fly tackle suitable for a huge array of angling pursuits. Not only this, but their products are considered to be some of the finest anywhere. We'll be seeing all the new rods become available in September with the reels hitting retailers in October.

 

   

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