Hardy Day at HRO on Saturday, September 27th, 2008
The Hardy rep will be at Housatonic River Outfitters to do a "Hardy Day" on Saturday, September 27th from 9AM 'till 4PM. He will have various (but not all of them) Hardy & Greys rods & reels to see and try. They truly have revamped their lines and have some amazing and also unusual stuff in the product lineup. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. You can check out our website at www.dryflies.com.
The Hardy US shipping center won't be fully operational until October 15th, and we will have Hardy products in the store right after that. So after you do the Euro Nymphing clinic with Loren & Aaron, we will be able to sell you a 10' #4 rod that won't break the bank- the Sage Z-Axis in that model is fantastic but pricey, in the upper $600 range. The Grey's Streamflex 10' #4 will retail for $300, and they also do a #3 and #5. They are nice looking rods too.
Wait 'till you guys see the current line up of Hardy reels, they are both beautiful and impressive, at a variety of price points.
Re: Hardy Day at HRO on Saturday, September 27th, 2008
There are at least two reasons to visit HRO this Saturday; Torrey is also offering his free river orientation, leaving at 9am.
Re: Hardy Day at HRO on Saturday, September 27th, 2008
(This is an unsolicited review)
Wow! Hardy offers a COMPLETE line of products! In rods and reels literally from soup to nuts, or "bluegills to bluefin!" The Hardy representative, Crosby, was really knowledgeable about all the products. In the rods, I looked at the two series called "Streamflex" and "Marksman." In the reels, I looked at (no kidding) about 20 different ones, including many reasonably priced well-made models.
The highlight was casting the 11ft 5wt Marksman! A joy to cast. Clearly raises the bar for roll casting with an indicator. Well-made with a variety of (included) handle options for switch or fighting butt style, and all presented in a well-thought-out rod bag with compartments for everything. That rod bag sits inside a carbon fiber rod tube and that sits inside a neoprene jacket. The rod has some nice unique Hardy touches for the connoisseur, like brass end caps for each rod section for careful extended storage. Reel seat hardware is lovely, rod finish and build exquisite.
I also cast the 9ft 5wt Marksman and thoroughly examined the Grey's Streamflex 10ft 5wt. The Grey's rod is an excellent value option in a much more traditional (full-flexing) action, perfect for Euro-style fishing.
A great line of products, available from HRO in mid-October.
Re: Hardy Day at HRO on Saturday, September 27th, 2008
Thanks so much for your honest evaluation and great report Alain, which is what we always expect and get from you. Sounds like a great display. I enjoyed reading about the rods you tested.
A question, did you sample any two-handed "spey" rods? Being a european (British company), I would think they'd have an outstanding array of two handed rods. It's even more appealing that they're priced so nicely.
Also, perhaps it has been addressed and I've missed it, but does Hardy offer a warranty?
Thanks again, and btw, why aren't you fishing right now! oh, maybe you're posting via blackberry or other in-transit source (I hope)
Re: Hardy Day at HRO on Saturday, September 27th, 2008
Dave,
Sorry I didn't sample whatever spey rods they had, although Hardy offers an extensive array in their "Angel" and "Swift" lines. I am still sort of intrigued with the in-between "switch" option, since I have little or no spey experience. I need to learn more about the spey offerings from Hardy and Sage.
I asked Crosby about the Hardy warranty and he said it is equal to or better than the Sage warranty (lifetime, original owner I suppose). He mentioned that the warranty repair cost is evaluated by rod section, I think $10/section, plus a small fixed mailing fee. The good news is that the warranty/repair center is located close by in Pennsylvania, so shipping should be fast.
No fishing today, but lots of houswork and laundry... :'( [I bet the Hous is fishing better today, now that flows have leveled and receded]
