Hi folks,

after reaching the end of my tether with Hardy reels (every single one I've owned has developed a serious fault within a year), I'm in the market for a new lightweight stream reel (2/3 wt).

Large arbour, click and pawl only, under £200. To go with a 6' 2wt, and an 8'6 3wt What do people recommend?

I'd most like one of the old Sage 3100s, but they can't be had for love or money!

Hardy Featherweight! It's not a large arbor reel - but you wont get any problems with it either!

What model Hardy Reels Have you had problems with?? I have 4, in the Hardy lightweight range; and they seem bomb proof! Two of them are old models and two are new models; and there's no difference in them.

hello which hardy reels did you purchase and what did you do, return to shop or hardy bros, there must be an orvis reel you like? with lifetime warranty.

I had a Demon (for reservoirs), which went back to Hardy twice, and then was replaced. The replacement then developed the same fault...

I had a Marksman 2/3. First, ordered a spare spool - which, on arrival, turned out to have a thread that was cut too shallow, so couldn't be screwed on properly. That was replaced. Then the bearings gave out.

And I have a Marksman 3/4 - and the bearings have just given out and it has gone back to Hardy for repair.

I look after these things with the utmost care, and have reels by other manufacturers which never have any problems.

Very sad - I reely (sic) like the Marksman, but know that it can't be trusted.

What seems to happen is that Hardy design a beautiful and highly functional reel, but leave one critical flaw that renders it completely useless. Take the Marksman: who in their right mind puts an exposed bearing race in a tool that is *garunteed* to end up in almost certainly gritty water??

Mostyn: as an avid follower of your many posts, your opinion carries great weight, but I'm afraid I just can't like traditional arbour reels!

Matt,

For large arbor - Give the Orvis LA 1 a try! I'm sure you wont be disappointed!

hello seems you have had some unlucky time with those reels, i think hardy gear today is not same quality as older reels. i am sure mostyn will give you some good info on high end reels, i dont use as think most are over priced, there is some good deal reels on here recently. anyway good luck

Matt, if you want a very simple click and pawl reel, which is very light and foolproof have a look at the Vision GT#2/4, they are SUPERB.
I have just purchased its big brother the GT#4/5 came this morning from Bakewell fly fishing, they are on here, under trade members.
Speak to Simon, their prices are extremely good, and you will get the #2/4 for under £100.
I have a Marksman as well as many other Hardys, and mine has been fine touch wood, but I see your point.

PM me if you want more contact details.
Steven.
Contact Simon on here.
http://bakewellflyfishing.co.uk/

Take a look here, to see the reel.
http://www.anglingclassics.co.uk/Vision_GT.html

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

Have a look at a Vision GT 2/4 - ultra light and beautifully made

Thanks very much folks - Vision GT it is!

Now I'll just have to save up for a Cult to go with it...

Sorry to hear that you've had problems with Hardy reels. I've multiple ultralite discs, golden prince, the new uniqua and a demon, and they all work perfectly.

The only reel I had real problems with was a Hardy Marksman. After 6 months light to normal use the ball bearing seized? It was sent back to Hardys and fixed without question but was never really 'right' after that. Needless to say, it got sold and use my trusty golden prince 2/3/4 to small/medium stream work.

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Life is like a box of choclates. Ya never know what ya gonna get.

Forrest Gump 1994