Since 1874, Hardy has sold superior river and sea fishing tackle, but it wasn’t until 1891 that they began manufacturing their own products. The first Hardy Perfect reel was an unimaginable success that’s still being made today. Such fine quality is exceedingly rare in today’s planned obsolescence market.
Hardy has not bowed to mediocrity. Though Hardy is known for collectible angler equipment, they aim for function and ingenuity in addition to allure. Their commitment to improvement has led to the development of several different lines of Hardy Fly Reels.
History of Hardy Fly Reels
These are most of the Hardy Fly Reel models and the timeframe thy were manufactured.
Sometimes you can find one of these gems at Ebay.
Hardy Bougle Fly Reel
The Bougle was relaunched in 2013 for it’s 110th birthday.
Bougle (1903 – circa 1940)
Bougle (2013 – now)
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Hardy Cascapedia Fly Reel
Cascapedia Dural ( 1937 – 1939)
Cascapedia Ebonite (1932 – 1936)
Cascapedia Mk (1-500 Numbered) (cira 2000 – 2003)
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Hardy Featherweight Lightweight (1960 – current)
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Hardy Flyweight Lightweight (1951 – current)
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Hardy Golden Prince (1984 – circa 1997)
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Hardy Lightweight Fly Reel (1936 – 1964)
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Hardy LRH Lightweight (1951 – current)
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Hardy Marquis (1970 – 1999)
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Hardy Perfect Fly Reel
Perfect – Brass Faced (1889 – 1910)
Perfect – Contracted (1899 – 1917)
Perfect – Contracted with Line Roller (1909 – 1910)
Perfect – Mk I (1917 – 1921)
Perfect – Mk II (1921 – 1967)
Perfect – Silent Model reintroduced Second Pattern (1931 – circa 1939)
Perfect – The Special (1905 – circa 1940)
Perfect (1890-1967/ 1976 – 1995)
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Hardy Prince (1984 – circa 1997)
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Hardy Princess (1953 – 2003)
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Hardy Sovereign Fly Reels
Sovereign 2000 (1999 – 2001)
Sovereign Golden (1990 – 1997)
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Hardy St. Aidan Lightweight (1964 – 2003)
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Hardy St. Andrew Lightweight (1961 – 1964)
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Hardy St. George (1911 – 1983/2003)
St. George Jr. (1928 – 1963/2001 – 2003)
St. George Multiplier (1927 – 1939)
St. George Salmon (1920 – 1924)
St. George Silent Check (1920 – 1934)
St. George Trout with Silent Check (1920 – 1926)
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Hardy St. John (1923 -1990/2003)
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Hardy Sunbeam (1924 – 1957)
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Hardy Uniqua Fly Reels
Uniqua – Brass Drum Pattern (1903)
Uniqua (1903 – 1959)
Uniqua Salmon (1909 – 1959)
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Hardy Viscount 150 Mk 1 (1969 – 1978)
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Hardy Zenith Lightweight (1960 – 2003)
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Hardy Lightweight:
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Their most budget-friendly option is the Hardy Lightweight, a reel constructed from high-grade anodized aluminum. Its classic design is packed with modern features, including a precision click-check and easy change spools. The fact that the spools are interchangeable with ones made as far back as 1972 speaks to the durability of Hardy equipment.
Hardy Bougle:
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The Hardy Bougle turned 110 in 2013. A reel with that much history is not likely to disappoint. The Bougle’s deep anodized, hand polished aluminum is finished in Pearl Silver, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the hand. A wide-ranging check system, rolling pillar, reversible click-check and easily convertible hand wind ability complete the magnificent angling reel.
Hardy Fortuna:
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At the top of the line is the Hardy Fortuna-X. The Fortuna is waterproofed at seven points, has quick-release spools, includes a tool to simplify left to right-hand wind change and is saltwater safe. The Fortuna-X is touted as one of the best saltwater reels in the industry, able to withstand even the strongest Salmon. They offer one other saltwater reel, the Hardy Ultralite SDS. The SDS has many of the same features as the Fortuna-X, but in a lightweight package.
Hardy Ultralite:
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The last three fly reels found at Hardy are the Ultralite MA Reel, the Ultralite CADD Reel and the impressive Dutchess Reel. The two Ultralites are disk drag reels with captive spool release. The MA’s mid arbor design makes it the right choice for high line anglers. The CADD is built with an ultra large arbor.
Hardy Dutchess:
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The Dutchess is a click-check reel made at Hardy’s home in Alnwick, England. It is made from hand-crafted aluminum and features a wooden handle, split cage frame design and a vented frame and spool.
Hardy is continually mentioned as one of the best makers of rods and reels. Anyone browsing their selections will surely see why.
Hardy Fly Reels came about in the late 1800’s in Alwick, England when the Hardy brothers began developing a line of quality reels and accessories. They provide much of the history behind mid to modern fly fishing and have continually introduced and developed a wide variety of fly reels.
The “Perfect”, designed in the 1890s, was the first reel to incorporate ball bearings and is believed to be one of the best designs of the time. Hardy continues to produce quality products today though not all carry the Hardy name.
History of Hardy
History – Since 1872
There are people all over the world who like to fish, and there is a name in the universal sports language – Hardy.
For more than a hundred years, Hardy has been known as a manufacturer of the best fishing gear in the world – a synonym for quality and perfection. This reputation is not easy to gain, but it has never been weakened in the long history of the company.
The story of Hardy began in 1872, when William Hardy settled gunsmith in his hometown of Alnwick, Northumberland. A year later, he received the support of his brother John James and founded the Hardy Brothers Partnership. The quality of the weapons they sold ranged from hunting rifles to pistols. But despite his success, the Hardy brothers’ passion for fishing soon required a change of direction. His favorite hobby was his profession, and Hardy earned a reputation as a reed and reed.
Originally wooden posts made of lancet wood, bakery and green heart were produced, but since 1880 bamboo has been added to them. The company was the first to invent a system for making hexagonal bamboo rods. Hardy Palacon’s bamboo rod won the company’s first gold medal in 1881. Durable products ceased to be won only when there were no other gold medals at these exhibitions.
The first Hardy “Perfect” coil was patented in 1891. This design has proved itself for a long time and, despite one or two small modifications, today the same basic model is produced. Throughout its history, the company has been responsible for some of the most radical achievements in the development of explosive devices. It was the first company to launch bridge rings, spiral locks, bolt locks, split connections, “W” handles and screw handles for salmon and trout. He developed ball bearing rollers and was the first to install a control mechanism in a roller bearing, and in 1911 introduced the first large roller.
The innovative strength of the company is proof of the wealth of know-how invested in it. Among the three generations of Hardy involved in the company were great fishermen, starting with John James, who became the world casting champion. His nephew “LRH” became the most famous fisherman of his time: his starting skills reached almost legendary proportions. James L. Hardy (JLH), grandson of William’s founder, continued the tradition of casting the tournament. He had 25 UK national professional records, 10 UK professional records and was a three-time world champion in Custer. Jim left the company in early 1992 and worked as a product development consultant; his long-awaited family history, Hardy, was published in 1998.
Although Hardy remains a family business for much of his history, his success means he won’t be a partner for long. The company was founded in 1907 as a limited liability company and listed on the stock exchange in 1928. In 1933, Hardy Brothers (Alnwick) Limited expanded its activities to include the production of golf clubs. Although strong wooden golf clubs also received a high degree of recognition, the company was introduced to the market in 1935 with the introduction of steel mines. Instead, the company established itself as an absolute specialist in fishing gear. Despite a brief stop during the Second World War, when the company produced ammunition, it continued to expand its product range.
Alnwick, England, became known as the birthplace of this fishing establishment, and the annual Hardy catalogue became a “Bible” for those looking for knowledge or the best fishing gear – these catalogues became collectibles.
Hardy’s list of followers is as impressive. No fewer than 10 real-life tasks, including those of the late King George V and the last three princes of Wales, were entrusted to Hardy in this century.
In 1967, Hardy Brothers (Alnwick) Limited became a wholly owned subsidiary of Harris & Sheldon Group Ltd. The collapse of the industry in the late 1970s led to a three-day collapse in 1983. This was the weakness of the company. Despite the difficult circumstances of the time, the company retained its intact reputation and was the first to patent a graphite volatile core that surpassed glass fibre in its characteristics.
The Hardy coil won the first American award for outstanding design, and in 1984 Hardy House of Hardy became the first non-Japanese manufacturer to receive the Japanese industrial design award, which was awarded not only once, but five times.