Hardy Marksman reel

The House of Hardy use to be one of the biggest names in fly fishing tackle in Europe and in Japan. Right up to the 1970's every self respecting fly fisherman had either a Hardy rod, a Hardy reel or both. Famous guys, like Zane Grey, ordered custom build reels and rods at The House of Hardy to go after the most exotic (and biggest) fish they could find. After the 70's new brands, like Orvis moved in. Orvis (and later other new brands like Loomis and Sage) started to use more moderns materials and made rods which were fast, instead of the classic slow action which Hardy preferred. Before they realized what was going on Hardy was 'passé', over and out....

Recently Hardy is trying to get a grip on the market again. They kicked out the old management and some new hot shots moved in. I think the guy in charge now use to work for Black & Decker or something like that. With the new management came the new rods, reels and other stuff. Some of it good, some of it bad, some of it very bad and some of it bad AND ugly. (My God, how did they ever come up with gold colored Angel rods? Yak, yak, yak!) And have you seen the prices they ask...man.... 1000 Euro's for a -gold colored- fly rod! (currently that is over $ 1300.- dollars) They must think we are all nuts!
That's why last year I ordered myself a Grey's GRXi rod to fish my beloved little German stream. For about 150 Euro's (!) I got myself a lovely little 7 feet rod for a #2/3 line and it fishes like a dream.... This is the Grey's website.
Now, all I needed was a really small, lightweight reel... When I was in the UK for a family visit I dropped in at 'The Friendly Fisherman' in Tunbridge Wells. (Nice little shop, very kind and knowledgeable owner) And there it was...the new Hardy Marksman reel. I picked it up, turned the handle and I was lost.... Wow, what a lovely design, what a sweet sound and so light....the perfect companion for my little Grey's rod. I have fished it about 10 times last season and I just love it...I just do. .... I know it is made in Korea (something to be expected those days and which would make John James Hardy turn in his grave) but the new design (no axle!) and finish in combination with the price (just over 200 euro's, which is a lot of money for a 'made in Korea' product, I agree) made it THE reel to match my new Grey's rod. In a way...this reel makes me think about my old Ari 't Hart reel, which I still cherish..without the fussy brake system and without the weight... Which brings me to the Hardy Angel reel, designed by good old Ari 't Hart...I really like that reel too and I have one for my #5 outfit.