Vintage Hardy

Cliff

Cliff

Steelhead
Para Adams was gracious enough to allow me to relieve him of two beautiful vintage bamboo rods this morning. I've been a Medalist guy my entire fly fishing career, being the Chevrolet Biscayne of fly reels was sort of appropriate for me. But now that I have some really snazzy lumber in my closet, I would like to kick it up a few notches. I know very little about Hardy reels, other than they have always been a bit out of my price range and used by Swells. But I HAVE heard then sing. I'd like to finally use one before I depart this world.

So, any suggestions for matching a vintage singing Hardy reel to my newly acquired vintage rods? It would have to be a Perfect, correct? How vintage (or new)? What size for 4/5 wt rods? where is the best place to look for one (anyone here have one they want to sell)? Ron mentioned that I may have a slight advantage in finding one because I hold the rod in my left hand and reel with my right. Apparently, Hardys are setup that way. Thoughts?

Thanks,
Cliff
 
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I think the Princess would be a bit large for a 4/5 weight rod. If you want to use one of the lightweight series, I'd drop one size down from the Princess and get an LRH. The featherweight is a good match for a 4 weight, but a cane rod might be better with the LRH. Some cane rod aficionados might confirm or refute this.

Of course you could get a Perfect, a 3-1/8" would be probably be a good match.
 
I have Islander IR3 for my 5wt rod. It is a beautiful match for bamboo rods

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What lengths are your bamboo rods? If 8’ and under, the LRH is hard to beat! Most LRH’s are convertible, left hand or right hand retrieve. What’s your budget? If the rod is a little tip heavy feeling, St. George would be my second choice. A little more $$$ but awesome reels! The majority are right hand wind. Uniquas are a good in between or another vintage reel that is good quality is Dingley. I have a lot of vintage reels….fortunately I bought them years ago when most were decent prices. Type vintage fly reel on eBay and you’ll have hundreds to look/choose from.
 
A less costly option than a Hardy Perfect might be a vintage Hardy Uniqua. They’re nice reels and are in the 4-5 wt range.

There are other very nice vintage reels that were not made by Hardy that you may not want to overlook.
Both Dingley and Young made some really nice reels that function well, and that can cost less than the Perfect (although certain models can cost much more). A quick google search revealed some nice ones that are currently available.
 
A Hardy Perfect would be just the thing. For a 5 weight granger you'd prob want a 3 1/8" or 3 1/2" narrow. Another classic option would be the 3 1/8" or 3 1/2" JY Young 10B and 16A reels which were sold by various retailers (Farlows called it the Itchen and Alex Martin called it the Thistle). They look a lot like the Perfect,have an agate line guide and are a little bit cheaper. What say you @Greg Armstrong?
 
Guys, I want to thank all of you for your input. There are some really helpful suggestions here. I'm especially encouraged by the non-Hardy suggestions, although I'm still leaning toward the Perfect. Now I have to decide between old and new. Thanks again!
 
If you can find an appropriately sized pre war Perfect you will not only be buying a great reel you will be dressing up your cane rod with a good bit of history. It will thank you for it. The leaded reels have a patina that the enameled reels will never achieve. They wear their age and use proudly.
 
Cliff, I’m excited that YOU are excited about those rods. Two of the finest casting bamboo rods I’ve ever had the pleasure to cast, and not bad to look at either!

Since the door to the bountiful abundance of classic reels is open to you as a RHW guy (I’m jealous), I’d second the idea of a smaller sized Perfect from the 20s-1950s. But a St. George style reel might be even better. The only thing to worry about is finding one small enough. Although those rods are 8-1/2’ and 8’ long, they are a five and a four weight so smaller diameter reels might be better. The other classic Hardy is the Cascapedia if you want to max out the style statement. Re the St George, make sure to search Dingley and Young since both reel makers made beautiful, quality St George style reels for decades. Cheers! Ron
 
Para_Adams said:
Cliff, I’m excited that YOU are excited about those rods. Two of the finest casting bamboo rods I’ve ever had the pleasure to cast, and not bad to look at either!

Since the door to the bountiful abundance of classic reels is open to you as a RHW guy (I’m jealous), I’d second the idea of a smaller sized Perfect from the 20s-1950s. But a St. George style reel might be even better. The only thing to worry about is finding one small enough. Although those rods are 8-1/2’ and 8’ long, they are a five and a four weight so smaller diameter reels might be better. The other classic Hardy is the Cascapedia if you want to max out the style statement. Re the St George, make sure to search Dingley and Young since both reel makers made beautiful, quality St George style reels for decades. Cheers! Ron
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Ron, I am excited. I'm going to try and make it to the upper Yak next week and wet a line. Thanks for mentioning the alternative reels there might be a good idea. Its much appreciated!
 
Dave Westburg said:
A Hardy Perfect would be just the thing. For a 5 weight granger you'd prob want a 3 1/8" or 3 1/2" narrow. Another classic option would be the 3 1/8" or 3 1/2" JY Young 10B and 16A reels which were sold by various retailers (Farlows called it the Itchen and Alex Martin called it the Thistle). They look a lot like the Perfect,have an agate line guide and are a little bit cheaper. What say you @Greg Armstrong?
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All good suggestions.

So many reels, so little time!
 
Guys, I found this Hardy online. What do you think? It's from the late 1950's, so not a pre-war Hardy. Two extra spools. 3-1/8" spool, 1-5/16th frame width, 5.8 oz. $400.00. What do you think? It was be used mostly with that Granger Favorite 8642 and similar sized rods.
 

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I’m not a hardy expert but I think it’s much newer than the 50’s. Maybe 70’s or 80's.
I would look for an earlier one that’s leaded not painted or one of the very newer anodized ones.
 
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