The Hardy Story
The Hardy story began in 1872 in Alnwick, Northumberland, when William Hardy established his shop, soon joined by his brother John James. While initially gunsmiths, an advertisement in 1874 marked their entry into fishing tackle, a move that would define their legacy.
This partnership blossomed, driven by JJ's inventive mind and William's financial acumen. They quickly moved beyond simply selling tackle, realizing the need to manufacture their own superior quality products. This led to the launch of their most famous creation, the Perfect reel, in 1891, setting a precedent for in house innovation. Hardy's pioneering spirit continued, eventually leading to their significant contributions to modern carbon rod manufacturing.
The Hardy Rod Advantage
Choosing a Hardy fly rod means acquiring a distinct advantage on the water, particularly for anglers seeking premium, high performance options.
Timeless Performance: Hardy rods combine classic artistry with cutting edge design, offering a casting experience that feels both traditional and incredibly advanced. They excel in a variety of fishing scenarios, from delicate dry fly presentations to powerful Spey casts.
Exceptional Feel and Control: Designed for optimal balance and responsiveness, Hardy rods provide a deep connection to the line and the fish. This translates to superior sensitivity for subtle takes and precise control during the fight.
Built for Durability: Constructed from the finest materials and undergoing rigorous testing, Hardy rods offer remarkable resilience. They are engineered to perform reliably season after season, even in demanding angling environments.
A Symbol of Excellence: Owning a Hardy rod is more than just having a fishing tool; it's holding a piece of angling history and a symbol of uncompromising quality recognized worldwide.
Technology: SINTRIX Reinforcement
Hardy rods showcase advanced material science and thoughtful engineering, particularly through their pioneering SINTRIX technology. Developed in collaboration with 3M, SINTRIX is a unique resin system incorporating microscopic silica nano spheres.
Enhanced Strength: The silica nano spheres evenly surround every individual carbon fiber filament, creating a matrix of strength throughout the rod. This technology is especially effective at resisting compression, the primary cause of carbon fiber weakening and breakage.
Light as a feather: SINTRIX technology has led to astonishing results, achieving up to 60% increases in strength and up to 30% savings in weight compared to traditional carbon fiber constructions.
The right SINTRIX for the job: Hardy offers different levels of SINTRIX technology across its rod range (SINTRIX 330, 440, and 550), each providing significant and tangible benefits in terms of strength, impact resistance, and weight reduction. See individual models for further details.
Optimized Performance: This advanced composite allows for lighter, more responsive blanks with faster recovery, enhancing casting accuracy and feel.
FAQs
Are Hardy Fly Rods worth the price tag? Higher quality rods offer distinct benefits. Better materials typically last longer. If you seek a reliable tool designed for longevity, prestige rods with superior components are essential. Materials like higher grade cork, robust line guides, and advanced reel seats are standard with Hardy Rods.
Modern performance fly rods, including Hardy, also incorporate strength enhancing technology into their carbon blanks. These rods boast an impressive strength to weight ratio. While the carbon blank itself has a limited thickness, the inclusion of extra strength material ensures you gain maximum value from your top end purchase.
Will I cast further with a Hardy rod? Casting distance depends on many variables including correct line matching, casting technique, and rod recovery speed. A Hardy fly rod will not compensate for poor technique. However, moderate to advanced casters will find a noticeable performance gain.
Lightweight blanks that recover quickly allow for faster tip speed, directly increasing casting range. Advanced casting techniques like double hauling, coupled with a quality fly line, will also significantly boost casting performance.
What is SINTRIX technology? SINTRIX is a proprietary composite material used in Hardy rods that incorporates 3M's silica nano spheres into the resin system, significantly increasing strength and reducing weight compared to traditional carbon fiber.
Do Hardy rods come with a tube and rod bag? Yes, most Hardy fly rods are supplied with a custom aluminum tube and a cloth bag for protection and transport.
Are Hardy rods suitable for saltwater use? Yes, Hardy produces specific rod series designed for saltwater applications, featuring appropriate actions and corrosion resistant components.
How do I clean and maintain my Hardy rod? After each use, wipe down the blank and cork with a damp cloth. Ensure all joints are clean and dry. Applying a light coat of household candle wax to the ferrules every few outings can help prevent wear and sticking. Store the rod in its bag and tube in a cool, dry place.
Warranty Information
Every new Hardy carbon or glass fiber rod is covered by a Worldwide Extended Warranty for the lifetime of the product.
This warranty applies only to the original owner and does not cover lost or stolen sections, normal wear and tear, or any associated consequential liability. If a model is discontinued, Hardy may offer a comparable rod from their current range at a discounted price. If purchased from us, Angling Active can assist with your warranty claim.
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