Hardy is a fly rod and gear brand that has gained respect and an excellent reputation by producing top fly fishing products for over a century.
Brothers William and John Hardy began the company in 1872 and launched their first reel, the Perfect reel, in 1891. While their fishing reels made the Hardy brand famous, they have expanded into fly rods, line, and apparel, too.
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best BudgetHardy Shadow Fly Rod |
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| Best Carry-On RodHardy Demon Smuggler |
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| Hardy's ClassicHardy Sirrus Glass |
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| Best All AroundHardy Zephrus DH |
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| Best LightweightHardy Zephrus Ultralite |
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| Best PremiumHardy Wraith Fly Rod |
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The Hardy brand has always been associated with innovation and respect for tradition, as well as their attention to detail. While it is no longer a family-run company, these values continue to thrive and their products are loved by fly fishers all over the world.
Hardy fly rod models are created using the unique Sintrix material, a special blend of resin, carbon, and nanotechnology.
Here’s a quick guide and review of all the Hardy fly rods available right now. If you’ve been on the search for a high-quality rod for fly fishing, take a look to see what the Hardy brand has to offer.
Hardy Fly Rods for Sale
Here are all the freshwater rods offered by the Hardy brand! We’ve broken it down according to price, performance, action, and the sort of rod, so you can find the right model for you.
Hardy Shadow Fly Rod
Hardy Shadow Specs:
| Line Weight: 4 | Length: 8 – 11ft |
| Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: Cork |
| Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: Supplied in a custom, hard tube |
| Color: Deep Red | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: Hardy Product Warranty and Repair Service | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Key Features
- SiC Stripping Guides
- SINTRIX 220 Technology
- Hard Fabric-Covered Rod Tube
- Silver Anodized Aluminum w/Uplocking Component
- Hardy Worldwide Extended Warranty
Description
The Hardy Shadow fly rod is one of Hardy’s most affordable, yet it’s made from high-quality components with an aluminum reel seat. You’ll be impressed by the speedy blank recovery, smooth loading, and ease of use that the Shadow offers.
Check out our full Hardy Shadow review here.
Hardy Demon Smuggler
Hardy Demon Smuggler Specs:
| Line Weight: 4 – 8 | Length: 8 – 9ft |
| Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: RHW / FW+EH |
| Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: Custom Aluminium tube |
| Color: Metallic Green | Sections: 6 |
| Warranty: Hardy Product Warranty and Repair Service | Country Of Manufacture: UK |
Overall Score
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Key Features
- AmTac Ti Stripping Guides
- Silver Anodized Aluminum w/Uplocking Component
- SINTRIX 330 Technology
- Aluminum Rod Tube
- Hardy Worldwide Extended Warranty
Description
If you are the sort of angler who’s always checking out new places, don’t miss the Demon Smuggler. This 6-piece travel rod is the ideal rod to put in your carry on or backpack and head to a new fishing destination. While the price is pretty high, you’ll soon see why. It’s lightweight and compact with incredible accuracy and enough punch to cast long distances. Add this to your cart if you’ve been looking at travel fly rods!
Hardy Sirrus Glass
Hardy Sirrus Glass Specs:
| Line Weight: 2 – 5 | Length: 9 – 11ft |
| Action: Parabolic | Handle: Cork Handle |
| Rod Weight: 1.9 – 3.2oz | Rod Tube: Condura Rod Tube |
| Color: Caramel | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: Hardy Product Warranty and Repair Service | Country Of Manufacture: UK |
Overall Score
Key Features
- Classic styling
- SINTRIX® resin impregnated.
- Super smooth deep loading action
- S glass construction
- High grade fittings and finish
Description
On the search for a classic glass fly rod? Check out the Sirrus Glass by the Hardy brand! This rod has that classic feel and slow parabolic action, allowing the blank to flex deeply, protect your tippet, and lift bigger fish than you would expect! Plus, you’ll get super smooth casts and convincing, natural presentations, all for an affordable price.
Hardy Zephrus Fly Rods
Zephrus DH Specs:
| Line Weight: 3 – 9 | Length: 8 – 10ft |
| Action: Fast | Handle: Cork |
| Rod Weight: 2.5 – 4.0oz | Rod Tube: Aluminium tube |
| Color: Green triaxial carbon | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: Hardy Product Warranty and Repair Service | Country Of Manufacture: UK |
Overall Score
Zephrus DH
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Zephrus Ultralight Specs:
| Line Weight: 2 – 5 | Length: 8 – 9ft |
| Action: Fast | Handle: Cork |
| Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: Aluminium tube |
| Color: – | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: Hardy Product Warranty and Repair Service | Country Of Manufacture: UK |
Overall Score
Zephrus Ultralight
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Key Features DH
- Fuji Titanium Stripping Guides
- Aluminum Rod Tube
- Silver Anodized Aluminum w/Downlocking Component
- SINTRIX 440 Technology
- Hardy Worldwide Extended Warranty
Description
The Hardy Zephrus series is available in a range of different models, including freshwater Zephrus, all-water Zephrus, and the two-handed Zephrus DH. The Zephrus range is the sort of fast action rod that is incredibly versatile on the water, across all distances and for all fly fishing techniques.
You can use the Zephrus DH in all environments, and it provides the precision and the power you need. If you are looking for a workhorse rod that can handle every type of water, the Zephrus AWS has the hardware suitable for both freshwater and corrosive salt water. It’s equipped with an aluminum reel seat, large guides, and greater power to cover those long distances offshore.
The Zephrus Ultralite is different from the other Zephrus models due to its medium-fast action. By dialing down the speed and stiffness of the Zephrus Ultralite, you get more sensitivity and responsiveness as a result. So if you’ve been on the search for an excellent fly rod for delicate presentations and incredible accuracy, add the Zephrus Ultralite to your cart.
All the Hardy Zephrus are at the high end of the price scale, but provide amazing quality. If your budget can stretch to the Zephrus rod by the Hardy brand, you won’t be disappointed. Test one out at your local fly shop to see for yourself!
Hardy Wraith Fly Rod
Wraith AWS Specs:
| Line Weight: 2 – 5 | Length: 9 – 10ft |
| Action: Fast | Handle: – |
| Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: – |
| Color: – | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: Hardy Product Warranty and Repair Service | Country Of Manufacture: UK |
Overall Score
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Key Features
- Fuji SiC Stripping Guides w/Titanium Frame
- Sintrix 550
- Aluminum Rod Tube w/cloth cover
- Dual Uplocking
- Worldwide Extended Warranty
Description
When it comes to action, the Hardy Wraith AWS and the Hardy Wraith FWS take it to the next level! Both packing ultra-fast action, these rod models can handle big flies, long distances, and strong winds, no problem. Both come in with a high price of over $800, but if you are looking for a premium fly rod, they don’t disappoint.
The Wraith AWS and FWS are both stiff rods, but they perform when it comes to line speed, blank recovery, and accuracy. The difference between these two lies in the hardware – the AWS (All Water Series) is suitable for saltwater while the FWS isn’t. Both models have Fuji titanium stripper guides, black pearl recoil guides, a double uplocking reel seat, and a reversed half-wells cork grip. The construction and finish are completed to the highest standard, just as you’d expect from any Hardys fishing rod.
Hardy Saltwater Fly Rods
Demon Specs:
| Line Weight: 6 – 10 | Length: 9ft |
| Action: Fast | Handle: Full-Wells |
| Rod Weight: 3.7 – 4.3oz | Rod Tube: Custom Aluminum Rod Tube |
| Color: Metallic Olive | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: Manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty | Country Of Manufacture: UK |
Overall Score
Demon
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Zephrus SWS Specs:
| Line Weight: 5 | Length: 9 – 10ft |
| Action: Fast | Handle: Cork |
| Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: Supplied in a custom, hard tube |
| Color: Golden Olive | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: Hardy Product Warranty and Repair Service | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
Zephrus SWS
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Description
If you’re looking for a sturdy, durable rod for fly angling on saltwater, Hardy has two specially designed saltwater type rods. You can choose between the Hardy Demon and the Hardy Zephrus SWS (saltwater series).
The Demon is a fast action, 4-piece rod that is available in 3-8 weights, and from 7′ to 14’9″ in length. The Demon is lighter, more durable, and offers better comfort and balance in hand. Not only is it perfectly suited to saltwater, but it works wonders on rivers, creeks, and streams too. If you’re on the search for the ideal all-rounder fly fishing rod, check out the Hardy Demon.
The Hardy Zephrus SWS is an impressive saltwater rod that packs plenty of power and can cut through strong winds. It comes with a high price, but for this price you get a super-strong butt section, loads of feel, and quick recovery. The Zephrus SWS is constructed from Sintrix 440 material, and is up to any saltwater conditions.
Hardy Rods FAQ
Are Hardy fly rods worth the money?
Hardy fly rods are highly regarded in the fishing world and are often seen as being worth their price tag. While their rods may be more expensive than some other brands, the quality, craftsmanship, and performance is often seen to be worth the extra cost. In addition, Hardy has a great reputation for customer service and warranty support, which can be important factors when making an investment in a fly rod.
How do I choose the best fly rods from Hardy?
Choosing the best Hardy fly rods will depend on a number of factors such as your budget, the type of fishing you plan to do, and personal preferences. It is best to research different models to determine which one will best suit your needs. It is also helpful to read reviews from other anglers to get an idea of how well the rods perform. Additionally, speaking with an experienced fly fishing guide or instructor can be a great way to get personalized advice on which rod would be best for you.
Is Hardy a reliable fly fishing company?
Yes, Hardy is a reliable fly fishing company. They are known for making high-quality rods that are built to last. Additionally, they have a great reputation for customer service and warranty support.
Who owns Hardy fishing?
Sycamore Partners own Hardy, having purchased the company in 2018.
Where are Hardy fly reels made?
Hardy reels are made in Alnwick, England. They have been produced in the same location by hand for the last 120 years, refining age-old traditions and techniques to create superior products.
The Wrap Up
So there you have our guide to fly rods by the Hardy brand. While these rods are high up on the price scale, we’re of the view that the impeccable quality and innovative designs make them worth the money. Every type of fly rod is honed to meet the angler’s needs in every sort of situation that might occur on the water! The Hardy brand is constantly looking for new ways they can add value and improvements to their fly gear or create an exciting new fly reel or rod.
You can add any of these fly rod models to your fly gear by buying from any reputable online retailer, or find your nearest local shop here. Drop us a comment to let us know what you think of the brand – do you have a Hardy fly rod? If not, are you tempted to buy one? We’d love to know!
