Hardy Fly Rods Complete Lineup Reviewed in 2024

A full review of the complete series from Hardy Fly Rods. We’ve broken it down according to price, performance, action, and the sort of rod.
hardy fly rods review

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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  
flyfisherpro-table__imageBest BudgetHardy Shadow Fly Rod
  • High-Quality Components
  • Speedy Blank Recovery
  • Aluminum Reel sSeat
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest Carry-On RodHardy Demon Smuggler
  • 6-Piece Travel Rod
  • Lightweight And Compact
  • Incredibly Accurate
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flyfisherpro-table__imageHardy's ClassicHardy Sirrus Glass
  • Super Smooth
  • High Grade Fitting
  • Sintrix Resin-Infused S-Glass Construction
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest All AroundHardy Zephrus DH
  • SINTRIX 440 Blank Construction
  • 4 Section Design
  • REC Recoil Intermediates
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest LightweightHardy Zephrus Ultralite
  • REC Black Pearl Recoil Guides
  • Custom Designed
  • Optimized Blank Action
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest PremiumHardy Wraith Fly Rod
  • SINTRIX 550 Blank Construction
  • Aluminum Rod Tube
  • Fuji SiC Stripping Guides
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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

Shadow 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

85%
Build Quality
90%
Performance
90%
Weight and Balance
80%
Aesthetics and Design
80%
Price to Value Ratio
80%
Warranty and Brand Reputation
80%
Customer Service
90%
Innovation and Features
90%

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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

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

84%
Build Quality
90%
Performance
80%
Weight and Balance
90%
Aesthetics and Design
80%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Warranty and Brand Reputation
90%
Customer Service
80%
Innovation and Features
90%

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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

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

78%
Build Quality
80%
Performance
70%
Weight and Balance
80%
Aesthetics and Design
80%
Price to Value Ratio
80%
Warranty and Brand Reputation
80%
Customer Service
80%
Innovation and Features
80%

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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 Zephrus Ultralite

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

87%
Build Quality
90%
Performance
90%
Weight and Balance
90%
Aesthetics and Design
80%
Price to Value Ratio
80%
Warranty and Brand Reputation
90%
Customer Service
80%
Innovation and Features
90%

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

85%
Build Quality
90%
Performance
70%
Weight and Balance
100%
Aesthetics and Design
90%
Price to Value Ratio
80%
Warranty and Brand Reputation
90%
Customer Service
80%
Innovation and Features
80%

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

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

83%
Build Quality
90%
Performance
80%
Weight and Balance
80%
Aesthetics and Design
90%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Warranty and Brand Reputation
90%
Customer Service
80%
Innovation and Features
80%

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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

Saltwater

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

84%
Build Quality
90%
Performance
80%
Weight and Balance
90%
Aesthetics and Design
80%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Warranty and Brand Reputation
90%
Customer Service
80%
Innovation and Features
90%

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

89%
Build Quality
90%
Performance
90%
Weight and Balance
90%
Aesthetics and Design
80%
Price to Value Ratio
90%
Warranty and Brand Reputation
90%
Customer Service
90%
Innovation and Features
90%

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!

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