Hardy Longstone
The Hardy Longstone fly reel is a modern, high-performance reel from Hardy, designed for anglers seeking a combination of lightweight design, robust construction, and a smooth, powerful disc drag system. It’s positioned as a versatile reel suitable for a range of fishing scenarios, from trout fishing to targeting larger species in both freshwater and saltwater environments. While it carries the Hardy name, it represents a departure from their classic click and pawl designs, embracing contemporary reel technology.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and Strong Construction: The Longstone is machined from high-grade bar stock aluminum, resulting in a reel that is both lightweight, reducing fatigue during long fishing days, and incredibly strong and durable to withstand the demands of various fishing situations.
- Smooth and Powerful Disc Drag System: A key feature of the Longstone is its sophisticated disc drag system. This system is designed to provide a wide range of smooth and consistent drag pressure, crucial for protecting delicate tippets when playing smaller fish and offering the stopping power needed for larger, more powerful species. The drag is often sealed or partially sealed to protect it from the elements.
- Large Arbor Design: The large arbor spool ensures rapid line retrieval, which is advantageous when trying to keep up with fast-running fish. It also minimizes line memory, leading to better casting performance.
- Saltwater Safe Options: Many models of the Longstone are designed to be saltwater safe, featuring corrosion-resistant materials and finishes, as well as sealed drag systems. This makes them versatile for both freshwater and saltwater angling.
- Ergonomic Handle Design: The reel is equipped with an ergonomically designed handle that provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet or when fighting fish under pressure.
- Easy Spool Release: The spool release mechanism is designed for quick and easy spool changes, allowing anglers to adapt to different fishing conditions by switching lines.
- Modern Aesthetic: The Longstone features a contemporary design that appeals to modern anglers, often with machined detailing and a sleek finish.
- Supplied with a Protective Case: The reel typically comes with a protective case, often made of neoprene or a hard shell, for safe storage and transport.
Specifications (Specifications can vary depending on the specific model and year of manufacture, but here’s a general overview):
- Model: Longstone (often with a size designation like #3/4, #5/6, #7/8, #8/9, #10/11)
- Line Rating: Available in a range of sizes to accommodate various line weights, from light trout lines to heavier lines for salmon, steelhead, and saltwater species.
- Weight: Varies depending on the size, but generally designed to be lightweight for its class, typically ranging from around 4 to 8 ounces.
- Diameter: Varies depending on the size, often ranging from around 3 to 4.5 inches.
- Capacity: Designed to hold ample backing, especially in the larger sizes for targeting powerful fish. For example, a #7/8 model might hold WF7 + 150 yards of 20lb backing.
- Drag System: Sealed or partially sealed disc drag system, often featuring carbon or composite discs for smooth and powerful performance.
- Material: Machined from bar stock aluminum, often 6061-T6.
- Finish: Anodized, often with specific treatments for saltwater resistance in relevant models.
- Hand Retrieve: Convertible Left/Right.
In summary, the Hardy Longstone fly reel is a modern, high-performance reel that blends lightweight design with robust construction and a powerful disc drag system. It’s a versatile option suitable for a wide range of fly fishing scenarios, from delicate trout presentations to battling larger fish in both freshwater and saltwater. The Longstone represents Hardy’s commitment to incorporating contemporary reel technology while maintaining their reputation for quality and reliability. It’s a strong choice for anglers who demand performance and versatility from their fly reel.
