Hardy Classic Flyweight 

Score  4.43

6', 2-Piece, MSRP $299.99, AA  60, ERN  1.92

 

Jim Stuard's Comments:  Basically, same as the ‘Aln’ but with more power. It’s still a true 2wt and works fine in that regard. I could turn over a bit larger fly and had less trouble with the 6-8” bluegill I was catching than with the ‘Aln’ and it may be an even better looking rod. The packaging and detailing of the rod is impeccable. I’d call it tops in the shootout. This is probably my favorite true 2wt. My scoring may reflect this.

 

Joe Cornwall's Comments:  I'm almost left without words for this one.  It's simply a beautiful rod designed to the simplest of standards; flawlessly deliver a minute fly to a precise target with minimal editorial effect.  The rod is simply there, one can't think about it when in the hand.  It's an extension of the hand.  As much as I loved the St. Croix Imperial, I found this rod to be its equal and then some.  This is an enchanting rod, almost too precious to use on anything other than the most picturesque of streams.

 

The line speed this rod develops is impressive, considering its diminutive scale.  If you cast a very small fly, a size 20 or smaller, then this rod is quick and capable of surprising distances.  Like any other 6-foot rod, I think the maximum practical reach is 35 to 40-feet.  The Flyweight has a slightly smaller maximum fly size than the Aln, undoubtedly due to this increased line speed.  I'd suggest this rod tops out with a size 14 dry fly, providing its not too heavily hackled.  A size 14 pheasant tail nymph was a pleasant and appropriate load, and the furled leader and 2lb test fluorocarbon tippet responded to the slightest command from the caster.  The Flyweight is a truly fine angling instrument.  I'm confident the folks at Hardy will take that as high praise.

 

Jeremy Kurtz's Comments: This rod is a small stream fisherman's delight. It casts very well from short to medium range, and roll casts excellent. This rod is on the slower end of medium action and silky smooth. It's a comfortable rod to cast and very pleasurable. It's very light in the hand as well.

The blank is very well finished with a pleasing burgundy color. The wraps and guides are top notch. I would call the cork super grade, and the reel seat hardware, while not top of the line, is eminently usable.

The rod tube is aluminum, and features a nice varnished cork stopper. The tube fits into an outer bag. The rod bag itself is well made and has a small pocket for the ferrule plug, yeah that's right, this rod has a ferrule plug. A very nice touch.

This isn't a rod for larger fish, it does however let smaller fish show off quite well. An excellent choice for small trout and panfish. If your looking for a fantastic small stream stick, this is it. A very elegant rod!

 

Paul Feldman's Comments: The packaging for this rod can best be described as ultra classy. The aluminum rod tube is inside a rod bag and has a cork stopper instead of a screw cap. Inside the tube is another rod bag with the rod inside. The female ferrule has a machined aluminum ferrule plug that you store in a Velcro closed pocket in the rod bag flap! When you finally get your rod assembled, you are left with this pile of “stuff” to deal with! As I said, this is classy but a slight pain in the neck!

The rod itself is “drop dead gorgeous”! The grip is high quality and the perfect configuration for an ultra-light rod. It is short, but long enough for your hand.  It has a cap and ring reel seat with a cork spacer. The rod markings appear to be in beautiful hand script and all other finishing is perfection as well. This is one beautiful rod!

The rod cast a very nice short line, but will collapse if you try to push it too far. It surely won’t roll cast, but what 6-foot rod will? It has adequate strength for playing a fish and was accurate at short range. I have to admit that I’m not overly fond of 6’ rods , but I’d like to fish this one for a day.

 

Manufacturer's Comments:

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