WTB: Hardy Princess

[Sheepdog8404]

Looking for a Hardy Princess for my new rod. Let me know what ya got!

Tight lines,
Gary

[DLJeff]

Gary -
I have a Hardy Featherweight that's in very good condition with original zipper case and brochure I might be willing to part with. Also have either an Abel 0.5 or an Abel "O" I'd be willing to sell. PM me if you think they might fill your need.
Doug

[Rich Morrison]

Good reels. There are several on ebay right now. You may also want to look into a Heddon 320, Berkley 550, or Eagle Claw EC-12. Those are all clones of the Princess and can be had for a lot less $$. I have a number of the equivalent LRH clones and they are excellent value and very serviceable reels.

[Sheepdog8404]

Doug, thanks for the offer but I think the featherweight is a bit small for the application. I need a reel to go on my new 1073 ACR troutspey. If you could send me some pictures on the Abels Id like to take a look at them!

Rich, I am not familiar with those reels but I will take a look at them. Thank you!

[arrow1347]

I have several in good used fishable cond. with an extra spool. what are you willing to pay.

[Sheepdog8404]

Arrow, sent you a pm!

[richarde206]

Looking for a Hardy Princess for my new rod. Let me know what ya got!

Tight lines,
Gary

I have one available, in very good condition, made in England, with original Hardy case and two extra spools.

[richarde206]

[QUOTE=Rich Morrison;165100]You may also want to look into a Heddon 320, Berkley 550, or Eagle Claw EC-12. QUOTE]

Finding these in good shape can be challenging and/or takes a lot of patience...

[Sheepdog8404]

Richard, sent you a PM

[Ned Morris]

[QUOTE=Rich Morrison;165100]You may also want to look into a Heddon 320, Berkley 550, or Eagle Claw EC-12. QUOTE]

Finding these in good shape can be challenging and/or takes a lot of patience...

I second that. I own a Heddon 320 and Berkely 530. They are perfectly fine and balance well with old Fenwick glass rods from the 60's. Provides a complete retro look with exceptional functionality. You should be able to find one on Ebay for under $50 in real nice condition

[arrow1347]

will send pics tonight. fell asleep last nite

[Sheepdog8404]

Still waiting for those pictures and info on the reels...

[Sheepdog8404]

Arrow, Check your email!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

New Hardy Princess fly reels that are fully machined and anodized are $299.00 for a reference point.

These are superior reels to the old ones but not as sentimental.



**About 40 years ago I had 2 Hardy Princess frames and 7 spools total.

Back then a 6 weight was the standard/average size trout rod.


**Another nice reel would be an old Scientific Angler (Hardy) System 6 or 7 fly reel or a Hardy Marquis #6 or 7 reel.

These would have the additional rim brake or rim drag along with the click-n-pawl drag.



*I sold fly tackle for 50 years so I witnessed the coming and going of many interesting fly reels.


**I think that using a ratchet or click-n-pawl fly reel while swinging flies for Steelhead is really cool.


.

[Sheepdog8404]

Thanks bill! I love the classic nature of the Princess but that exposed rim for drag control on the marquis is also very appealing. Right now I am using and old Cortland Rimfly with just barely enough drag to prevent the thing from overrun. That big exaggerated spool rim really makes controlling the drag a breeze. Love being able to palm the rim! I think the extra weight of the marquis will make the rod too butt heavy so it looks like the Princess is going to take the flag. Too bad they don't make a reel with the Princess/lightweight check system and the Marquis rim... other than the Pall Mall... Can't afford that guy though.

[arrow1347]

gary , need your address. to ship reel.

[Sheepdog8404]

Responded to your PM!