Hardy Marquis drag

[redshrimp]

I have an old hardy marquis no1 salmon reel with a very weak drag system.[ it's the old ring system]. Have contacted hardy but their advice wasn't very helpful.
Has anyone ever successfully strengthened one of these drag systems? Hardy suggested gently squeezing the plastic ring and spring to increase tension.

[munro]

redshrimp I have one of these too. The drag isn't great but, saying that, I have a twin pawl model also which isn't a lot better. I think they are all much the same.Willie Gunn advised me some time ago to learn to "palm". Good advice I think.
What did Hardy tell you. I was wondering whether the ring could be replaced - it looks like rubber and I wonder if they perish. Anybody know?

[redshrimp]

munro.
Hardy told me to remove the ring and lightly compress it. There is a ring of spring wire inside the plastic ring and i may try a stronger piece to see if it helps.
The drag is so weak even when tightened fully the current can pull line off the reel.

[munro]

See your problem. Thats a lot weaker than I imagined. I've seen a web site (can't remember exactly where) which sells kits to refurbish Hardy reels but I don't know if that is only for the twin pawl models. Can Hardy supply a new ring?

[munro]

Just checked the website (in USA) which sells repair kits. Only seems to supply ones for twin pawl models. Also no postal delivery only air freight - minimum charge $99!!!

[sagefly]

Redshrimp, I have 2 Salmon No. 2's one of each kind of drag, about £25 including postage and Hardy will have them back to you with 10 days as good as new,

There is a huge noticable difference in the drag now that the reels have been renovated and they sound the business.

I really wonder why they used the plastic drag adjuster instead of something more durable.

Hardys only have one reel repairer so it is a bit hit and miss ig ne is at lunch or as in my case sick.

[redshrimp]

Thanks for the replies.
I'll give them another try and see how i get on.

[fenton]

sagefly said:

Redshrimp, I have 2 Salmon No. 2's one of each kind of drag, .

What are the two different types of drag?

thanks

[sagefly]

One has a large "O" spring that tensions the reel, the other has 2 "spring" clips that provide tension.

IF I could post photos I would as my description is bit lacking.

[munro]

Fenton - According to WG the twin pawl is the more desirable model. Probably less likely to get the problems redshrimp has with his single pawl model.
A useful tip if buying a marquis on e bay is to look at the back - the twin pawl models have two rivets above the drag adjuster the single pawl ("o" ring )models only have one. I am always wary now if the seller doesn't show a photgraph of the inside of the reel as they may be trying to palm off a single pawl model on the unwary.
Of course I bought mine on e bay in total ignorance of any of this!!

[munro]

How does this Bl**dy picture business work?. Have posted images on picture shack. Have clicked insert image and posted hyperlink - but no joy.
HELP! Driving me nuts!!

[munro]

Just what I did Graham. Got the text - no picture. When is it supposed to appear?

[sagefly]

Munro, I agree that the twin pawl is desirable. As mine have just been overhauled I can confirm that there is absolutley no difference in the working of the reel, blindfolded you could not tell them apart.

I suppose it is a question of longevity, the twin should hold its tension a bit longer?

[munro]

Sagefly I think that must be WG's view although like you I don't notice a lot of difference between them.
I intended to post pictures for Fenton of both types but not having a lot of luck (a computer whizz I am not - must be an age thing!!)

[munro]

Fenton This shows the difference




Sorry about the size of the photo - resized both so I don't know why the second one came out so big. Any of you "techies" out there tell me where I went wrong?
P.S. Thanks Graham - used photobucket as you suggested.

[fenton]

Many thanks, and please 'scuse my ignorance. I have two marquis no 2's, both with the twin pawl - tho clearly more by luck than design.

Personally I love them to bits, tho sportfish were a little critical when i turned up with one for a lesson!

F

[munro]

What a cheek. What did they say?

Probably miffed because they knew that you were never likely to need or want another reel in your life!!

[Fruin]

Fenton,

What were they critical of. The simple design, the huge backing capacity, the excellent reliability, the superb engineering or just as munro said?

Most ghillies that I meet swear by them.

I have both a No.3 and a No.2 and will never part with them. I tried various reels with disc drag but found them a but 'footery'.

I will be adding more Marquis reels in the future, as I have yet to find a better reel.

They are still very cheap and simple to repair yourself. However, I did notice the last time I bought new springs, the prices had increased somewhat!!!

Is it likely that Hardy are going to stop making spare parts?

[fenton]

fruin said:

Fenton,

What were they critical of. quote]

simply its age, I guess it was time to buy something new! (though obviously I didn't).

I agree with you, they are very functional reels. I fancy an 8/9 as well.

Don't know about spare parts, though I have noticed their prices increase on e bay pver the last couple of years.

Best bit about them is the sound when a fish runs!

regards
F

[Fruin]

Fenton,

I was thinking on and Marquis 8/9 as well but plumped for the JLH instead. Lighter than the Marquis for single hand rod use and the sound is up there with, if not better than, the Marquis.

I have noticed that the prices for second hand Marquis' are increasing somewhat. I paid £300 for my Marquis No.2 and three spare spools a few years ago - but that also included a 16ft Daiwa rod!!!

More recently I got a good deal on a Marquis 2 from ebay at £70. It's just a case of keeping an eye out for good deal.