Hardy Perfect

[fenton]

Whilst looking through T and S and ebay, it strikes me how many different models of perfect there are, and the difference in prices!

I am browsing, rather than looking to buy, but I would be very interested to know what to look for if I ever did decide to buy!

Which models are regarded as the 'most' desirable?

Due to the large range of models, if folks would like to concentrate on answering from a salmon fishing perspective, that would be great,

thanks in advance
Fenton

[williegunn]

Very potted history.
The Brass Face ones are probably the nicest and most expensive, there are at least 2 styles of checks 1906 and 1912 but in those days Hardys did change the designs regularly as in the early check.

Then there was the Eunuch models which had no ball bearings.

Then the duplicated Mk1 all of the above had a white handle.

Later post 1922 they had a fat black handle these were the duplicated mk2s which continued till the early 70s but the handles became thinner around 1930. The feet changed on a regular basis the later ones having short alloy feet.

You really need a book.

[Speyducer]

fenton said:

Whilst looking through T and S and ebay, it strikes me how many different models of perfect there are, and the difference in prices!

I am browsing, rather than looking to buy, but I would be very interested to know what to look for if I ever did decide to buy!

Which models are regarded as the 'most' desirable?

Due to the large range of models, if folks would like to concentrate on answering from a salmon fishing perspective, that would be great,

thanks in advance
Fenton

The 'most desirable' does depend on whether you want ancient or modern.

In respect of ancient, I would certainly go for a good condition brass faced 4" perfect. Slightly less desirable, but still cracking old reels are the later perfect models with the duplicated Mk II check and the revolving line guides, again 4" or 3.75".

I have several of these older reels.

For the modern reels, and at this point I would say I have little personal experience in handling the modern reels, but if money were no object, I would go for the Zane Ti - a thing of beauty, but at £5k a BIG price tag!

There will be many members on this board who will fill you in for the gaps in between.

For a workhorse reel with good drag, I use the Daniellson Evotec HD's - in my opinion, nice looking, functional & almost bombproof.

my 2p

Mike