Brutish cohos on the Mulchatna or speed demon bones in the flats can grind down most fly reels. In places like these a good reel can mean the difference between the IGFA record books and bad memories. The new Hardy® Ultralite SDS fly reel continues the legacy of the Hardy family designed for serious trophy hunters in pursuit of big fish.
The SDS (Sealed Drag System) is waterproof saltwater safe and built to withstand extreme temperatures and endless punishment from the biggest freshwater and saltwater brutes. Aerospace-grade 6061 polished and anodized bar stock aluminium gives the reel extreme structural strength plus a stylish appearance. The low-inertia multi-carbon six-sided disc brake system generates 14 pounds of drag (SDS 12000) a mandatory feature for fighting big fish. Drag adjustment is easily monitored with the 360-degree color-coded drag control knob.
The large arbor design provides rapid line recovery. The captivated spool includes a quick release feature and can be easily converted to right- or left-hand operation using the supplied tool. Every Ultralite SDS reel is paired with a neoprene pouch. Three Ultralite SDS reels are included in the line. The SDS 8000 is designed for 7- 8- or 9-weight line weighs 9.73 ounces and measures 4.5 inches across. With weight-forward WF9 fly line the reel holds an additional 180 yards of 20-pound Dacron backing.
The SDS 10000 is designed for 9- 10- or 11-weight line weighs 10.73 ounces and measures 4.7 inches across. With weight-forward WF11 fly line the reel holds an additional 280 yards of 30-pound Dacron backing. The SDS 12000 is designed for 11- 12- or 12-plus-weight line weighs 12.29 ounces and measures 5.3 inches across. With weight-forward WF12 fly line the reel holds an additional 380 yards of 30-pound Dacron backing.
MSRP for the Ultralite SDS 8000 is $450 $480 for the SDS 10000 and $495 for the SDS 12000. Extra spools are offered for each size with MSRP starting at $189. These new reels will be available in September 2014.