Hardy Ultradisc Cassette Fly Reel
Hardy Ultradisc Cassette is a cassette fly-reel family intended for anglers who use different line set-ups during a day’s fishing. Interchangeable cassette spools can be prepared in advance and exchanged as techniques or conditions change. The frame is also designed to manage thin running lines and fine nymphing leaders, making the system suitable for conventional fly lines as well as more specialised river set-ups.
The frame and spool carrier are machined from bar-stock aluminium. These components form the rigid foundation of the reel and house its drag mechanism, while the interchangeable cassette spool is made from durable polycarbonate. This combination allows several prepared cassettes to be used with the same frame and carrier. Hardy’s CLS locking system secures the spool and enables a line set-up to be changed without stripping and reloading the line.
Construction and series character
The frame incorporates an enclosed line guard that keeps a thin running line or nymphing leader within the spool’s working path, reducing the risk of it passing between the spool and frame. The polycarbonate spool has a large-arbour design for brisk line retrieval and broader coils after storage. The CLS mechanism holds the cassette securely in its carrier and releases it when another prepared spool is required.
A full disc drag is controlled by a regulator knob, giving the angler fine adjustment of resistance. Retrieve can be converted from left- to right-hand wind by reversing the one-way clutch bearing, allowing the reel to be configured to personal preference. After fishing, the spool and frame should be cleared of deposits and dried thoroughly before storage. The drag should be backed off to its minimum setting when the reel is not in use for an extended period.
- Construction: bar-stock aluminium frame and spool carrier.
- Cassette system: interchangeable polycarbonate spool with a quick CLS locking mechanism.
- Line management: enclosed guard designed to control thin running lines and nymphing leaders.
- Drag and handling: finely adjustable full disc drag and convertible left- or right-hand retrieve.