Hardy Ultradisc UDLA Fly Reel
Hardy Ultradisc UDLA is a family of lightweight fly reels built around an adjustable disc drag and a large-arbour spool. It was conceived for modern river fishing with ultra-thin fly lines, running lines and leader-only systems. A full-frame, enclosed line guard keeps these fine components guided at the edge of the spool, assisting line management in nymphing and other methods that involve frequent retrieval of loose line.
The reel uses anodised 6061 bar-stock aluminium construction. Extensive porting removes material to keep the overall build light, while the anodised surface provides a durable finish for regular use. The functional layout is deliberately straightforward, combining the frame and its integrated line guard with a broad-cored spool and an adjustable disc-drag mechanism.
Construction and series character
The frame combines open side porting with an enclosed peripheral line guard. This arrangement reduces the chance of a fine fly line, running line or leader entering the gap between the frame and spool. It therefore accommodates the slender components used in contemporary river rigs while retaining the extensively machined form of the reel.
The broad core of the large-arbour spool retrieves more line with each turn of the handle, helping the angler recover slack efficiently. A captive spool nut holds the spool in place. Undoing it allows the spool to be removed for changing a line or spare spool and for routine cleaning.
The scaled multi-pad disc drag offers continuous, unindexed adjustment across a broad range. Turning the drag knob clockwise increases resistance, while turning it anti-clockwise reduces it. Every UDLA reel can be configured for left- or right-hand wind. Conversion is carried out by removing the spool and reversing the one-way clutch bearing; the factory setting is left-hand wind.
Hardy’s instructions recommend drying both reel and line after use, applying light oil to the spindle and handle shaft, and leaving the drag at its minimum setting during storage. This avoids prolonged compression of the drag pads and springs.
- Application: modern river fishing with thin fly lines, running lines or leader-only systems.
- Frame: extensively ported construction with an enclosed peripheral line guard.
- Drag: scaled multi-pad disc drag with continuous adjustment.
- Handling: large-arbour spool, captive spool nut and convertible retrieve direction.