As a Brit I'm always interested to read the views on Hardy on this forum, particularly because I feel there's a more honest, practical perception of the company in the States. If I might explain:
In the UK Hardy has dominated the top-end market for over a century regardless, I feel, of actual quality. We (my fellow gillies) have a derisory saying on the rivers relating to well-heeled gents who pay 'top dollar' for a top beat but can't cast and have no watercraft .... 'All the gear but no idea.' Invariably (until the Millennium, anyway) they would arrive with Hardy rods, reels, lines, tapered leaders, flies, boxes, etc., etc., etc. They've bought the Hardy Ethos along with the product, and here in the class-structured UK that ethos is as important as the gear if not more so. It's not just the face, accent and old school tie which has to fit if you're to be invited into the club.
Over the past 20 years or so, though, several Scandinavian companies have been producing such excellent fly tackle that nowadays I'm more likely to see a Guideline, Loop, LTS or Vision rod in an angler's hand - if he's under 70. (Re-investment after that age is a calculated risk!).
Now, I know my own view of the company is as skewed as the designer-label-loving toffs. My background is more blue collar, I'm not a monarchist and I'll happily cut my nose to spite my face. Consequently, I have nothing amongst my 40 fly rods and 20 reels made by Hardy. I resent their frequent association with the aristocracy through both model names (e.g. Viscount, Marquis, Duchess, Prince/Golden Prince, Princess, Sovereign, etc.) and their 'By Royal Appointment' crests, however well deserved. I know that many of these models are damned fine reels but they don't inspire me to aspire to them. I know my place.
Further, there are countless other makers turning out equally serviceable winches who don't appeal to upper class snobbery and I've always preferred to give them my money. Many are American but I do have a soft spot for BFR (British Fly Reels) who used to make perfectly good reels at a fraction of Hardy's cost. Indeed, they made and re-badged for several US companies.
As for their rods, well, I've handled many but never felt that Wow factor we all search for. Older rods always seemed rather heavy in the hand and while newer rods are undoubtedly lighter I've preferred my Vision d-h and Loomis s-h rods along with my boutique makers' sticks, but I won't deny I probably carry my working class prejudices to the riverbank. I've actually read more positive acclaim of their most recent offerings here on the NAFFF than on the UK forums, though I've never met another inverted snob such as myself over here. They just don't seem to be enormously loved by those of us fanatical about our sport in Britain. I do hope, though, that one day I'll get a cast of a modern Hardy from a guest but, frankly, it's not very likely with so many enthusiasts buying Scandinavian rods in preference these days.
Tell you what ..... My current river has 26 rods fishing each day. I'll take a look in the rod room one day week-after-next (off sick at the mo) and make a note of what's on the racks then report back as to what's seeing action.
Now, all that has nothing to do with the company's current problems in the States, about which I take no pleasure in reading. There is no doubt that skilled, talented folk will be looking elsewhere for employment and I can only hope their talents are seized upon by other US-based tackle firms. I did hear of one UK Hardy rep being let go recently, so the issue isn't simply outwith the UK.
For all that I've said, I do hope Hardy can continue as a flagship British company, as much as for my romantic love of tradition (even if it's not MY tradition) than any other reason. I respect them as one might respect Rolls Royce - very fine engineering but not for the likes of me. The whole is very similar to sweetandsalt's recent lament about Winston, not only because it questions the effects of Capitalism on art but because many of us, whether consciously or not, come to identify with a specific company on a very personal level: One beyond the pure form and function of their product, an emotional, moral and aesthetical affinity which transcends simple brand loyalty and sits at our very core. We invest a part of our Selves in them. Then they meet someone new with more money and, broken-hearted, we have to file for divorce and move on hoping to find another lover.
Sic transit gloria mundi.
