Hardy Perfect reel identification (newer model, maybe?)

[Brendan]

Hi all,

This is probably a fairly simple question but I'm not having any luck finding an answer online. Does anyone know the approx. age of this Hardy Perfect reel? I'm guessing it's newer but it doesn't seem to the current new edition with the metal line guard.

I learned to fly fish on some fairly cheap kit, and have only even recently learned of Hardy's existence, But now that I'm getting back into fishing and have a little bit of disposable income, I'd like to buy a good reel for the next phase of my life. The one pictured looks like it would be ideal - if I'm looking at it correctly, it's a left-hand wind (the way I learned) and has the agate line guard (which would be nice). It's not available, unfortunately, but I'd like to have a sense of what to keep an eye out for.

Cheers!

[SpringCreek]

The reel was made in the 1960's based on the finish, foot and the agate guide.

Jim

[Brendan]

Thanks Jim - that's good to know. I wasn't sure how new it was compared to the more recent versions.

[Brendan]

I suppose a follow-up question for anyone in the know - what is a fair price to expect to pay for a left-hand wind reel of this vintage? I'm looking for something that would be compatible with newer rods, so I'm thinking a reel like this would be perfect (ha! ...).

[bugslinger]

Lefty’s are way more expensive......

[Brendan]

Understandable - unfortunately, it's too late for me to change my ways, so for something to fish with, it has to be left-hand wind, whether vintage or new. Right-hand wind is an option for display, but not for use.

[SpringCreek]

Since there are so few of these that show up for sale, it is tough to put an estimate on LHW values. I would depend on the model and era of production. The older they are the more difficult they are to find. I would go with the assumption that a LHW reel would have a premium of 75% -300% of the RHW models. Older reels will command increasingly higher premiums. You might get lucky and find one that goes unnoticed and will sell for less, but that is an anomaly.

Good luck in your search.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

The price of a LH Perfect can be better realized by talking to a reputable reseller of fly goods.
Fluctuation in price is always condition related - and not so wild with used reel dealers.
Carmine Lisella and Jim Adams - two guys I've been buying from for years.
Honest gear at reasonable prices.

Study the Hardy reels for as long as you can take it before buying yourself any particular one.
That will pay on stream too - when you hear the first scream.

The fat handle helped me nail down the era.
And the concentric rings around the face.
Also the script.

You must buy spools to fit it from the exact era.

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This is a 2004 year made fly reel.





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This is 1930's era made fly reel.





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Can you ID this era Perfect ?

[salterlee]

Brendan, for LHW Perfects I would start with the modern repros from Hardy. They can be had between 350-450 USD lightly used if you keep an eye out. They can be fished hard and are enjoyable to use. You can add your own dents and dings and parts are easy to find if needed, though not likely. From there, you can keep your eyes peeled for 70s & 80s "bump era" perfects like Brian pictured above, though they still use the "lightweight" style drag, the round lineguards will be oriented for LHW and they'll have a screw on the spool side. These can be found over time for 450-750... The post WWII like you pictured are quite hard to find and you'll likely be paying significantly more if located. Good luck! Perfects are a joy to fish with, no matter which way you reel in the line.

[sovereign]

I would go for a Hardy Golden Sovereign, its a classic but modern Hardy fly reel, durable and with ball-bearings, two I think, a great strong and sensitive break, easy to change from R to L hand wind, or from silent to click check.the cost of a Hardy Golden Sovereign (1990-1997) will probably be half of what you pay for a Hardy Perfect RHW, LHW older Perfects are rare and very expensive. I think you will have a better fly reel in the Hardy Golden Sovereign, my own favorite in the last 20 years! Ps : one thing to bare in mind with the Hardy Golden Sovereign is the sizing, a bid optimistic. The smallest 3/4/5 is great with. Wf 4 line, the next 5/6/7 (my most used size and fly reel) a Wf 5, 7/8 a line 6 and 8/9 a line 7, the two biggest 9/10 and 11/12 I never used so….Pps: Hardy the Golden Sovereign were Hardys "top of the line" series back then 1990 - 1997, popular and expensive to purchase back then, the smallest 3/4/5 and the biggest 11/12 came on the market one year later 1991. I think they left the market because they were to expensive fly reels to make. In my eyes Hardy the Golden Sovereign is the best fly reel Hardy ever made, ok I never used todays large arbour reels and probably never will. Tight lines !