Orvis CFO vs. Hardy Marquis?

[Gravity]

I have in mind buying either a Hardy Marquis or Orvis CFO in 2 3/4 or 3 inch diameter to go with a 7ft spit cane rod (2 piece, 3/4wt) I use for small stream work. I would be interested in any opinions as to which of the two reels members of this forum prefer (and why). I'd also welcome any ideas regarding alternatives. Am I right in thinking that both reels can be set up for either right hand or left hand use?

Thanks in advance.

[ibookje]

A CFO III would be a superb reel for a 7ft rod. The reel can be used anything from a #3-5 line

[TytLynz2U2]

A CFO III would be a superb reel for a 7ft rod. The reel can be used anything from a #3-5 line

Was just about to say what ibookje said. I will add that I think the CFO looks classier, more refined.
Have owned both and IMHO both reels are outstanding in every way.

[GRASSNGLASS]

I've only ever had one reel become unusable because of a fall while fishing. That was a CFO which Orvis was able to bend back into shape for me.

I prefer the full framed Marquis.

Barry

[Srock]

I own and fish both. Both are excellent fly fishing tools. I tend a bit toward Marquis. I think their outgoing click has a slightly sweeter sound. Also, you might be able to get parts, spools, and so forth easier for a Marquis. In any event, you cannot go wrong here,

[Kenneth]

Here's a previous thread on the subject. Be warned: it will give rise to GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) .

viewtopic.php?t=130420

Good luck on your hunt,
Kenneth

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Once again - why just get one of them ?
Just buy each of them.
Take your time.

That way you get to learn and know the differences yourself.
From first hand experience.

Oh the fun you will have testing.

[PYochim]

The newer Marquis are very nice, especially the line guard. Although well made, the CFO is just another black reel.

[Bill Charles]

My first reel was a Marquis #6 bought at the Pall Mall store in 1976. It is still 100%.

[LeeB]

I've owned and fished both, and for that size rod I now prefer a Hardy Featherweight.
Lee

[Webfly]

Don't forget the SA System reels as an option to the Marquis.

[Gravity]

Well! Thank you all for your feedback.

It seems as though either reel would work well for what I have in mind. Perhaps the most attractive piece of advice is to buy both and spend some time testing my own preference! It really is a case of GAS - Gear Acquisition Syndrome.

Thanks again for your help.

Stephen

[Mike1227]

That's pretty much all I use, Marquis #6 (both Hardy, and Scientific Anglers) which are 3.25", and CFO IIIs, which are 3". I like them both for different reasons. I like the porting on the CFO back side vs the solid back of the Marquis. I like the sound of the Marquis slightly better.
The CFO does come in colors other than black.

[Canewrap]

I have a whole stable of different size Hardy Marquis. I love them for their weight to balance bamboo and their reliability. I always felt, and this was just my opinion, that the Orvis CFOs were pretty but too light for bamboo and not as rugged as the Hardys and in the last few years too expensive.

[Flyman615]

I've fished Hardy-made trout reels for over 50 years. In terms of the Lightweights, Marquis and Orvis CFOs, I prefer the Stan Bogdan-designed CFO, no matter the size. My second preference would be the Lightweight series, relegating the Marquis reels to third place.

BTW, the predominant CFO color is dark gray, not black. And several anodizing hues and/or colors have been offered on CFOs over the years.

Scott Z.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Everything became simpler for me when I stopped paying attention to the sizes on the tackle.

[Gravity]

More interesting comments. Thank you all for taking time to respond. I guess I shall just have to try both....!

[JabaliHunter]

My preference for a 7’ rod would be a Hardy Featherweight (2 screw line guard), Hardy JLH or Ultralite disc #2/3/4, Orvis (Hardy) CFO 123 (if you can live with the line guard), or Orvis (Hardy) CFO III (without line guard). Yes, I’m picky..
I like the Marquis, but my favourite is the Salmon No 2 without the single screw line guard or the plastic spindle cover…

Strangely, while the Marquis has a reputation for being tough as old boots, the only reel I’ve ever broken was a Marquis (snapped a section off the cage); and also the only reel where I’ve had a drag fail on me when it kicked into free spool (apparently the spools aren’t quite as interchangeable between generations as we are led to believe). But an original silver spool Marquis on a double handed ‘Spey’ rod just looks ‘right’…

[jim royston]

My first Hardy made reel was the SA System 5, a 3” reel. I preferred the CFO3, but in ‘75, it was out of my reach. I loved that System 5, fished it on Art Weiler’s 27th rod, a Garrison 206 clone. It was a beautiful thing!