Hardy Demon Fly Rod Review

A Closer Look at the Hardy Demon Fly Rod

The House of Hardy is no stranger to fly fishing. Its expert engineers have been creating some of the most innovative and user-friendly configurations on the market and the incorporation of the latest technology helps to ensure that their products are built to last. One prime example of this superior attention to detail can be seen in the Hardy Demon fly rod. What features set this series apart and why is it considered to represent one of the best mid-range options within their ever-growing collection? Let us take an in-depth look at what the Demon has to offer.

Design and Overall Construction

The Hardy Demon is a four-piece rod with a 6061
aluminium reel seat (common in most Hardy models). The blank itself has been engineered for easy loading and recovery while users can choose from either half-wells or full-wells variants. A wooden insert is offered within the half-wells models and an alloy spacer is included on full-wells rods. The rods are fitted with Fuji guides and hook-keeping rings in order to ensure the tightness of the line. Hardy has spared no expense on the needs of the user, as every Demon rod is supplied with a customised aluminium tube as well as two engraved end caps. This protects the rod during transport and also enhances its overall sense of quality. Rod lengths vary between 7 feet and 14.9 feet. These rods are intended to cover a wide range of fly fishing requirements. From nymph fishing straight through to two-handed salmon enthusiasts, the Demon aims to please.

The (Unsurprising) Presence of Sintrix Technology

One of the main reasons why Hardy has gained such a robust reputation within the fly fishing community involves their use of patented Sintrix technology during the manufacture of their rods. The Sintrix 330 variant used within the construction of the Demon employs microscopic silica spheres which are bonded to carbon fibre filaments. The end result is that the overall weight of the unit has been significantly reduced while the rod itself is up to 60 per cent stronger when compared to traditional designs. This ultimately results in extremely fast casting action and excellent response times.

A Comparison with the Famed Hardy Jet Series

The Hardy Jet series of fly rods is considered by many to be the best middle-range configuration offered by the firm. However, the Demon could soon be changing such perspectives. One of the first features which discerning users are likely to notice is that the Demon is slightly lighter when compared to the FWS (Freshwater Series) Jet at just over 3.01 ounces. This roughly equates to a swing weight of 64.1 square grams; ideal for easy manipulation and handling. In the same respect, the Demon is said to be more accurate than the Jet at short to medium distances due to a comparatively rigid construction. While this might not equate to extreme accuracy at very long distances or in poor weather conditions, there is no doubt that the Demon gives the Jet a run for its money.

Overall Feel and Manipulation

The Hardy Demon fly rod has sometimes been compared to the vaunted Zephrus in terms of overall handling. This is impressive when we consider that the Demon is categorised as a mid-range rod. Although the overall feel and flexibility of the Demon is similar to the Zephrus, an increased weight could slightly impact its responsiveness at longer distances. The fact of the matter is that any differences in terms of smoothness tend to be only minimal although accuracy could be affected. Having said this, it is important to keep in mind that the Demon was not necessarily designed for long-distance casting.

Another rather interesting feature in regards to the Demon is that most users will be able to tell when a false cast occurs due to its lightweight nature. This is actually rare for a fast-casting rod, as the “feel” of the cast is often sacrificed for speed alone. Such a feature is likely to resonate well with seasoned anglers who rely upon subtle differences in action when casting. Once again, we have the inclusion of Sintrix 330 as well as the reduced weight of the rod to thank for these benefits.

Visual Aesthetics

This Hardy Demon fly rod review would never be complete if the visual appeal that the House of Hardy has become famous for was not mentioned. The rod blank is a metallic olive hue and this tone is complimented by high-quality (and comfortable) cork handles. Another aesthetic benefit associated with this rod is that its darker tone will enable users to discriminate between its tip and the nearby environment; ideal when attempting to determine distance during low-light conditions or if the weather happens to be less than agreeable.

For Beginners or Experts?

The mid-priced nature of this model holds just as true in terms of experience levels. The Hardy Demon can be a great option for those who wish to upgrade from beginner rods such as the Hardy Cirrus although it might lack the long-distance accuracy and handling which tend to appeal to veterans. Still, the Demon is able to produce viable and reliable results during most situations and regardless of one’s skill level. However, the amenable price range of this series could just as well make it an excellent entry-level rod.

Putting it All Together

This Hardy Demon fly rod review has covered all of the main amenities associated with such a worthwhile mid-range option. Boasting an accommodating price point and offering excellent results at up to 45 feet, there is no doubt that this rod is one of the most impressive offered by the House of Hardy. Its seamless construction and focus upon functionality make it a worthwhile choice for freshwater casting needs;  particularly for trout. While not necessarily the best at longer distances, the fact of the matter is that few mid-priced rods are. The Demon is yet another stunning example of quality Hardy craftsmanship.

Featured image includes this great pic by RyansFlyFishing