I tried out three of the Hardy glass rods on the casting pool at a show a couple of weeks ago. The 7'6" 4wt is a sweet light trout/panfish rod. The 8' 5wt will launch a WF5 60ft with no stress, smooth as you please, and roll cast the head and at least 20ft of running line, to boot. It's not as light as the 7'6" or as crisp, but it's very satisfying to cast. The only other one they had there is the 5' 2wt. It reminded me a lot of the Diamondglass 502--slow and a bit anemic--a short range specialty tool, but it would look so cute with a Flyweight reel . . . if you like to prowl the teeniest of creeks, it might be just the thing. I'm not sure, but I think the rod blanks are produced somewhere other than England, possibly New Zealand (CTS), more likely Asia. They are put together with traditional Hardy hardware and are as well-finished as any high-end rod.
-CC
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