Tell me the difference between a Featherweight, JLH, LRH, and Marquis? I’m shopping for a click and pawl reel for 5wt line and these reels appear so similar that I’m not sure why they have different names. I’m just ignorant I guess.
Thanks!
I’ll take a stab at it. Somebody will correct me if I’m wrong.
The Featherweight and LRH are part of the Lightweight series. Within that series each size reel has a different name. (flyweight, featherweight etc.) They do not have an exposed rim for palming.
The Marquis is the same as the original Scientific Angler system reels that came out in the '70s, before the system 2 reels. It has an exposed rim.
The JLH is a very light machined reel with exposed rim.
They are all very nice.
Jay
I agree with Jay. I own one pre-war LRH and a few Marquis from the early 80’s and they are all very nice. But unless they have made changes on the drag system, then you may want to look at one in person to see if you need a reel with a stronger drag. On mine, the drags are very light…they will prevent backlash but not put very much pressure on a fish. But I find they are perfectly adequate for the trout/landlocked salmon fishing that I do.
Chuck
Jayatwork and Fishguide are right, they ARE very nice reels! In fact, Classy is a better word. Be warned, if you have a few packrat genes in your makeup and like to collect things, you may find Hardy reels addictive! It’s fun prowling around flyfishing expos hunting them out. I believe JLH stands for James L. Hardy and LRH stands for Leonard R. Hardy. There are also Flyweights, Princesses, Princes, St. George’s, St. John’s, Prefects, Uniquas— AAAARGH, stop me before I buy again!!!