Need a new reel for my 3wt

[midgetwaiter]

Ive been using a Hardy CC click drag for the past few years with my 3wt. This past August it failed on me for the second time while I was a couple hundred vertical feet down in a canyon with my other gear in the truck. So again I spent the day fishing with a twig jammed in there so it wasn’t free spooling. The Hardy system relies on a plastic drag clicker that apparently breaks pretty easily. The last few seasons I probably use this setup more than anything else so while I’ve gotten a couple spare clickers from Mikes reel repair I’m thinking I want to replace the reel. I’d prefer to stay with a click drag but the options are limited.

I don’t like the Reddington Zero, it feels cheap.
I was interested in the Echo Shadow click but that’s got the same plastic clicker.
The Sage Click and the Ross Colorado are both $400, ouch.
The Orvis Battenkill click is a small arbour, I’d prefer large.

Is there another option I should look at or is it time to say forget it and buy a disc drag?

[skain11]

My last few reel purchases were from www.allenflyfishing.com
Good quality product, medium priced and lots of levels of selection

[Jayhad]

You're going from a Hardy, it'd going to be hard not to spend cash to get that feeling again.
I have a Sage Click.... plastic clicker. I've had it since they day they came out. I've had it out in all seasons, never failed.
My next will be a Classic Hardy, golden prince or duchess

[midgetwaiter]

Originally Posted by Jayhad

You're going from a Hardy, it'd going to be hard not to spend cash to get that feeling again.

I get what you’re trying to say but there’s another side of that. Hardy discontinued this reel because of this flaw and then stopped making the replacement clicker available so when the spares I have now break I’ll be left with a shiny, very well crafted paperweight.

I indeed have a “feeling” about Hardy but it’s not the one you do I guess.

[flyrodfisher]

Been fishing with Hardy's for 40+ years and have quite a collection of their classic reels....ALL of which still work perfectly.
If needed, parts are available for all classic Hardy's.

I am not familiar with the CC model you speak of...but I know that Hardy began manufacturing some of their models in Asia...wouldn't touch any of their models made there....

[badger]

If you can find one, try an Islander IR. It has a metal pawl and spring.

[Jayhad]

Originally Posted by midgetwaiter

I get what you’re trying to say but there’s another side of that. Hardy discontinued this reel because of this flaw and then stopped making the replacement clicker available so when the spares I have now break I’ll be left with a shiny, very well crafted paperweight.

I indeed have a “feeling” about Hardy but it’s not the one you do I guess.

I can't imagine you would pay too much to have a machine shop build you some replacements or you could do it yourself with a vice, and files.
It's not much material and I think if it is just a common triangle pawl replicating it with out any power tools is achievable.

[midgetwaiter]

Originally Posted by Jayhad

I can't imagine you would pay too much to have a machine shop build you some replacements or you could do it yourself with a vice, and files.
It's not much material and I think if it is just a common triangle pawl replicating it with out any power tools is achievable.

It’s more completed than that unfortunately. I don’t know if you could manufacture a metal replacement, it’s some kind of springy polymer. Look at the 3rd picture here.

https://www.mikesreelrepair.com/hard...eries-clicker/

Regardless this isn’t some antique we’re talking about here, they introduced it in 2012.

[morinj]

Originally Posted by midgetwaiter

Ive been using a Hardy CC click drag for the past few years with my 3wt. This past August it failed on me for the second time while I was a couple hundred vertical feet down in a canyon with my other gear in the truck. So again I spent the day fishing with a twig jammed in there so it wasn’t free spooling. The Hardy system relies on a plastic drag clicker that apparently breaks pretty easily. The last few seasons I probably use this setup more than anything else so while I’ve gotten a couple spare clickers from Mikes reel repair I’m thinking I want to replace the reel. I’d prefer to stay with a click drag but the options are limited.

I don’t like the Reddington Zero, it feels cheap.
I was interested in the Echo Shadow click but that’s got the same plastic clicker.
The Sage Click and the Ross Colorado are both $400, ouch.
The Orvis Battenkill click is a small arbour, I’d prefer large.
Is there another option I should look at or is it time to say forget it and buy a disc drag?

I had the exact same problem with my Hardy ultralight, on my 3 weight, so I did the same and received a half dozen clicks under warranty, I threw my even more expensive (supposed higher quality) Ross on there, and went right back to my Ultralight, I just love the way it functions, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s a higher maintenance real, sorta like a 1911 vs a Glock! (Sorry for the firearm reference)!

[stob]

Van stall