Hardy Firecrest Review Model by Model - Fly Rods for Power & Performance - Streamers & Wind
The new Hardy Firecrest fly rods are here! New toys for anyone who loves throwing big flies or taming the wind. These are specialized rods, so not everyone needs to run out and buy one (although I won't stop you). They are sort of the "hot rod" category with streamers being so popular these days. Kelly Galloup's new Hardy collab to produce the Averon Streamer reels is the obvious parallel to this new rod. I'm already making some combos for guides and a few customers to try out and I'll get some feedback from them in addition to my own thoughts.
The Hardy Firecrest is the successor to Hardy's Ultralite X series of rods. This rod series is somewhat unique. There are a few competitors with options in this same very fast, powerful segment. Most other options out there tend to lack feel and are too stiff in my opinion. Yes, they are all meant for windy conditions and/or oversized lines at least one size heavy, or potentially dragging and lifting deeper sinking streamer setups. But most aren't terribly fun to use, just specialty tools for a job. I think this new Firecrest is a bit better and a little more versatile than some of the other options out there.
The reel seats being carbon fiber on the larger models is very cool, and it looks excellent. Does it save much weight? Who cares, I like it. In terms of the overall appearance, I would have liked to see something a little more exciting than matte black, although I get the "tactical" appeal of it to lessen shiny reflections or flash and spooking wary fish. They look cool. And it goes with the new black Hardy Streamer reels very well too.
I just reviewed the new Thomas & Thomas fiberglass rods and this is about the opposite of that, so I'm really trying a wide spectrum of rods recently. That one is all about fun, this one is pure performance and power. One is a bright, fun color, the other dark and serious. Both are cool, but very different.
So, who is this new rod for? Well it's all about the conditions and what types of fly lines you want to throw. It certainly isn't intended to do everything. I like the T&T Exocett 88 as well for similar purposes. I'd give the edge to Thomas & Thomas in terms of looks, they make a beautiful rod. But this one is all about functionality and it is a tool for getting a heavy payload to where it needs to be, quickly and efficiently. Lifting heavy sinking lines, big bulky streamers, etc.
This isn't designed to be your first rod, or your only rod, but it definitely has a place in the arsenal of more seasoned anglers. It doesn't have too much competition, not like your average 9'0" 5wt might have.
Model-by-Model Testing: *I mainly focused on the 9'0" rods, of which there are only 4 in the series anyway. And I really do have all these rods here with lines, testing each one.
5wt - I feel like this might seem small for a "streamer" rod but it has plenty of grunt without being too heavy or stiff. Maybe for the hopper lovers, and those who often fish windy conditions but don't need anything bigger than a beefy 5wt.
6wt - This is going to sell like crazy, I already know. Lots of fun, going to be the best-rated streamer rod on the market I would wager. I'm waiting on more guide and customer feedback but I think I know the answer. Note that this 6wt does not have a fighting butt, and is the same handle as the 5wt. A little unusual for a streamer-oriented 6wt but it works just fine.
7wt - In terms of throwing powerful saltwater 7wt and 8wt rods all day, I am well within my comfort zone evaluating these new rods. Since this entire series is meant to cast heavier lines than what they say on the rod, I also tested this with 8wt saltwater lines in addition to the 7wt freshwater lines, some of which run a size or two heavy. It handled all of them with no problem at all.
8wt - I happened to already have a 9wt saltwater line on a reel, so I thought let's see what this baby can really do. It kicked ass. I think it threw the 3/4 size heavy 9wt saltwater line - so a 9.75wt equivalent - maybe even better than most saltwater rods can....??? Insanity. Keeping this one for myself. Crazy powerful. Consider it a 9wt (or super windy bonefish rod, again using a 9wt Bonefish line if possible) and you will have a nice backup plan when conditions refuse to cooperate and you need to beat the wind somehow. I'm thinking flats of Hawaii, parts of the Seychelles, etc. Speaking of which, you can easily throw crab flies for permit or even peacock bass or golden dorado flies in the jungle, this rod does it all. And if you just love regular old bass with big poppers, this burly 8wt has you covered.
Bottom Line: I bought and tested almost every one of these rods and I am keeping three of them for myself. If you're looking for a specialty rod, or even a general purpose rod for heavier fly lines, this is it. I am currently making combos we will offer for Trout / Bass Streamer setups, Jungle Combos - Peacock Bass & Golden Dorado, or maybe a Payara, and even some Saltwater combos (for the 7wt and 8wt since they work so well with many popular fly lines).
We greatly appreciate your support buying your new favorite rods or reels here with us at the shop! As always, any questions just send us an email or call us.
