The rod I had with me was a Hardy Uniqua, a new model in the Hardy range for 2010.
Hardys describe the action of this rod as 'easy loading and quick recovery' and here is my view on it
The model I was using was the 10' #7. I used it in conjunction with a Vision Koma 7/8 reel and a Snowbee XS WF7 Ivory White Floating line
First impressions when I took it out of the case was that it was very nicely finished. The blank is a beautiful colour and the fitttings are of good quality. One area I always look at closely is the cork handle as this can be an area where manufacturers try to save some of the cost. However, I was very pleasantly surprised and found that the cork was very high grade (Hardy state AAA grade) and a very good finish to it. The rod comes complete with a good quality rod bag and a canvas covered tube.
Now to the water. The weather wasnt the kindest with a 20mph+ northerly wind blowing straight down the lakes so I thought I might struggle to get a good feel of the rod. I needn't have worried. After a couple of 'feeler' casts the rod was punching the line across the wind with only two false casts. The rod loaded very easily and the recovery was, indeed, quick. By mid morning, I was throwing a full line with the rod. I tried some casts into the wind and the rod also loaded well here to. As I said at the start, I was using a #7 line, the one the rod is rated for, but I feel that this rod would easily handle overlinging it with an #8 line
My opinion on the rod is that it is very good value for money for a Hardy rod, with the range starting at £169 for a 7'6" rod, up to £249 for a 10' #8. I would say the action is a mid to tip but the rod loads very easily and has no problem handling the line weight it was designed for. I dont think it would underline very well but I cant see a problem overling it with an #8
I think, as an entry level rod in the Hardy range, this is a winner of a rod. Good cosmetics, easy casting and at a reasonable price
