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Hardy Split Cane Rod Serial Numbers

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  • Hardy Rod Manufacturing Dates Year Serial No. 1890-1891 6 1925 D5932-D7375 1961 H35184-H 0 1925 E1045-E2030 1962 H48466-H 0 1926 E2031-E5882 1963 H52738-H 8 1927 E5883-E9435 1964 H58200-H 5 1928 E9436-E H62933-H69100.
  • Blued nickel silver ferrules. Wrapped in silks with full intermediates. Agate stripper guides and tip tops. All cork grip and reelseat with aluminum slideband and reelseat hardware. Comes packed in original brown cloth rod bag and stored in original Hardy aluminum labeled rod tube. Rod is in excellent refinished.

In unused as-new condition. c2013. Flamed cane. Mirrored tips. Serial № m965/4m

Dear fellow anglers, Hardy® is working hard to help you #fishthroughit. We are operating our distribution center in compliance with enhanced safety procedures for our team and within new government regulations where we operate. Hardy Rod Names 1885 -1984 (Alphabetical Order) Type Section Length Year A E M Sussex Brook Split Bamboo 2 8´ 1929-1939 A H E Wood, No. 1, 2, 3 Split Bamboo 3 12´ 1926-1952. Aug 15, 2012 That page appears to be incomplete; it omits the G-prefix numbers that were used on composite rods - i.e. Whole cane/split cane, or whole cane/greenheart. I forget which website has the full list, but should anyone have a G-prefix rod these can also be dated, given the correct reference table.

What a pity that Hardy ceased manufacture of split cane rods shortly after Tom Moran's death in May 2014. So ended a part of their history that had run almost continuously for well over a century. It would be appropriate to refer to these Hardy rods as ‘Moran era' and they were, in my opinion, the best split cane rods made by Hardy since the 1930s.

This beautiful rod exhibits all of the best attributes of Tom Moran's style. The attention to detail and elegance of its construction is phenomenal. To fish with, it is wonderfully smooth and well behaved. Accuracy and delicacy are assured but there is a considerable reserve of power that you'd expect from a true #5-weight. This is a quintessential split cane fly rod -a classic in every sense. I hate the idea that anyone should restrict themselves to just one fly rod, but if you had to, this one would serve you extremely well.

Hardy Split Cane Rod Serial Numbers

The arrow straight cane (as you'd expect from an unused rod) is full of vigour. Its pent up energy is tangible, urging you to take the rod out for a busy day on the river.

Specification.

Medium flamed hand made split cane, swelled butt construction with mirrored tips and 3 x 3 node spacing.

Outstanding burl reel seat spacer exhibiting a good deal of bird's eye figuring, with super-refined blued nickel silver metal work. The down locking cap and band are finely knurled, engraved and turned. This fitting is absolutely secure, lightweight and uncomplicated.

Swiss pattern blued nickel silver ferrule complete with Rosewood and cork stopper. The ferrules are a superb fit.

Snake Brand black nickel coated guides and tip-tops, with a matching butt ring (stripping guide in the US. Both names are equally funny in an innocently puerile way). A genuine Moran-made hook keeper is whipped above the winding check (shoulder collar in the UK).

Whippings (wraps in the US) are transparent varnish impregnated Pearsall's Gossamer silk with Moran style single strand accents (tippings in the UK). The № 1 tip has a green tipping to the tip-top whipping. The № 2 tip has a red tipping to the tip-top whipping.

The tailor made rod bag (sock in the US) has a Hardy Rod In Hand label and contains a stiffener to protect the tip sections.

The brass capped alloy tubed is both engraved and labelled with the classic Rod In Hand logo. The tube retains its original plastic wrapper.

I've had some fun with the Anglo-American rod making glossary. Now you can have some fun by buying this rod and going fishing with it.

The strength and flexibility of bamboo make it the ideal material for several different products. What you may not know is that bamboo is also an excellent material for fishing rods. It's true, from the 1870s to the 1950s, bamboo fly rods (also known as split cane rods) enjoyed 75 years of top production in the United States.

When products from China were placed under embargo, bamboo fly rods were harder to attain and their popularity with anglers was replaced by the new graphite or fiberglass rods.

Highly skilled craftsmen are making state-of-the-art bamboo fly rods today, and anglers enjoy their slow action and gentle touch over traditional rods ‘ rapid action. Unfortunately, cane rods can be expensively priced at the low to mid-thousands, because they are often handcrafted by traditional rod makers rather than mass-produced.

In this article, we've done our best to find the highest-quality, most affordable bamboo rods for fishers who are intrigued by the smooth casting and soft touch of the split cane rod but aren't looking to spend an arm and a leg.

Article Navigation

  • 1 Why Choose Bamboo?
  • 2 Product Reviews

Why Choose Bamboo?

Some people falsely believe that bamboo rods are simply collectors' items. Fine craftsmanship indeed goes into building a bamboo rod, but that doesn't mean they aren't great rods that should be added to your rotation. Here are some of the top benefits of using a bamboo rod.

Bamboo Is a Natural Material

Since bamboo is a natural fiber, many anglers describe the feeling of gripping a bamboo fly rod as organic. Bamboo fly rods allow the angler to feel the motions of the casting, making them suitable for the most delicate and subtle presentations as well as for fishers who appreciate the slow and versatile motion of the rod.

Bamboo Has Weight

Bamboo is the heaviest material made for fly rods, making them perfect for when you're looking for accuracy and precision. For example, use a bamboo fly rod when you plan on fishing with dry flies, emergers, or unweighted small nymphs on small to medium-sized streams and for when the trout starts to surface.

Just remember, though, if you are planning an all-day fishing excursion, bamboo fly rods are noticeably heavier than their modern counterparts, so you might want to use your graphite rod for these occasions.

Bamboo Demands Attention to Detail

Because of the heaviness of the bamboo pole, the fisher should slow their throwing stroke and truly focus on its timing. A graphite pole doesn't have a similar finesse in casting as a bamboo rod. The feel and sensitivity of the bamboo pole compel you to ponder your fly presentation and how your line lands on the water.

In a sport where graphite rods have allowed anglers to neglect the nuance of the fly cast, bamboo takes us back to our fishing roots, where we become one with dock or boat.

You'll Pass These Down to Younger Generations

Although we don't want you to think you're just investing in a collector's item, a bamboo rod is such a high quality rod that even from the list of affordable choices below, you'll be happy to pass your bamboo rod down to younger generations of anglers.

Serial

The craftsmanship in a bamboo rod is different from that of a graphite rod because the bamboo look cannot be replicated or mass-produced. This quality means you're getting a unique look and feel that you'll grow to love and couldn't duplicate if you wanted to, even from the same craftsman.

Product Reviews

Here's our roundup of 7 of the best bamboo fly rods out there at an affordable price point.

Headwaters Bamboo Bamboo Fly Rod

Top Pick!

Meet our top pick, the Headwaters Deluxe series. Headwaters is a U.S.A. based company that specializes in bamboo rods, and they're happy to give you a new way to enjoy fly fishing.

This fly rod uses hand-planed quality Tonkin bamboo. The two-piece rod comes with an aluminum tube and a rod sock with an agate stripping guide. You'll throw a nice loop and enjoy wet flies with Headwaters' well-designed rod.

Pros

  • Two tip sections help relieve some of the pressure of the natural weight of the rod for longer fishing trips.
  • Ultrafine cork grip
  • The lifetime warranty and 30-day satisfaction guarantee
  • Comes in six sizes for different action

Cons

  • Due to the bamboo material, this rod is on the heavy side
  • It may take some time to load and cast versus a graphite rod

New Bamboo Fly Rod Blank

Best Budget Option

You'll love the price of this fly rod, that's why it's our pick for the best budget bamboo rod. Made by Zhu out of Tonkin bamboo (a popular choice), this is a split, shaped, and coated blank rod that you can build yourself.

The two-piece rod comes with two tips and is good for slow to mid-action when finished. Thinkvision l171 drivers for macbook.

Hardy Split Cane Rod Serial Numbers Diagram

Pros

  • Control and customization of finishing your rod
  • Since this set includes the raw material, it's so affordable
  • Comes with ferrules glued and no visible glue lines

Cons

  • You'll have to purchase cork grip, reel seat and some other parts separately
  • This rod is for skilled anglers who also craft rods

Another option from Zhu, that comes fully assembled and is made from the same quality Tonkin bamboo. This 7'6, two-piece rod comes with two tips. The red silk windings and black tipping contribute to the overall master craftsmanship of this rod

Pros

  • Truncated, nickel silver ferrules fit together well
  • Reel seat with wood insert
  • Cork grip
  • Spar finish

Cons

  • The rod seems delicate so store it carefully

The new split Tonkin bamboo rod is a great price and the quality is comparable to some much more expensive collector's pieces. Like the Bamboo Fly rod, it has red silk windings and an up locking reel seat for precise rod attachment.

Pros

Hardy Split Cane Rod Serial Numbers List

Split

The arrow straight cane (as you'd expect from an unused rod) is full of vigour. Its pent up energy is tangible, urging you to take the rod out for a busy day on the river.

Specification.

Medium flamed hand made split cane, swelled butt construction with mirrored tips and 3 x 3 node spacing.

Outstanding burl reel seat spacer exhibiting a good deal of bird's eye figuring, with super-refined blued nickel silver metal work. The down locking cap and band are finely knurled, engraved and turned. This fitting is absolutely secure, lightweight and uncomplicated.

Swiss pattern blued nickel silver ferrule complete with Rosewood and cork stopper. The ferrules are a superb fit.

Snake Brand black nickel coated guides and tip-tops, with a matching butt ring (stripping guide in the US. Both names are equally funny in an innocently puerile way). A genuine Moran-made hook keeper is whipped above the winding check (shoulder collar in the UK).

Whippings (wraps in the US) are transparent varnish impregnated Pearsall's Gossamer silk with Moran style single strand accents (tippings in the UK). The № 1 tip has a green tipping to the tip-top whipping. The № 2 tip has a red tipping to the tip-top whipping.

The tailor made rod bag (sock in the US) has a Hardy Rod In Hand label and contains a stiffener to protect the tip sections.

The brass capped alloy tubed is both engraved and labelled with the classic Rod In Hand logo. The tube retains its original plastic wrapper.

I've had some fun with the Anglo-American rod making glossary. Now you can have some fun by buying this rod and going fishing with it.

The strength and flexibility of bamboo make it the ideal material for several different products. What you may not know is that bamboo is also an excellent material for fishing rods. It's true, from the 1870s to the 1950s, bamboo fly rods (also known as split cane rods) enjoyed 75 years of top production in the United States.

When products from China were placed under embargo, bamboo fly rods were harder to attain and their popularity with anglers was replaced by the new graphite or fiberglass rods.

Highly skilled craftsmen are making state-of-the-art bamboo fly rods today, and anglers enjoy their slow action and gentle touch over traditional rods ‘ rapid action. Unfortunately, cane rods can be expensively priced at the low to mid-thousands, because they are often handcrafted by traditional rod makers rather than mass-produced.

In this article, we've done our best to find the highest-quality, most affordable bamboo rods for fishers who are intrigued by the smooth casting and soft touch of the split cane rod but aren't looking to spend an arm and a leg.

Article Navigation

  • 1 Why Choose Bamboo?
  • 2 Product Reviews

Why Choose Bamboo?

Some people falsely believe that bamboo rods are simply collectors' items. Fine craftsmanship indeed goes into building a bamboo rod, but that doesn't mean they aren't great rods that should be added to your rotation. Here are some of the top benefits of using a bamboo rod.

Bamboo Is a Natural Material

Since bamboo is a natural fiber, many anglers describe the feeling of gripping a bamboo fly rod as organic. Bamboo fly rods allow the angler to feel the motions of the casting, making them suitable for the most delicate and subtle presentations as well as for fishers who appreciate the slow and versatile motion of the rod.

Bamboo Has Weight

Bamboo is the heaviest material made for fly rods, making them perfect for when you're looking for accuracy and precision. For example, use a bamboo fly rod when you plan on fishing with dry flies, emergers, or unweighted small nymphs on small to medium-sized streams and for when the trout starts to surface.

Just remember, though, if you are planning an all-day fishing excursion, bamboo fly rods are noticeably heavier than their modern counterparts, so you might want to use your graphite rod for these occasions.

Bamboo Demands Attention to Detail

Because of the heaviness of the bamboo pole, the fisher should slow their throwing stroke and truly focus on its timing. A graphite pole doesn't have a similar finesse in casting as a bamboo rod. The feel and sensitivity of the bamboo pole compel you to ponder your fly presentation and how your line lands on the water.

In a sport where graphite rods have allowed anglers to neglect the nuance of the fly cast, bamboo takes us back to our fishing roots, where we become one with dock or boat.

You'll Pass These Down to Younger Generations

Although we don't want you to think you're just investing in a collector's item, a bamboo rod is such a high quality rod that even from the list of affordable choices below, you'll be happy to pass your bamboo rod down to younger generations of anglers.

The craftsmanship in a bamboo rod is different from that of a graphite rod because the bamboo look cannot be replicated or mass-produced. This quality means you're getting a unique look and feel that you'll grow to love and couldn't duplicate if you wanted to, even from the same craftsman.

Product Reviews

Here's our roundup of 7 of the best bamboo fly rods out there at an affordable price point.

Headwaters Bamboo Bamboo Fly Rod

Top Pick!

Meet our top pick, the Headwaters Deluxe series. Headwaters is a U.S.A. based company that specializes in bamboo rods, and they're happy to give you a new way to enjoy fly fishing.

This fly rod uses hand-planed quality Tonkin bamboo. The two-piece rod comes with an aluminum tube and a rod sock with an agate stripping guide. You'll throw a nice loop and enjoy wet flies with Headwaters' well-designed rod.

Pros

  • Two tip sections help relieve some of the pressure of the natural weight of the rod for longer fishing trips.
  • Ultrafine cork grip
  • The lifetime warranty and 30-day satisfaction guarantee
  • Comes in six sizes for different action

Cons

  • Due to the bamboo material, this rod is on the heavy side
  • It may take some time to load and cast versus a graphite rod

New Bamboo Fly Rod Blank

Best Budget Option

You'll love the price of this fly rod, that's why it's our pick for the best budget bamboo rod. Made by Zhu out of Tonkin bamboo (a popular choice), this is a split, shaped, and coated blank rod that you can build yourself.

The two-piece rod comes with two tips and is good for slow to mid-action when finished. Thinkvision l171 drivers for macbook.

Hardy Split Cane Rod Serial Numbers Diagram

Pros

  • Control and customization of finishing your rod
  • Since this set includes the raw material, it's so affordable
  • Comes with ferrules glued and no visible glue lines

Cons

  • You'll have to purchase cork grip, reel seat and some other parts separately
  • This rod is for skilled anglers who also craft rods

Another option from Zhu, that comes fully assembled and is made from the same quality Tonkin bamboo. This 7'6, two-piece rod comes with two tips. The red silk windings and black tipping contribute to the overall master craftsmanship of this rod

Pros

  • Truncated, nickel silver ferrules fit together well
  • Reel seat with wood insert
  • Cork grip
  • Spar finish

Cons

  • The rod seems delicate so store it carefully

The new split Tonkin bamboo rod is a great price and the quality is comparable to some much more expensive collector's pieces. Like the Bamboo Fly rod, it has red silk windings and an up locking reel seat for precise rod attachment.

Pros

Hardy Split Cane Rod Serial Numbers List

  • The grip turns nicely
  • Well-aligned guides
  • Great action
  • No glue lines
  • Well-fitting ferrules

Cons

  • Since these rods are handcrafted, they may not appear exactly like the images

This fly rod option from GUFIKY is another budget friendly one that doesn't sacrifice the quality of the bamboo build.

The two-piece rod has an excellent varnish finish and comes with a cloth rod sheath for its protection.

Pros

  • This rod is on the lighter side for a bamboo rods but great for efficient casts
  • The varnish leaves a great looking finish

Cons

  • Some ferrules may not fit correctly which would make them pull apart from the rod

Made in Guangdong, China, this Special Design bamboo fly rod is a three-piece rod made of a six-sided Tonkin cane bamboo construction with two tips.

Pros

  • Relatively light weight for great casting
  • Red windings hold guides in position well
  • Hard chromed snake guide and stripping guide
  • Up-locking mechanism to make sure rod is attached well
  • Beautiful design

Cons

  • Ferrules may be problematic and need to be repaired

Hardy Split Cane Rod Serial Numbers Lookup

Another Zhu original, which is a meticulously designed piece of work with Tonkin bamboo cane that we can't get enough of. Yet another affordable choice, this one comes with a high-quality handle and is only one piece. It's on the shorter end at 5'1 versus the other rods (which are all around 7').

Pros

  • Great medium action
  • Takes a lure weight between 1/16 and 3/8 ounce
  • Line holds between two and six pounds
  • Great customer service if any issues arise
  • Well aligned guides

Cons

  • Not as much flexibility but that's to be expected with the one piece

Go Bamboo

Hardy Split Cane Rod Serial Numbers Lookup

This is your first bamboo fly rod, so these low-cost options are perfect because you won't be afraid to break them. Even if you do, the great thing about bamboo rods is that they can be fixed, unlike graphite rods, which are usually history.

Hardy Split Cane Rod Serial Numbers Explained

Most of the rods we reviewed come with two tips, but if you find one that doesn't, it's always good to have a spare lying around. You never know when you might need it. We know once you get your hands on a bamboo rod, you'll always want to keep one handy.

Hardy Split Cane Rod Serial Numbers Chart

This may be your first bamboo rod, but we can safely say it won't be your last! You'll be a collector before you know it.





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