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Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - april2008 - Index

28
Hardy Angel 2 Reel
Hardy’s 2004 Editors’ Choice Award winning Angel
reel has been redesigned and updated for 2008. Back when
the original Angel was introduced, the U. S. dollar was worth
a lot more against the British pound, which makes it hard to believe that
the Angel 2 is priced lower than the original article.
In keeping with this issue’s Salmon & Steelhead theme, our evaluation
reel was an Angel 2 7/8 (WF8F + 230 yds. 20 lb. backing; 3.62-inch
diameter; 7.1 oz.; $585, extra spool $230). The large-arbor Angel 2 is almost
indistinguishable from the original Angel, retaining all of the major
styling cues—like the classic Hardy vent pattern, twin-pillar-mounted reel
foot, and hemispherical drag “knob” that rotates through 1.25 turns and
38 detents lock to lock. And it’s fully machined from Hardy’s proprietary
6262-T4510 aerospace-grade aluminum, hard anodized in matte silver. But
that’s where the similarity ends.
Unlike the original, the Angel 2 is a full-cage design with overlapping palming
rim, providing immense strength while retaining the ability to palm the spool. The
disc drag has been upgraded to a fully-sealed, Rulon-based system for reduced start-up
inertia (measuring 1.1% in our standard test) and better long-term durability, and a one-way clutch bearing with screw-off
retaining cap permits 10-second, no-tools retrieve reversal. Eight Angel 2 models are offered—from the Featherweight 2/3
to the magnum 11/12—priced from $385 to $670, with extra spools priced from $150 to $360. See them at your fly shop,
or contact Hardy USA, Dept FFA; Tel: (607) 756-2851; Web: www.hardyusa.com—Chris Major
Redington RS4 Rod
As we’ve noted elsewhere, Redington’s association with Sage has done wonders for the performance of Redington rods,
and the latest example of this positive trend is the RS4 Series. Comprised of ten 2-piece models (from a 7.5-foot 3-weight to
a 9-foot 9-weight, $210 to $230), plus sixteen 4-piece models (in lengths from 8 to 10 feet spanning line weights 3 through
12, $250 to $275), the RS4 Series offers premium fit and finish and outstanding performance at prices everyone can afford.
Built with 51-million modulus Toray graphite, blanks get an attractive moss-colored paint job with matching wraps
and silver accents. Tip-over-butt ferrules are marked with both alignment dots and the rod’s length and line designation
on each female ferrule. Guides consist of Pac Bay aluminum-oxide stripers, plus chrome-plated snakes and tip-top.
Three- through 6-weights are fitted with half-Wells grips fashioned from AAA-grade Portuguese cork with laser-engraved,
machined-aluminum reel seats and moss-colored graphite inserts. Seven-weights and up get AAA-grade full-
Wells cork grips and laser-engraved, anodized-aluminum reel seats with twin locking rings and 1.5-inch
diameter cork/EVA foam fighting butts.
Our evaluation rod was the 4-piece, 9-foot, 8-weight (4.2 oz., $275). The action is moderately fast—not
stiff, but with plenty of reserve power to throw line farther than you probably should. This is a lot of rod for
the money, and it will deliver the goods right up to the limit of your casting abilities. See the RS4s at your fly
shop, or contact Redington, Dept. FFA; Tel: (800) 253-2538; Web: www.redington.com—Bill Battles
L. L. Bean Kennebec Rolling Carryon Duffle
When the airlines started charging $25 for a second piece of checked luggage, we started thinking
in terms of one checked bag and one big carryon, and the best fishing carryon we’ve found is
the new Kennebec Rolling Carryon Duffle from L. L. Bean ($149).
Made from high-Denier ballistic nylon with a hard-shell bottom, this rugged little bag measures
an overhead-friendly 21” L x 14” W x 12” D, and has all the features (and more) of the best
full-size rolling fishing duffles. Easy Glide in-line skate wheels, an innovative, two-position
telescoping handle, and polymer feet insure that it will follow you wherever you’re bound
and dutifully stand at attention when stationary. The main compartment is accessed by a
two-way zipper and offers a whopping 3,528 cubic inches of storage volume. A segregated
waterproof pouch for storing wet waders and/or wading shoes is accessed by a full-length
side zipper. An elastic sleeve with multiple web tie-down loops at each end will securely
hold one rod tube on the outside of the bag. Other features include peppered cork carry
handles—shaped like fly rod grips—at each end, long web pulls on every zipper, and
a full-featured chest pack that mounts on top via web cinch straps with quick-detach
buckles. The chest pack includes a separate, adjustable harness system, zippered main
compartment, and zip-down foam fly deck with integral tippet pouch. See it online at
www.llbean.com, or contact L. L. Bean at (800) 559-0747—Crispin Battles