Hardy Marksman Rods

[BRPS]

as their media hype would lead us to believe ?. I've always been a fan of Normark rods which sadly seem to be extinct . Looking for something in the same bracket and the Marksman range seem to be up there with the best. Has anyone got one and if so are they worth the cash?.

[Guest tigger]

as their media hype would lead us to believe ?. I've always been a fan of Normark rods which sadly seem to be extinct . Looking for something in the same bracket and the Marksman range seem to be up there with the best. Has anyone got one and if so are they worth the cash?.

 

 

 

I'm a fan of the Normark and in my opinion there the best match rods ever made. I've looked at the Hardy range and if I was you I'd stick to the Normarks. You still get plenty Normarks on ebay including the older Team Normarks which are "the dogs".

[Moodyboy]

I'm a fan of the Normark and in my opinion there the best match rods ever made. I've looked at the Hardy range and if I was you I'd stick to the Normarks. You still get plenty Normarks on ebay including the older Team Normarks which are "the dogs".

 

 

Have to agree with tigger, I bought a second hand microlite from Mr Middy and I have to say it's an absolute pleasure to use and cost very little. I can use it to trot all day long without the arm ache I used to get.Unless you really want that "box fresh" look, I don't see the point in adding a zero to what you pay to get the same from a brand new rod

Edited December 5, 2008 by Moodyboy

[BRPS]

I'm a fan of the Normark and in my opinion there the best match rods ever made. I've looked at the Hardy range and if I was you I'd stick to the Normarks. You still get plenty Normarks on ebay including the older Team Normarks which are "the dogs".

 

I've got nothing but the very highest regard for Normark rods , indeed I've got 4 of them. However, I was unfortunate enough to break the tip off of my Titan MK11 float rod which is still under warranty. Upon contacting the UK distributor Masterline I was told that they had ceased being the distributor and couldn't help me. Further investigations proved this statement to be incorrect. However , I've sent them 3 e-mails pleading for a response but not had the courtessy of a reply. A guarantee is supposed to be just that and I'm somewhat reluctant to invest in another Normark if there's no backup... Hence the question re Hardy's who at least seem to be a reputable company!.

[Guest tigger]

I've got nothing but the very highest regard for Normark rods , indeed I've got 4 of them. However, I was unfortunate enough to break the tip off of my Titan MK11 float rod which is still under warranty. Upon contacting the UK distributor Masterline I was told that they had ceased being the distributor and couldn't help me. Further investigations proved this statement to be incorrect. However , I've sent them 3 e-mails pleading for a response but not had the courtessy of a reply. A guarantee is supposed to be just that and I'm somewhat reluctant to invest in another Normark if there's no backup... Hence the question re Hardy's who at least seem to be a reputable company!.

 

Have you tried phoning Masterline? I've never had any dealings with them but they sound hopless.

If Hardys insurance is anything like Greys then it's a joke as you still have to buy your new section/rod be it at a reduced price or not.

I have had a good look at the Hardys rods and really am not very impressed as like a lot of cheap tat there made in China of all places

If I where you BRPS I'd keep an eye on ebay for a older Team Normark, with the japanese damuri blanks and fuji titanium eyes they are easily as good if not better than Carbotec etc. Don't forget the Team Normarks where 400 notes years ago and you never got discount on the old ones like to later versions. Don't get me wrong the later ones are still great rods and IMO blow the Hardys out of the water, I suppose others will disagree but..........they've not got a clue

[tincatinca]

I suppose others will disagree but..........they've not got a clue

 

Except for the guys that use Harrison GTis, Daiwa amorphous whiskers or the original Shimano Diaflash

 

In todays world and imho, rods made from the Harrison range of blanks take some beating

[Guest tigger]

Except for the guys that use Daiwa amorphous whiskers or the original Shimano Diaflash

 

 

 

Yeah I've got those TT and I love em but in the match rods they don't come near the Normarks.......JMO

[BRPS]

Have you tried phoning Masterline? I've never had any dealings with them but they sound hopless.

If Hardys insurance is anything like Greys then it's a joke as you still have to buy your new section/rod be it at a reduced price or not.

I have had a good look at the Hardys rods and really am not very impressed as like a lot of cheap tat there made in China of all places

If I where you BRPS I'd keep an eye on ebay for a older Team Normark, with the japanese damuri blanks and fuji titanium eyes they are easily as good if not better than Carbotec etc. Don't forget the Team Normarks where 400 notes years ago and you never got discount on the old ones like to later versions. Don't get me wrong the later ones are still great rods and IMO blow the Hardys out of the water, I suppose others will disagree but..........they've not got a clue

 

Yes I've phoned them 3 times only to be given a different story on every occasion. Really hopeless , one person tells me that they're no longer distributing Normark rods , haven't got any spares left etc. the next that they will be distributing a rebranded version... Quite what the truth is I just don't know... I'm inclined to get the tip repaired but am waiting for confimation that this will not invalidate the guarantee.. No one at Masterline will reply to my e-mails so...............................

[tiddlertamer]

as their media hype would lead us to believe ?. I've always been a fan of Normark rods which sadly seem to be extinct . Looking for something in the same bracket and the Marksman range seem to be up there with the best. Has anyone got one and if so are they worth the cash?.

 

 

I have the 13 foot specialist Hardys Float Rod. It is a dream of a rod. And the customer service has been brilliant too. Can't speak highly enough about Hardys.

 

When I enquired about a centrepin reel and had a query about which size was best, they said someone would ring me back. A bit of a surprise but a pleasant one when I answered the phone and it was renowned angler Dave Coster, a Hardys consultant, who proved extremely helpful.

 

The float rods are feather light and have a great anti lock action.

 

They are strong too, though when I managed through my own stupidity, to break the tip, they were incredibly helpful in replacing it; quickly too.

 

Not cheap, but in my opinion, Hardys products are worth every penny.

[Guest tigger]

Yes I've phoned them 3 times only to be given a different story on every occasion. Really hopeless , one person tells me that they're no longer distributing Normark rods , haven't got any spares left etc. the next that they will be distributing a rebranded version... Quite what the truth is I just don't know... I'm inclined to get the tip repaired but am waiting for confimation that this will not invalidate the guarantee.. No one at Masterline will reply to my e-mails so...............................

 

 

BRPS this item on ebay is the earlier Team Normark 140285486425 . I had three Microlites but have just sold one at 12ft. This has the two ft extension 13 to 15ft. The later models only have a 1ft extension. I've got the Titan in the 13 to 15ft Team version.