Yes I know the great debate that happened when Hardy moved their reel manufacturing form England to Korea. More than likely based on economics. I own a number of classic made in England Hardy’s that I highly prize.
Their new offerings made away from their England plant are now available. Time will tell if they are as highly prized. I noticed a great deal on the Harris web site for the Cascapedia ,and with a low British pound and 40% off I decided to bite. They’ve titled it the Cascapedia II and it comes in several different sizes. I ordered the 2/3/4. These reels are click-pawl, unlike the disk drags a classic style of reel. It does have a beautiful design (in my mind) with a mix of classic and modern venting.
After a few email inquiries about the reel I ordered it and it arrived from England very quickly. Very well packaged. I am happy with the service from Harris Sport. After unpacking and popping it out of the neoprene pouch it turned out to be one of the smoothest running click-pawl reel I have handled. I was a bit nervous about line capacity as it looked a bit small. It made up for it in width. It took a Rio WF 6dry line and some backing with no problem. It boasts a great hardy sound. I disassembled the reel and was pleased with the construction. It can be changed over from right-hand-wind to right-hand-wind fairly easily. The drag is set in increments that are very precise.
Mounted it on a number of rods, it is a heavy reel that suites a 8 or 9 foot rod and really balances out nice on some of my bamboo’s. The reel promises to be a very good for fishing. I have talked with other Hardy fans that have purchased this reel and the common line is that is performs performed flawlessly, in the Hardy tradition. Do I think it is the same classic Hardy as was made in Antwick? No it can’t obviously be. Is it in the same quality as the traditional, yes I would say so. I'm I happy with my purchase, yes very, it’s a treasure, and one I’m not afraid to fish. I can keep my other Hardy's as collectibles. It is after all still a Hardy.