Hardy Marquis LWT
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
Description
The Hardy Marquis LWT is one of the most recognizable click-and-pawl fly reels ever made. Originally introduced in the 1970s, the Marquis became a favorite among trout and salmon anglers thanks to its distinctive sound, reliability, and timeless design. Today's Marquis LWT remains handcrafted in Alnwick, England while incorporating subtle updates that improve performance without changing the reel's classic character. These refinements include increased porting for reduced weight, a wider range of drag adjustment, and an indented regulator button that preserves the reel's traditional appearance.
Built from precision-machined 6061 bar stock aluminum, the Marquis LWT features Hardy's proven click-check mechanism, delivering the unmistakable outgoing sound generations of anglers have come to love. Rather than competing with modern sealed drag reels, the Marquis embraces simplicity. It's a reel designed for anglers who enjoy fighting fish by hand, appreciate classic tackle, and want a reel that will likely still be fishing decades from now.
Specifications
| Model | Line Weight | Weight | Diameter | Backing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/3 | 2–3 wt | 3.16 oz | 2.58" | WF3 + 22 yds 20 lb Dacron |
| 4 | 4 wt | 3.40 oz | 2.79" | WF4 + 30 yds 20 lb Dacron |
| 5 | 5 wt | 3.76 oz | 3.05" | WF5 + 40 yds 20 lb Dacron |
| 6 | 6 wt | 4.32 oz | 3.28" | WF6 + 45 yds 30 lb Dacron |
| 7 | 7 wt | 4.62 oz | 3.47" | WF7 + 67 yds 30 lb Dacron |
FAQ
Who Is the Hardy Marquis LWT For?
The Marquis LWT is ideal for anglers who appreciate traditional fly fishing and want the unmistakable feel and sound of a click-and-pawl reel. It's especially well suited for trout fishing, smallmouth bass, and light steelhead, pairing beautifully with fiberglass, bamboo, and moderate-action graphite rods. It appeals to anglers who value craftsmanship and simplicity.
How Does the Marquis LWT Compare to the Hardy Perfect?
Both are handcrafted in England and feature traditional click-check mechanisms, but they have distinct personalities. The Perfect is Hardy's flagship heritage reel with a fully enclosed frame and iconic 1912 check mechanism. The Marquis LWT is lighter, more affordable, and features a simpler open-frame design with a larger arbor. For many anglers, the Marquis offers much of the traditional Hardy experience at a lower price point.
Why Has the Hardy Marquis Been So Popular for Decades?
Few reels have earned the reputation of the Marquis. Its dependable click-check system, durable construction, and distinctive outgoing sound made it a favorite among trout and salmon anglers for generations. The current Marquis LWT retains that same character while incorporating subtle improvements like reduced weight and a wider adjustment range.
What Are the Downsides of the Hardy Marquis LWT?
The Marquis LWT is intentionally traditional, and that comes with a few compromises. Its click-check drag isn't designed for situations where heavy drag pressure is required. It also retrieves line more slowly than modern large-arbor reels and offers less backing capacity for its size.
Finally, while it's less expensive than the Hardy Perfect, it's still a premium-priced click-and-pawl reel. Anglers focused purely on performance or value can find modern disc-drag reels for similar or lower prices. The Marquis is best viewed as a reel purchased for the experience as much as its function—a classic that rewards anglers who appreciate timeless design and British craftsmanship.
Warranty
Hardy Warranty Information
We warrant that the Product will be free from material defects in design, material and workmanship for a period of 5 years (or the period stated in the leaflet provided with your reel) from the date on which it was originally purchased. This warranty is in addition to your statutory rights in relation to products which are faulty or mis-described.
