Tim:
Did you ever buy reels through Harris Sportsmail in the UK before Hardy put manners on them for discounting reels to US buyers for crazy low prices??
When Brexit happened and the exchange rate was extremely good, I couldn't buy reels fast enough and still keep them hidden from my wife.
😉
However, you might have been lucky selling your newer Hardy reels for a profit and it may never happen again for another reason...
Hardy moved reel production to Korea around 2007. Before then, the UK built "Lightweight Series" reels (Flyweight, Featherweight, LRH, Princess, St. Aiden) and the Bougle were reasonably priced and the quality was excellent, especially the reels manufactured just before the move because of CNC machining and anodized finishes.
However what Hardy did AFTER the move was drop prices
SLIGHTLY on the Korean made classic reels (Lightweight Series and the Bougle) and massively INCREASE the prices on the few remaining UK built reels (Perfect, Cascapedia, St. George).
When that happened, people were on the hunt for PRE-Korean Hardy classic reels so anybody with reels from the early 2000's could easily sell them for a fast profit.
The problem now is, when Hardy brought the classic reel production back to the UK about 20 years ago, they started constantly reintroducing the classic models and making special editions. So if you bought a new LRH for $300 bucks in 2013 thinking it would appreciate in value, you'll be lucky to get even that because there have been at least four versions introduced since...
A couple examples:
The Cascapedia was re-introduced in 2004 as the Cascapedia Mk II. It was still being made in the UK when Hardy INITIALLY moved production to Korea with a price tag of $800+. Later they re-re introduced it as the Cascapedia Mk III, made in Korea and selling for consideably less money.
About 4 years ago I bought a NIB 2004 vintage UK built Cascapedia Mk II's for $300...
The 150th Anniversay Lightweight reels were introduced in 2022 for close to $500. Recently they are popping up at 20% - 40% off that price because Hardy re-re-introced a new version Lightweight Series last year...
I know at least three people who snapped up NIB 150th Anniversary LRH's & Featherweights for $250...
Bottom line, Hardy is making money but anybody buying some of their newest pricey reels as an investment will be taking a bath...