Is the action on the surface or does the situation require swinging a streamer? Are the water and wind calm? Are casts long or short? Such is the dilemma of the fly angler but carrying several reels spooled with the appropriate line just is not feasible. Hardy has the solution with the Ultralite ASR reel (Assisted Spool Release), complete with two extra cartridges for enhanced versatility. The reel was introduced at the trade show EFTTEX in June 2016.
The Ultralite ASR system features a fast, easy-to-use cassette spool release that actively frees the cassette at the flick of a switch. To replace the cassette simply push back in place. No tools are required nor a flat working surface to control parts during the exchange.
Each cartridge can be clearly marked for line identification with the fly line ID system.
The heavily ported, lightweight reel is ideal for the challenges of multiple-situation fly fishing. The body is constructed with 6061 bar stock for durability and the cassettes are built from a high impact composite. Each Cassette can be clearly marked for line identification.
The 340-degree disc drag includes a multi-pad system with colour-coded reference for easy tracking of the drag setting. The drag setting can be identified with a simple glance as the red dots on the drag knob clearly indicate a stronger drag and lighter drag settings are indicated by green. The drag can be configured from zero to maximum in just one turn of the knob.
Five models are offered. The 4/5-weight, 95 mm diameter reel weighs just 176 grams to the 249 gram, 123 mm diameter 9/10/11-weight. In addition to multiple cartridges, the reel is packaged with a soft travel case.
4 comments on Hardy Ultralite ASR features fast and easy spool changes
I like the theory but in practise I have found the lock difficult to release. I returned the ASR7000 reel to my retailer who replaced it (and sent the original back to Hardy). The replacement now has the same issue and I can’t release the cassette with my finger – I need to use a knife blade or similar because it is so stiff. I’m not sure if oiling the mechanism would help but I am reluctant to try this as it should not be necessary!
I had exactly the same issue with my asr 6000. I took a piece of fine wet and dry sandpaper to the inside of cassette and this solved the problem. Have had to do this on all of the extra spools that I have bought also. Not what I was expecting from a Hardy reel.
Based on Alistair’s comment above, I almost did not buy an ASR reel. But I gave it a try anyway.
I have used my ASR 5000 now for a couple of months and performed many cassette changes. I found the cassette system easy to use and reliable and didn’t experience any issues with the lock/unlock button.
Just give a little pressue on the button in the direction indicated by the arrow on the gold anodized ring and the cassette disengages and moves up.
I have a 6000 ASR reel…
I am 80 and with arthritis in my hands…I find it impossible to get the cassette out…so now I do not change the spool…just keep the same line on…the last time I buy this product…everybody I know that has one has the same issue
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I like the theory but in practise I have found the lock difficult to release. I returned the ASR7000 reel to my retailer who replaced it (and sent the original back to Hardy). The replacement now has the same issue and I can’t release the cassette with my finger – I need to use a knife blade or similar because it is so stiff. I’m not sure if oiling the mechanism would help but I am reluctant to try this as it should not be necessary!
I had exactly the same issue with my asr 6000. I took a piece of fine wet and dry sandpaper to the inside of cassette and this solved the problem. Have had to do this on all of the extra spools that I have bought also. Not what I was expecting from a Hardy reel.
Based on Alistair’s comment above, I almost did not buy an ASR reel. But I gave it a try anyway.
I have used my ASR 5000 now for a couple of months and performed many cassette changes. I found the cassette system easy to use and reliable and didn’t experience any issues with the lock/unlock button.
Just give a little pressue on the button in the direction indicated by the arrow on the gold anodized ring and the cassette disengages and moves up.
I have a 6000 ASR reel…
I am 80 and with arthritis in my hands…I find it impossible to get the cassette out…so now I do not change the spool…just keep the same line on…the last time I buy this product…everybody I know that has one has the same issue