[anthony]

Im leaning towards getting a Hardy Silex, But im wanting to hear form the guys that have one or had one and used them the Pros and Cons about the reels...

I dont want to hear anything about what you have "HEARD" about the reels, I want accurate info from poeple who have USED them

Thanks

 

[kingpin]

the words bullet proof come to mind....

 

[Richard Nixon]

They're not necessarily bullet proof, if you wipe out, the reel seat will bust off of the cage because its pot metal. I know, I've had J. Milner repair a couple of mine. Also, always clean the reel after you've used it, any grime whatsoever inside will grind away at the guts and eventually makes it impossible to reel, this of course only happens when you have a beauty fish on. Thirdly, if you purchase a Silex that has never been or hardly been used, sit down in front of the tv, plug in a dvd and spin that reel for a couple hours or more. The shaft needs to be broken in so to speak so the reel spins forever. Just a few things I've noticed personally. When they're tuned in they'll never let you down, the one I use now I got for graduation in 1981, spins forever, and is my trusty servant.

 

[leaping tyee]

Hardy silex is a ok reel but not the greatest,there are no spool adjustment not like others.Hey Fishfreak,i will be heading out fishing tomorrow,i will let you try it if you want :beerchug:.

 

[Rib]

I use a silex superba, minor differences between it and the silex, but the premise is still the same. I've been using it for roughly 20 or so years now without a hitch...

Funny enough, some of the pros are also cons, depending on your perspective...

Pros

-Closed face reel, no birdsnest of line coming off the face when you aren't paying attention...if you have that problem.
-Large line capacity
-Handles are set in from the rim, allowing for better "purchase" on the rim with your fingers without the knuckle busting effect of other reels when that fish goes on a tear...
-Bullet proof. Solid construction. I fell badly once on the cheakamus about 12 years ago...landed on the reel and took a little chunk out of the inner rim of the spool... no warping of the spin, no other damage, reel works like a dream to this day.
-Bushing design, Spin improves with usage
-Good clicker design, doesn't get in the way, no need to look for it...

Cons

-Closed face reel, you'll have to learn some new close quarters casts to replace the "strip line off the side and get it spinning" cast that works so well with the open faced reels. Not a problem, plenty of casts to work with.
-Handles set in from the rim. Some people complain about this. Seems they think it makes it hard to reel in. Something most would get used to over time. It never bothered me, not even when I first started using it. In fact I prefer it that way.
-Likely won't spin as well as the newer bearing reels, a slight bit slower off the start but more than adequate for all conditions...you'll learn to use that space on the rim to speed up or slow down the spin as required.
-Gotta work them in. Fishable right off the bat, but do need to be worked in to achieve optimal spin.
-Clean it regularly, I do about 3 times a year or so just to keep it performing optimally.

Having used this reel as long as I have, I don't even really consider the cons to be cons...right from the start the reel performed great for me I've never had any complaints or concerns about it's abilities.

I prefer it to the new bearing and bushing style "pins"...it has style and a classic look and it will never let you down.

Be sure to check the reel thoroughly before buying. Look to make sure it spins true, sound advice for buying any used pin reel...otherwise it's a great option for anyone wanting to get into a centerpin reel.

:cheers:

 

[anthony]

Awesome Rib thanks a bunch for taking the time to write this out

 

[chromer]

I've owned a J.W Young Seldex, a Milner Kingfisher, a Islander Steelheader and a Hardy Silex. Out of all the reels I think the nicest looking reel was the Hardy, but the one I liked the best was the Islander. I think the 4.5 inch size and the bearings made it perform the best (too bad it doesn't have a lever to engage the clicker and silent retrieve). BUT, I sold them all because I get enough single action on the Kamloops Rainbows and out in the chuck. In the river I prefer my 11 bearing Shimano Calais or my 5 bearing Shimano Curado300DSV. I do think you get a better drift with a pin when float fishing. But I think I can cover a lot more water and fish different situations more effectively with a baitcaster, not to mention the fact that I'm not wiped out and need a nap at the end of the day ( although my Simms breathables probably have a lot to with that as well ). You can't beat the Hardy in the fact that the re-sale value will always remain strong if its in mint condition and you decide to sell it down the road.

 

[Silex-user]

Over last 35 odds year or more I own and re-sold all kinds of CP reels and I still my personal (favorite) preference is Hardy Silex. I brought the Islander CP reel when it first came out and I worn out the bearings.... sold it. When IMW CP reel came out I brought 3rd reel that was made in production and I sold it. Had chance to buy new Norm Mcdonald's 4 1/2" CP reel for $500.00 but with young family and mortgages to pay.....you know the story.

I kept the the Avon reel because I only pay something like $39.99 for it back in 1974. It was my first CP reel.

With Silex reel I never put oil on shaft and I clean the shaft everytime I use it. It is reliable and simple to use. It has never fail me yet in break down.

I have caught from 4" smolt all the way up to 40lbs plus springs with not problems. LOL. ;D

Once while I see used one for sale at West Coast Tackle and Hub's Sports.


Silex-user.