First Impressions of Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel
The Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel immediately whispers promises of delicate presentations and the thrill of landing trout on the lightest of tackle. Hardy‘s reputation precedes them, and this spare spool, designed for their Ultraclick UCL reel, aims to provide versatility to the angler targeting spooky fish in clear waters. It’s a niche product, built for a specific style of fly fishing, and my first impression is one of carefully considered design.
I’d been consistently facing a frustrating problem: needing to switch between different fly line types and weights mid-stream without the hassle of respooling my reel. The ability to quickly change spools is a game-changer. This led me to the Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel, seeking a solution that would allow me to adapt to changing conditions and fishing techniques with minimal downtime.
Upon unboxing, the spool feels incredibly light. The olive bronze finish is subtle and classy, reflecting the light without being overly flashy. The alloy material appears robust despite the minimal weight, suggesting a careful balance of durability and lightweight design.
While I also considered spare spools from Orvis and Redington, the Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel stood out because of its compatibility with my existing Ultraclick UCL reel and the fully enclosed line guard. The enclosed line guard is crucial when using the super thin euro nymphing lines. This appealed to my desire for a refined and specialized setup. I picked this spare spool for its potential to give me flexibility.
Initially, I was excited. The lightweight design and reputation of Hardy raised expectations. I was eager to see how this spare spool would perform on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place on the challenging waters of the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park. The Firehole is known for its selective brown trout and demanding casting conditions. I paired the spool with my Hardy Ultraclick UCL reel, loaded with a dedicated euro nymphing line, and set out to target the heavily pressured fish.
The Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel performed flawlessly. The line came off the spool smoothly, without any snags or hesitations. I fished in breezy conditions, and the enclosed line guard lived up to its promise. It kept the thin line from being blown around and tangled.
Switching spools was quick and straightforward. It took only a few seconds to swap back to the original spool loaded with a dry fly line when a hatch started. This instantaneous change allowed me to capitalize on the rising fish. I had no issues or surprises, just smooth operation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel continues to perform admirably. There are no signs of wear and tear beyond minor cosmetic blemishes. These blemishes are inevitable from rubbing against rocks and brush. The alloy construction has proven to be durable and resistant to corrosion, even after repeated exposure to water and saltwater.
Maintaining the spare spool is simple. A quick rinse with fresh water after each use is sufficient to remove any dirt or debris. I occasionally apply a light coat of reel grease to the spindle. This helps to keep the spool running smoothly. It’s significantly better than cheaper spools I’ve used in the past, which quickly developed wobble and line sticking issues. This spool has outperformed all my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel
Specifications
The Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel is built with a singular purpose: to provide a lightweight and reliable alternative spool for the Hardy Ultraclick UCL reel. This translates to a compact and functional design. Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications:
- Manufacturer: Hardy.
- Gear Ratio: 1.0:1. This is a direct retrieve reel, as expected for this type of fly fishing application.
- Max Drag: 0.5lb / 0.2kg. The very light drag is perfect for protecting delicate tippets.
- Drag: Click Check. A click check provides just enough resistance to prevent overruns.
- Anti-Reverse: No Anti-Reverse. This is a standard feature for lightweight fly reels.
- Color: Olive Bronze.
- Condition: New.
- Size: 0.8 (specific to the UCL reel series).
- Fabric/Material: Alloy.
- Spare spool for Ultraclick UCL reel. The most important spec is the specific compatibility.
These specifications are critical for maintaining the lightweight balance of an ultra-light fly fishing setup. The low drag and click check system protect the light tippets commonly used in this style of fishing. The alloy construction provides durability without adding unnecessary weight.
Performance & Functionality
The Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel excels in its primary function: providing a quick and easy way to change fly lines and adapt to different fishing conditions. The spool is well-balanced and spins freely. This enables smooth and consistent line retrieval. It makes switching lines in the field effortless.
Its biggest strength is its compatibility and smooth operation. The light weight and enclosed line guard are also outstanding. The drag is more of a line keeper than a true drag. A more robust drag would be a welcome improvement for fighting larger fish. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a spare spool.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The olive bronze finish gives it a classic and understated look. This blends well with most fly rods. The alloy construction is lightweight and feels durable. It ensures that the reel and spool are a balanced pair.
The spool is incredibly easy to remove and replace. The design requires no tools. There’s absolutely no learning curve involved. The spool is well designed.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel is built to last. The alloy construction is resistant to corrosion and wear, even with regular use in harsh conditions. Regular cleaning and lubrication will ensure years of reliable performance. It is simple to maintain and easy to clean.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel does not come with any additional accessories, as it is designed to be a direct replacement spool for the Hardy Ultraclick UCL reel. There are no customization options available for the spool itself. This is not unexpected. However, you can customize the line you load onto the spool.
The spool is compatible with any fly line designed for the corresponding reel size and intended use. This includes a wide range of floating, sinking, and nymphing lines from various manufacturers.
Pros and Cons of Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel
Pros
- Lightweight design.
- Quick and easy spool changes.
- Durable alloy construction.
- Smooth and reliable performance.
- Enclosed line guard prevents tangles with thin lines.
Cons
- Limited drag strength.
- Specific compatibility (only works with Hardy Ultraclick UCL reel).
Who Should Buy Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel?
The Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel is perfect for fly anglers who own a Hardy Ultraclick UCL reel and require the ability to quickly change fly lines in the field. This is especially useful for anglers who target trout in clear water and need to adapt to changing hatches and fishing conditions. It is also great for euro nymphing enthusiasts who need to switch between line types and weights.
This product is not necessary for anglers who only use one type of fly line or do not own the Hardy Ultraclick UCL reel. It also might not be the best option for anglers who prioritize a strong drag system over lightweight performance.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality fly line winder for quickly loading and unloading line onto the spool. I’d also recommend a small container of reel grease for occasional maintenance.
Conclusion on Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel
The Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel is a well-designed and functional accessory that provides a significant advantage for anglers who need to quickly change fly lines in the field. Its lightweight design, smooth performance, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any serious angler’s gear. The spool delivers reliability and ease of use.
At $115.00, the price is justified given the quality and performance of the product. It might seem like a luxury item. For the angler who values versatility and efficiency on the water, it’s a worthwhile investment. I highly recommend it to anyone who owns a Hardy Ultraclick UCL reel.
Consider adding this spare spool to your arsenal. The Hardy Ultraclick UCL Spare Spool Reel is a valuable tool for maximizing your success on the water. Don’t get caught without it!