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Dry fly anglers and fans of moderately fast action rods have plenty of options, like the Scott G Series, Winson Pure, Sage Trout LL, G. Loomis NRX+ LP, and T&T Paradigm. These high-end rods will leave all but the most discerning anglers salivating over their near-heirloom components and build quality. However, premium rods come with a lofty price tag and aren’t in the budget for many of us in 2022.

Thankfully, Hardy has stepped up to the plate to deliver the Aydon, billed as a medium-action, delicate-presentation performer with a price tag nearly as light as the tippet it's designed to protect. Sure, at $550.00, it’s a substantial jump from the much-beloved and missed Hardy Shadow. However, in today’s marketplace, and considering there aren’t many options in the Aydon’s class, it could prove to be an excellent value. Read on to see if the Aydon can deliver the performance of rods twice its price.

Outfit

Hardy Aydon 9' 5wt Fly Rod

Scientific Anglers MPX Fly Line

Fit & Finish

The solid black reel seat features slightly asymmetrical hardware to make it easy to attach your reel. The black accents blend nicely with a burled-wood insert, and the reverse-wells grip and cork look like they belong on a rod of greater stature. Even though the cork seems quality, it is a bit thicker, which might bother the disgruntled tiny hand warriors out there. 

Overall, we found the Aydon aesthetically pleasing and nearly on par with all but the highest-shelf rods. The olive green blank is mint, contrasting nicely with the elegant white lettering and black highlighted light green wrappings. The only slight downside is the standard non-RECOIL snake and stripping guides, but they are hard-chrome and seem durable. The tip-end snake guide is purposely built smaller to aid with accuracy.

Distance

Like most rods designed for the Aydon’s intended purposes, power and distance aren’t its forte. Still, the rod can probably make the same dry fly shots as most medium-fast rods and might surprise a few. 

Accuracy

  • 30-feet: We expected the Aydon to perform well at this distance, and we weren’t left disappointed. A great ‘chip shot’ rod capable of silkily presently a dry fly in tight windows. It seems easier said than done, but it is something fast action rods struggle to do.
  • 45-feet: With a little more line out, the Aydon’s deeper flex starts to shine and is a pleasure to cast at middle distances. We’d have no doubts about taking the rod for early-season dry fly fishing on our favorite eastern tailwater. 
  • 60-feet: With a lighter line and dry fly, the Aydon is as accurate as it needs to be with a dry fly.

Flex & Feel

The Aydon is a proper medium-fast action rod with a slightly stiffer tip, allowing the caster to reach down to its deep loading, softer mid-section. Slow your casting stroke and take advantage of its generous timing window. Let the Aydon do the work for you, don’t overwork it; you’ll get excellent feedback! Long leaders, light tippet, and smaller dry flies are a pleasure to work with instead of a chore. Remember, faster rods tend to break off delicate tippet and generally present flies with too much authority for proper match-the-hatch situations.

The downside to this soft, buttery goodness is that the Aydon’s all-around capabilities are limited. Be sure to exclude the words ‘conehead,’ ‘tungsten,’ and ‘indicator’ from your vocabulary. We tested the Aydon with Scientific Anglers Amplitude MPX, which was okay for closer distances. Lighter lines, such as the RIO Gold or Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout, will be better for fishing dries at longer distances.

Warranty

Lifetime

Conclusion

The House of Hardy delivers at providing a top-performing dry fly rod at nearly half the price of its nearest competitors. While maybe not carrying the same prestige as a Winston, nor quite as sweet as the Scott G Series, the Aydon can hold its own. A well-thought-out design paired with solid components means anglers receive exceptional value. Not only does the Aydon fill a void in Hardy’s current lineup, but one that’s currently lacking on today’s fly rod shelf. The other major fly rod manufacturers have their job cut out if they want to share the mid-price market with the Aydon.

Pros

  • Accuracy across the board
  • Excellent value 
  • It helps fill a void in today’s market

Cons

A better dry fly rod than an all-around performer