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The Zane Carbon Fly Reel is Hardy’s mid-priced big game saltwater fly reel. Designed to take on flats species from Bonefish and Permit to Snook and Tarpon, the Zane Carbon offers solid performance at a fraction of the price of the Fortuna Regent. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Hardy Zane Carbon, comparing it to other mid-priced saltwater reels to see how it stacks up. Could this be one of the best value reels at the mid-range price point? Keep reading to find out.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Full-cage design minimizes line slip and contributes to durability
• Respectable line retrieval, especially in the 8wt category
• Plenty of drag for the most common flats species: Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon

Cons

• The muted click sound could be more satisfying
• The drag knob has sharp edges that can feel awkward and uncomfortable
• Not made in England

Who It’s For

Flats fishing can be an expensive hobby, often requiring international flights, week-long stays at a lodge, and lots of specialized gear. Fortunately, mid-priced reels like the Hardy Zane Carbon aim to soften the financial burden of saltwater fly fishing. This lightweight, saltwater-specific reel delivers impressive performance for under $500. Thanks to advancements in CNC machining and drag materials, this level of performance would be considered cutting-edge as recent as a decade ago. The Hardy Zane Carbon is perfect for saltwater anglers seeking a strong, sealed drag and quick line pickup without breaking the bank.

Weight

The 8/9/10 size Zane Carbon weighs 8.5 ounces, which is quite lightweight compared to some 9wt reels. The 9/10 Sage Enforcer, for example, weighs over 10 ounces, and the size V Orvis Mirage weighs 9.7 ounces. If you’re using this reel on an 8wt setup you’ll find its weight to be about average, but in the higher line weights it really shines as a lightweight option for the price.

Drag

In saltwater flats fishing, a powerful sealed drag is of the utmost importance, and the Hardy Zane Carbon delivers just that. The 8/9 size offers an estimated 10 pounds of maximum drag pressure, which is more than sufficient for targeting Bonefish, Permit, Jacks, and Snook. It will also suffice for Juvenile Tarpon, but if you’re targeting big Migratory Tarpon year after year, you may consider stepping up to a premium reel. Not only is this a strong drag, but it's also quite smooth. Additionally, Hardy has included color-coded drag indents on the frame, giving you an indication of how much drag you’re utilizing of its single-turn range. Although this is a thoughtful touch, it seems less practical than a numbered dial like you’ll find on the Sage Enforcer.

Sound

Unfortunately, the drag sound on the Hardy Zane Carbon is very muted. With a slightly differentiated incoming and outgoing click, the sound is hushed, providing minimal feedback when a big Bonefish takes off. If you prefer a more audible click sound, look to reels like the Sage Enforcer or the Nautilus CCF-X2.

Spool & Cage Design

In the 8/9/10 size we measured a maximum spool diameter of 3.9 inches, a width of 1.2 inches, and an arbor diameter of 2.55 inches. These specs translate to about 9.37 inches of line pickup per turn, which is solid for this price range. Although it isn’t quite to the level of the Orvis Mirage at 11 inches per turn, it's right up there with other reels at this price point, like the Nautilus CCF-X2.

The Zane Carbon’s cage is also worth praise. Hardy opted for a full-cage frame which prevents line slip, yet still manages to be relatively lightweight. This makes the reel a reasonable choice for spey anglers who want a light reel that can accommodate thin running lines. Additionally, the full cage design adds to the reel’s durability. For those who fish in harsh conditions or tend to be rough on their gear, the Zane Carbon is likely to withstand more abuse than an open-cage reel.

Looks & Ergonomics

Hardy’s design team has put a lot of effort into creating modern reels that look interesting and futuristic, and the Zane Carbon follows suit. Its anodized silver spool and frame are complemented by carbon fiber spokes and a gold anodized drag housing and drag knob.While it may not feature the same level of anodization as the Orvis Mirage, it still looks and feels like a well-crafted piece of equipment.

Ergonomically, the Zane Carbon features a big, grippy handle, and a large spool release knob. The drag knob is a bit strange, featuring hard edges that don’t fit your fingers well. Overall, it’s a functional reel, though a more comfortable drag knob would be a welcome improvement in future models.

Warranty

Hardy Fly Reel Warranty

Value

Price: $495.00

With gear prices continually rising, finding a high-performing saltwater reel for under $500 is rare, but Hardy has achieved that with the Zane Carbon. You’ll get the features that matter most for chasing flats species: a strong sealed drag and quick line pickup, without sacrificing much else. If you’re willing to pay up to $600, that’s where you’ll find plenty of stiff competition, such as the USA-made Orvis Mirage and the Nautilus CCF-X2. But for anglers with a tighter budget who still want a capable everyday saltwater reel, the Hardy Zane Carbon is a great option for the price.

Conclusion

We applaud Hardy for producing a well-rounded saltwater reel at a reasonable price. The Zane Carbon will make a fine choice for a majority of saltwater anglers, especially those on a tighter budget. While more affordable options exist, such as the Lamson Liquid Max or the Orvis Hydros, they come with trade-offs in performance and durability. On the other hand, there are reels that offer more in terms of ergonomics and are made in the USA, but their price is up to $100 higher in most cases. The Hardy Zane Carbon strikes a great middle ground of reliable performance and affordability, making it a winner for flats anglers of all experience levels.Whether you’re planning your first Bonefish trip or you’re a die-hard Permit enthusiast on a budget, the Hardy Zane Carbon delivers a solid array of features at a reasonable price.

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