Hardy Marksman Fly Rod Review | Hardy's Best 5wt?

The Hardy Marksman is their lightest all-round fly rod. Is it the best option in this segment? Today we put it to the test to find out.
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Chapters
0:00 - Intro
0:12 - Overview/History
1:00 - Specs & Features
3:07 - Casting & Performance
5:47 - Poseidon Score
8:05 - Final Thoughts
Got Questions?
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[@larryh9525]

I have a number of great rods (many from Hardy), most of which I've purchased from Trident. The more I watch high-end rod reviews the less I think they're worth the money. From my perspective, the best Hardy rods are the ones on closeout. Buying a Hardy for anywhere between $250 - $500 where it might only be slightly different from the latest offering makes far more sense.

[@ruebdogg1]

Why does Trident always test with MPX? MPX is overpowered by 0.5 weight and most of the taper is aggressive towards the front. Doesn't seem like the all around trout taper AND this isn't an all around rod. Maybe SA Infinity or Rio Gold are the median average than MPX? Or, use a true 5 weight line on a softer rod?

[@ibookje]

Agree! MPX is too much of a 'tossing from a drift boat' style of line

[@HopperJuan]

This rod doesn’t like the MPX line. If you put on a Rio technical trout, it’s a completely different beast. So smooth and light. It’s freaking amazing.

[@barry4fish19]

I would also go for the Rio Perception taper. It’s got more weight up front than a standard trout taper but not as much as a Gold. The Perception is really more typical of an all-around line, but I agree the Technical Trout is a good one too.

[@williamallison2150]

I used to work as an engineer for Hardy’s parent company. Their rods are designed to work best with a standard weight line. I am with you guys, put a normal line on it. Strange to say it could use a little more power on longer casts when you have over weighted it on purpose.

[@andrewmcdowell1291]

Love the reviews. Going to add this to my potential list.

[@aa-ron.]

This rod is fantastic and so are you; thank you.

[@donnaperry7894]

The rod is fantastic and so are you; thank you.

[@WilliamClegg-iv9sl]

Rods are personal preference . Ive got the previous Marksman 4 & 5 weight . Ive had loads of hardy , orvis & sage rods & think the previous Marksman is the best rod that ive ever had .

[@jacekmyslinski9629]

Thank you Ben.

[@olivertwist4407]

Dear Ben, thank you for this review. Did you know that Trident is THE resource for Hardy rod reviews? I‘s be intersted how clise the Marksman is to the Zenith which is still my most favourite Hardy taper

[@williamdyson9759]

Hi Ben Great Video. Have you ever tried the Marksman 9ft 6 wt?

[@Schuck.]

Looks good, i'm still using my old 9'6 7 Zenith. Often wondered how older rods compare to the new ones, ie second hand price and performance versus new..

[@pickledud7703]

Interesting you question if its a true 5wt (although it wasn't tested with a true 5wt line), my zephrus 5wt casts great with a 4wt rio gold.

[@jaredjared5487]

Big favor trident. I am looking for a 10 foot 6 weight for loch style Stillwater. My question is this is the only rod that fills that niche in the high end category. Howard being one of the worlds best Stillwater anglers probably makes me think the 10 6 marksman has a different action from the 9 5. I wonder if you had tested this rod and could comment. Also it has a different grip and fighting butt. Nowhere on the internet can I find a picture of this configuration to know what it looks like. Everyone is using hardy stock photos. If hardy allows could you put a picture of that rod on your website. I am extremely interested in this rod but just need some more information before pulling the trigger.

[@buzzramsey]

I’ll be keeping my ultralite…

[@williamallison2150]

I just picked up one $400 new

[@jeremyatkinson4976]

From a European perspective this would be a true 5 weight, a lot of USA 5 weight rods being nearer 6

[@anonym1anonym243]

LOL, does hardy consider the ultralite nsx old already ? 😅

[@ryantherock7664]

Does Ben own Trident?

[@ibookje]

Price of fly rods are getting ridiculous. Almost a grand?!...

[@ruebdogg1]

Sounds like the ultralite was a better rod, plus it score much higher on Tridents ratings. Thinking we'll see another Hardy model on clearance in a couple years. Wonder why Hardy doesn't keep their models on the market and flip so quickly to the 'next generation'. Sage and Orvis take FOREVER to update their models.

[@regularSenseAppeal]

The scoring system is a little silly.. It punishes specialty rods unfairly. Why give point for distance when a rod is clearly not build with that purpose in mind. Just like a hard core saltwater rod shouldn't be judged on accuracy at short distances.

[@jeremyatkinson4976]

The scoring is not fit for purpose.

[@dni.sabilos8643]

Hardy has a bad warranty

[@jeremyatkinson4976]

@@stevemd8947 According to one unlucky owner not nearly as bad as Sage

[@HopperJuan]

I have turn around of about 2 weeks on repair for guide rods.

[@ruebdogg1]

@@HopperJuanthat’s because you’re the Lord of the hoppers!