Hardy Averon Fly Reel Review

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Hardy has replaced the Ultradisc fly reel with the all-new Averon Fly Reel, their high-performance freshwater fly reel spanning sizes 3000 (2/3/4wt) to 9000 (8/9/10wt). The Averon maintains many of the thoughtful design features of the Ultradisc: a lightweight design with quick retrieval and fully anodized components. However, there are a few key differences that we’ll cover in this review. Keep reading to learn what sets the Hardy Averon apart as Hardy’s top-tier freshwater reel, and how it compares to its predecessor. We’ll discuss everything from its spool and cage design to looks and ergonomics, plus its pros and cons. If you’re in the market for a new freshwater fly reel and want a no-nonsense review to help you decide, you’ll want to check out this fly reel review.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• At 4.3 ounces in the 5000 size, it’s a very lightweight reel that will complement a light trout setup quite nicely
• Its large arbor will pick up line in a hurry - perfect if you’re targeting hot fish like Great Lakes Steelhead or big tailwater Trout
• A fully-anodized cage and spool stands up to drops, dings, and overall use for years

Cons

• Relatively expensive for a reel produced outside the USA or the UK
• Drag is adequate, but not super powerful. If you need TONS of drag strength, look elsewhere

Who It’s For

The Hardy Averon is designed for freshwater anglers who prioritize quick line pickup and light weight, but who don’t necessarily need a ton of drag strength. In the 3000 and 5000 sizes, the Averon is a great Trout reel that can pair nicely with lightweight rods like the Hardy Ultralite LL, Douglas Sky G, Orvis Helios, and the Atlas Signature. In sizes 7000 and 9000, the Averon is ideal for freshwater Bass and Steelhead/Salmon, pairing with light single-handed Bass sticks and switch rods. For Euro-nymphing enthusiasts, the Averon is available in a full-cage Euro-specific model, aptly named the Averon Euro. The Euro and 9000 models are the only versions with an enclosed cage, ideal for long mono leaders and thin running lines.

Weight

The 5000 size Averon weighs about 4.3 ounces, making it one of the lighter freshwater reels with an adjustable drag. If you’re looking to shave weight but need more drag strength than a click-and-pawl, the Averon is one of the best options on the market. Pair it with lightweight rods like the Hardy Ultralite LL, Douglas Sky G, or Orvis Helios for a perfectly balanced trout setup.

Drag

You’ll get about 2-3 pounds of maximum drag strength from the 5000 size Hardy Averon. While it may not stop a freight-train Steelhead in its tracks, the drag is perfectly suited for Trout, Bass, and even Pike fishing. The multi-pad disc drag is exceptionally smooth, making it ideal for protecting light tippets with minimal startup inertia. I’d trust this silky drag to protect 6x on the Delaware in a heartbeat.

The Averon’s drag is not completely sealed, so we recommend sticking to freshwater use only to protect the internal components from corrosion.

Sound

If you liked the sound of the discontinued Hardy Ultradisc, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Averon’s sound is very similar. It delivers a crisp, metallic tone with clear differentiation between incoming and outgoing line. If you’re curious about how it sounds versus the Ross Evolution LTX, the Averon is significantly more audible, although they share a similar tone and differentiation.

Spool & Cage Design

When it comes to high-performance fly reels, spool design is everything. Hardy already had a very solid spool design in the Ultradisc series, and fortunately, they didn’t change much for the new Averon. This is a larger-arbor spool that picks up line quickly, and without line pileup. The 5000 Averon features a maximum spool diameter of 3.7 inches, a very narrow width of .88 inches, and an arbor diameter of 2.68 inches. These measurements will yield about 9 inches of fly line pickup per rotation, which is very solid for a 5wt reel. For comparison, the large arbor Ross Evolution LTX gives you about 8.5 inches per turn.

The Averon’s cage features some notable changes from the Ultradisc. For starters, the Ultradisc had an enclosed cage, meaning every model from 3000 to 9000 could accommodate thin running lines or long Euro nymphing leaders. In the Averon lineup, the standard models feature an open cage, while the 9000 and Euro-specific versions offer a closed cage. The open cage design reduces weight, though it may trade off some durability if dropped onto rocks or pavement.

Another noticeable update from the Ultradisc is the Averon’s porting design. Both reels feature highly-ported frames, but the Averon has an updated pattern that looks sleek and minimalist.

Looks & Ergonomics

There’s no denying that Hardy does a fantastic job at making reels that look stunning, and the Averon is no exception. It’s not much different from the Ultradisc at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the spool and frame porting have changed, as well as the drag knob and spool release knob, which both feature deeper knurling for improved grip. The handle remains unchanged and offers solid comfort, though a larger design would be welcomed.

Warranty

Hardy Fly Reel Warranty

Value

Price: $425

The Hardy Averon sits at the higher end of the price spectrum for freshwater fly reels at $425 in the 5000 model. However, it does bring a lot to the table: a large arbor for fast line pickup, a remarkably lightweight design, and a fully anodized finish that boosts durability and aesthetics.

At this price point, the Averon finds itself in direct competition with some excellent reels that are made in the USA, like the Ross Evolution LTX ($475), Galvan Torque ($440), and Nautilus X-Series ($375). These reels not only offer similarly impressive features—lightweight performance, quality materials, and smooth drag systems—but also come with the added appeal of domestic craftsmanship, which holds significant value for many anglers.

Still, the Averon holds its own. Hardy’s legacy craftsmanship, innovative design, and premium features make it a strong contender for anglers prioritizing performance, durability, and a trusted brand name.

Conclusion

We’re impressed with the new Hardy Averon fly reel. This is a great option for anglers who need a lightweight, durable reel that picks up line efficiently. It will be at home chasing Trout on creeks and bigger rivers, Steelhead, Bass, Pike, and even lighter Salmon species. While the drag isn’t overpowering and the reel is built overseas, the Averon’s lightweight design, durability, and impressive line pickup will make it a favorite among freshwater anglers in 2025 and beyond. If you’ve been looking for a solid lightweight reel to pair with a premium freshwater rod, the new Hardy Averon is worth checking out.

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