Hey everyone, just noticed many Hardy Zane (not pro) rods are on sale for $300.
It's hard to find any reviews on this since most people are reviewing the pro version instead. For 300 bucks I'm thinking about picking up a backup 7 or 9 weight but have no idea what this rod is like other than moderately fast. Any insight is welcome since it looks like the faster older brother (pro) is well liked.

Just pulled the trigger on one off the Trident website. Was wondering the same thing. I guess curiosity got the best of me.

 

Let me know how you like it

 

I got an 11wt also, waiting on my reel to get finished to put on it... ill let you know what I think, can't beat the deal, a buddy has an 8 and loves it

 

Pulled the trigger on the 9 weight. Hard to buy a quality rod at that price these days.

 

Anyone get their rod yet? Interested in how the Zane compares to the Zephrus

 

Interested in how the Zane compares to the Zephrus

Like others here, I've been intrigued by the deep discount but have not cast the rod or even seen one in person. But in researching a potential purchase--and, yes, there are virtually no reviews and the one from Trident struck me as underwhelming (not negative, just so-so/OK)--I noted that Pure's (Hardy's) site says the rod is based on the Proaxis. I also noted that the Zane uses the 330 Sintrix, whereas Hardy's flagship rods beginning with and since the Zenith (so Zephrus SWS and Zane Pro) have utilized the 440 Sintrix. I have no idea what the technical differences are, though my understanding is that blanks made with the 440 are lighter than those made with the 330. So just piecing things together, it sounds like the Zane is sort of a re-issue of an "old technology" rod (not that the Proaxis is anything close to ancient) at a sub-premium price point. At the original $600 MSRP, it's been in a crowded field of mid-priced rods that I suspect can be more readily found on shop floors to test cast (Sage Maverick, T&T Zone, Scott Tidal and now the Wave). But for $300, it's hard to imagine it wouldn't be at least decent, certainly capable of backup status (and the Sintrix rods seem to be pretty durable, and that's pretty important for a backup rod on a trip to a remote destination). I haven't pulled the trigger myself only because I already have too many rods. Anyways, hopefully some who have purchased the rod can weigh in after having cast it. First-hand reviews obviously are much more important than info on the manufacturer's site, but given how little is out there about the rod I thought it was worth mentioning the lineage per Hardy.

 

Just got mine in the mail today - only put in a few casts in the front yard. For $299 - seems like It’s going to be worth every penny

 

I ordered one as well, receive tomorrow and will report 🫡

 

Got the rod today, casted it for a few minutes and woah, worth every penny.

 

Mine (in 9wt) is supposed to arrive today too. Excited to see how it feels.

 

Mine just came in and had a chance to cast a little bit between calls. Fit and finish is great and from the limited casting I could do it's a winner at the price. At full retail I'd go with the TnT Zone which I like just a bit more even if it feels just a little heavier than the Zane. It's fast but not overly so and accurate enough for me out to 30 yards (farthest I could cast where I am right now).
Going to probably pick up a 6 wt since I don't have one yet and it's hard to say no at the price point.

 

Can anyone compare to TFO BVK? Just fished my Zephrus today and was blown away. Contemplating replacing my back up rods from TFOs to Zanes.

 

I’ve compared my Zephyrs 10wt 1pc to my BVK 8wt. Apples and oranges, I know. But, I would say the BVK is the faster rod whereas the Zephyrs is more “relaxed”. Both great rods and nothing overly “broom stick” feeling. Can’t go wrong with either to be honest.

p.s.- would I go out of my way to replace one with the other….. doubt it.

 

Anyone else have thoughts after casting? I see them on MRFC everyday and I'm also intrigued...

 

Just wanted to say it's shockingly difficult to find any reviews or first person experience with these rods. Just the one from Trident. Being a midrange priced rod you would think there's more feedback. I'm trying to decide between building a 12wt or buying one. At 50% off the Zane seems like it should be considered. A lot of stuff about the Zane pro, with the difference in sintrax I would assume it's lighter but are they similar in action?

 

Update, mine broke casting today. Sending back hopefully they warranty it, used it twice

 

Lawn casted my 10wt, very similar or same rod as the proaxis to me. It’s fast, powerful, and should be great for windy days. I didn’t not care for the zephrus and meridian which it is placing in that weight.

 

Good to hear, I know the old proaxis was very popular and loved. I'm trying to decide between the Zane and the loop cross SW medium fast for a 12wt that will be used sparingly. I have 11wt I built on a NFC GB that I love. I wanted to build a 12 but with shipping and a trip upcoming I'll probably just buy something.

 

IM looking to get one for a ccfx 6/8 or a 8/10. Is the rod accurate between 20-40 feet, is it a stiff rod or is it more of a faster action rod. Can the rod reach 60 maybe 80 ft?

 

Hardy has some of the best rods on the market no doubt!

 

I have an 8 weight Zane. It’s been a great rod for me. In my opinion it is more moderately fast, but not overly fast. I can’t compare it to older models in that I haven’t cast them, but it is fun to throw-20-60’, I wouldn’t say you can easily pick up 60’ to set back down, but 40’ or a little more isn’t a problem. It does pair up well with a ccfx 2 6/8, and I’ve been using airflo gulf redfish with mine (we fish redfish with larger flies-but I’m sure a bonefish line or more true to weight would throw just as good if not better). While I use it as a back up rod, it’s a great back up rod. If want to spend more money I hear the Scott Wave is awesome, but the Zane is great-especially at the reduced price.

 

thank you i greatly appreciate this feed back.

 

Looking for line recommendations from those who bought a Zane recently. I bought a 10 wt for snook/juv Tarpon/cudas. Thanks.

 

Love the short sticks. Hopefully the 8' rods make it to the next series. I would love a 8' 1 piece rod if anyone from Pure Fishing is watching.

 

I spoke to pure fishing about the Reel Seat on my Zane pro 11 weight reel being too small for a Tibor Gulfstream reel which surprised me that they would come out with a rod, not fitting a Gulfstream reel "the gold standard" for an 11 weight rod in the industry?
So I am still waiting to hear back from Pure Fishing's Customer Service regarding my Hardy Zane Pro 4piece 11 wt - yes, that's what I got mine first horny Zane Pro Ron and not noticing that the real seat was the size of a six or seven white rod ha ha we'll see what pure fishing does in the next week?😜😇
Best Wishes to everyone here at Micro Skiff Robert Klecinsky

 

Great backup rod. I have one in an 8wt and it casts plenty fine, just remember a $300 rod is a $300 rod

 

The 8ft 9wt is probably the coolest rod in the game. Soo much fun. Takes a minute to dial in accuracy under the mangroves and timing for distance butttt once you do oh man. I can shoot the whole line if needed and the extra range of motion for short shots is awesome. If you can get this at the reduced price it’s tip top the best rod in the price range. It’s a very strong rod too. Super fun.

 

I bought a 9wt a couple months back, put a Sage Spectrum 9/10 on it and absolutely love the way it casts. I must admit though that I only have a couple years of fly fishing experience under my belt. The higher end, fast action rods I started with just did not fit my amateur casting technique to put it mildly.