Gear Review: Hardy Averon Fly Reel

It seems that all the technology and effort in fly reel design goes into the saltwater game. Tarpon, permit, bonefish etc. anglers get the lightest, sleekest, and most intricate reels that money can buy while many reels for trout aren’t much more than glorified line holders. And even without all the extras, some trout reels weigh on the heavier side with not much consideration for balance. This makes casting even with the best rods sometimes cumbersome. In the worst cases, the experience feels like you’re catapulting your fly into the water with a trebuchet.

We trout anglers also appreciate drag systems with more sensitivity than Hulk Hogan. Sure, we don’t see the backing all that often, but it’s nice to have some stopping power if you need it. The options are often a too-loose click and pawl drag system that has little chance of slowing—let alone stopping—a big, downstream-running trout or a drag that locks up with one or two clicks of pressure. The truth is that finding a light trout reel with a good drag is more difficult than it should be. But then there’s the Hardy Averon.

Light, Strong, Appealing Design

The Hardy Averon 5000 I tested may be the lightest, most well-balanced fly reel I have ever used. With an open aluminum alloy frame, the Averon is feathery but still has that solid feel of durability. This means the Averon also balances nicely on the rod. It’s a compliment to casting as opposed to an obstacle.

This is a large arbor reel. In practical terms, you can load it up with either a standard weight-forward fly line, a double taper, or even a long-bellied euro-nymphing line, along with a ton of backing and still have plenty of room to spare.

Another highlight of the Averon is its style. Most Hardy reels wear that classic, Old World look, which is beautiful in its own right but often seems a bit outdated. The Averon I’m testing is a slick and bright metallic Hardy calls Titanium with gold accents. The intricate web-like frame around the spool gives it a modern, sophisticated, and capable look that only adds to Hardy’s reputation as a company at the forefront of fly reel design.

The Extra Edge

While most drag systems on trout reels run from too tight to too loose, this reel’s adjustability and thoughtful design means you can always set it just right. It’s a high-performance, multi-padded disc drag system—enclosed to seal out water and sand but easy to get to should you need to tinker. The drag also features 2.5 turn indexing for precision adjustments in the heat of battle. So with just a few clicks, you can go from hooking and landing small brook trout on light leaders in feeder creeks to throttling hard-running rainbows and browns on the big water. This combo of low startup inertia and fish-braking power is a rare find in a trout reel.

For a test, I took the reel to a private lake chock full of massive, bull-dogging rainbows that regularly take anglers into their backing. I figured it was the best place to push the Averon’s capabilities. The reel absolutely shined. Every fish I hooked from 10-incher with a lot of heart to a pig-like 25-inch monster who smashed my fly and took off across the lake like a torpedo, was in my complete control with only a few small adjustments to the drag.   

The Right Reel at the Right Price

One of the biggest issues with all high-end fly reels is the price and the Hardy Averon is no different. Retailing at $400-$475, the Hardy Averon is on the premium side. But perspective matters here. This is not a throwaway reel. It’s an investment in your trout fishing present, future, and beyond. The Hardy Averon looks, feels, and fishes like a reel that will last right up to your last cast. And when you finally put the waders away for good, you can pass the Averon down the line as a cherished heirloom for generations to come.