Use of Hardy Reels

[salmo_g]

I have 200 yd of 20# dacron on my St. John plus a 120' 6 wt short belly (50-55') Spey line and a 120' 400 gr Skagit head on another spool until I switched it to a different reel. The St. John's line capacity seems very close to the Marquis Salmon #1. The St. Aiden spool size is equivalent to the 3 3/4" St. George. I once put about 150 yd of 20# dacron and a WF8F on the St. Aiden and used it for bonefishing before getting a salt water specific reel for that application. All my St. George spools have about 170 yd of 20# dacron and various WF8 wt lines on them. Have never contemplated using the St. George in a switch or Spey application, although it should work with switch rods and "mini" Spey rods.

Sg

[GWJ]

I fish a St. John on a Beulah 11'7" 6/7 spey and find it to be a perfect match. Probably a 150 yards of backing, 20lb Airflo running line and either a 450 compact skagit switch or 420 rage. The skagit line is a snug fit capacity wise, but no problem and it balances the rod great. The rage leaves a bit more room on the spool.

[fly_flicker]

I have a St. John (circa 1990's) on my 9' 8wt single hand rod. I use it for small salmon rivers. I find it balances this rod perfectly. It is interesting to see a reel used in so many different fly rods, given that I would pretty much try anything. If it balances well enough for you to be comfortable using it - why not?