I think Hardy has been pretty forthright about their outsourcing. This is from their site.
When the design, prototyping and testing of each product is complete and we are confident we have everything right at head office, we work with manufacturing partners around the globe who, in our opinion, are able to replicate the level of expertise and craftsmanship we expect. Of course, we continue to maintain a manufacturing facility in Alnwick and going forward, our product range will include both overseas and UK manufactured items.Since the late nineteenth century, Hardy has been sourcing materials from around the globe to manufacture its products - the finest Tonkin bamboo for cane rods came from China way back then and still does! The best quality cork is generally agreed to be Portuguese, Japanese carbon fibre cloth and Fuji rings are both arguably the best in the world. It is in this tradition that Hardy continues to foster global alliances with the world's best suppliers and manufacturers. This strategy is a necessary part of Hardy remaining at the forefront of fishing tackle development both now and in the future.
No, they don't tell you which reel is made in the UK and which isn't, but why should anyone really care if you can't tell the difference?
Regarding price: Hardy has to try to be competitive in a market with a strong British Pound. They don't dominate the market, so I doubt that they sell
their reels for any more than they have to. I have to believe they'd love to sell their rods and reels for 20% under current MSR but can't swing
it.
richard
richard
