40th Birthday present

[AndyBaird]

Hi guys,

I hit the big 4-0 this year, on the last day of the trout season (always a nice end to the years fishing...).
My wife has asked for a shortlist. An Orvis 6' 2 weight Ion would be nice, but entirely out of reach, and I'm not sure I'd be that relaxed fishing a £600 rod. My small arsenal of rods are all sub £100, ideal for the job and besides, I enjoy fishing them.
I do have a thing for small reels - I fish a Greys G1 (insane value) and a Greys Streamlite for 2/3 weight lines which I'd like to trade-in so I fish just one reel (I picked up the G1 because the reel was less expensive than a speare spool for the Streamlite, and I picked up the reel for half price).

The shortlist is:

Hardy Flyweight
Vosseller RC1
Orvis BBS1
Possibly an Orvis CFO1 (if I add to the pot with proceeds from my existing reels but likely out of reach)

Any thoughts, experiences and insights on the above list?
Have I overlooked any models.

You may notice the common theme: traditional styling, light, neat proportions and reliable engineering. I'm especially drawn to the RC1, no drag to complicate things (I always set the drag to minimum).

With the exception of the CFO1, I'd be hoping for a spare spool too.
The reel/spare spool will be loaded with Scientific Anglers XPS Mastery trout line, DT2F and DT3F, heron grey - adore this line.

Hope you can help me draw some conclusions.

Thanks in advance,
Andy

[AndyBaird]

Hey guys - went for a Hardy Flyweight... only £135 incl P&P etc, brand new. Please let me know if anyone else is interested in this deal, happy to pass on the contact details.
Best,
Andy

[Mostyn]

Hi Andy,

I like the Hardy Reels! Even the latest versions of the Lightweight Range that are made in China, I have the Flyweight Reel, I've matched it with my 6ft, Flyweight Rod. Also have the Featherweight version and the LRH. There's absolutely no difference in the Made in England ones and the new reels. All the new reels are made in China, but look and feel the same as the very old made in England reels. I like the Hardy Lightweight Range. You made a good choice.

[AndyBaird]

Cheers Mostyn - the rod I'll be partnering the Flyweight reel is in progress... picked up a Sage 363-3 TXL blank, and have a slim grip being built to my spec.... will post more as the Summer approaches and I take possession. The Sage has a Small Fly Funk edition ;)
Thanks again, Andy