Suggestions for reel appropriate to match Hardy Favourite Graphite rod?

[courty]

Having visited my local game angling shop to find they didn't have a 9'6" #7/8 fly rod I wanted, in a moment of madness I bought that size in a Hardy's Favourite graphite rod. Internet research shows it was made in 1983.

Would a modern 7/8 reel (eg greys GRXi) balance this rod or will I need a heavier reel? Are modern graphite rods much lighter in anyone's experience?

Has anyone fished with this rod? I'd love to hear what you thought about it and what reel you used. I've scoured the internet for answers and found nothing.

thank you,

Courty

[jack ruby]

The greys reel should be sound but since you,ve got the rod why not try and get a hardy reel to match.I must tell you that you have aquired a versatile little rod.My graphite has landed everything from half pound finnock to a 13lb rainbow .I took it everywhere from rivers to lochs and the rod did me proud.I retired it last year as i wanted a 3 piece rod to go in the boot.Tight lines!

[courty]

Thank you for your reply. The rod arrived and it looks beautiful. I weighed it and at 103 grams it is still lighter than some of the latest rods, so I guess that a modern reel would be perfect.
I would love to match it with a Hardy reel, but I would need at least two spools, preferably three, and although a Marquis #7 or a Viscount can be picked up for under £50, the extra spools are harder to come by. Add on top the line, and the total cost would be a lot more than getting a greys GRXi starter pack with three spools, all with lines and backing already on.
As I haven't even wet a fly line in my life (although I've thrashed a nearby field with a blob of cotton wool), I guess I should start modestly and save up for a Hardy reel when I have the skill to justify it.
But those moments of madness may come again!

[jack ruby]

Courty on E Bay just now there is an Orvis Battenkill disc fly reel 7-8 current bid 30 pound.A spare spool is there further down the page starting 11.50.A good all purpose reel and a bargain price.