Hardy GTS700

The Hardy Ultralite GTS700 is a high-performance cassette fly reel known for its lightweight construction and clear polycarbonate spools. While these reels are durable, regular maintenance of the drag system and spindle is necessary to prevent "stuttering" during a fish's run.

Required Tools and Materials

• Small Flathead Screwdriver: For the spindle retaining screw.

• Isopropyl Alcohol: To clean old, gritty grease.

• Synthetic Reel Grease: (e.g., Penn Precision or Loctite).

• Light Reel Oil: For the one-way bearing.

• Lint-Free Cloth or Cotton Swabs.

Section 1: Disassembly

1. Spool Removal

Push the central release lever located on the front of the spool. Pull the cassette spool straight off the hub. Ensure the rubber O-ring on the hub is intact; this provides the friction that holds the cassette in place.

2. Housing Separation

In the center of the frame, locate the silver retaining cap or screw. Use a screwdriver or a coin to unscrew it counter-clockwise. Once removed, pull the main hub assembly away from the reel frame.

3. Drag System Access

The GTS700 uses a Rulon disc drag system. Carefully remove the drag knob by unscrewing it completely. Take note of the order of the washers and the tension spring (usually a wavy washer or a coil spring) as they come out.

Section 2: Cleaning and Inspection

1. Degreasing

Use isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab to remove all old grease from the spindle, the interior of the hub, and the drag surfaces. Sand or grit often gets trapped here, which can score the metal over time.

2. Component Check

• O-Rings: Check the O-ring on the spool hub for cracks. If the spool feels loose or wobbles, this ring needs replacement.

• One-Way Bearing: Check the needle bearing inside the hub. If the reel is "slipping" (spinning both ways without resistance), the bearing is likely contaminated or rusted.

• Drag Discs: Ensure the Rulon discs are flat and not charred or deeply grooved.

Section 3: Lubrication and Reassembly

1. The Drag System

Hardy Rulon drags are designed to run mostly dry or with a very thin film of specialized drag grease. Do not over-lubricate. Apply a microscopic amount of grease to the metal washers, but keep the Rulon discs relatively clean to maintain consistent stopping power.

2. The Main Spindle

Apply a moderate coat of synthetic grease to the main spindle. This is a high-friction area that requires water-resistant protection.

3. One-Way Bearing

Apply 1 to 2 drops of light oil to the needle bearings. Never use heavy grease here, as it can cause the "pawls" in the bearing to stick, resulting in a loss of drag engagement in cold weather.

4. Reassembly

1. Slide the drag stack back into the housing in the exact order it was removed.

2. Place the hub back onto the frame spindle.

3. Secure the assembly with the central retaining screw.

4. Re-attach the spool and test the drag range by turning the knob from minimum to maximum.

Section 4: Troubleshooting

• Spool is difficult to remove: Lubricate the O-ring on the hub with a tiny amount of silicone grease.

• Grinding noise: Usually indicates sand in the spindle. Disassemble and perform a deep clean with alcohol.

• Drag not clicking: The GTS700 uses a small leaf spring or plastic clicker. If the sound is gone, check if the clicker tooth has snapped or if the spring has become unseated.