At tradeshows and various events, we often get asked, “What does HD stand for?” Simply put, HD means Heavy Duty. However, there are many benefits beyond the added durability and strength offered by our HD format reels. Before we explore those benefits, let’s clarify the differences between an HD frame and a Non-HD frame.
All of our reels that are marked as "HD" feature a full frame. This isn't always super evident at first glance because we don't change the aesthetic of the frame or spools.
To illustrate, let's look at a side-by-side comparison of our new Liquid S HD reel alongside its standard Liquid S counterpart.
The full frame really stands out when the spool is removed. As seen below on our Centerfire HD and Standard Centerfire frames.
The additional outer ring and frame spars contribute extra material to the reel, providing enhanced protection for the spool and safety from damage. We’re not referring to just everyday wear and tear; we’re talking about those unavoidable slips and falls, or your reel tumbling off the roof of a truck. This is what earns the "heavy-duty" designation.
While HD frames enhance strength, durability and ensure that lines are fully contained, you might wonder, "Does this mean additional weight?" The answer is yes, but probably not as much as you think. In some cases, this added weight can actually be beneficial.
Lightweight reels can sometimes fail to balance longer Spey rods and nymphing rods, which can become tip-heavy. Meaning, that extra weight from the reel can work to your advantage. Additionally, you can achieve perfect balance by using lead core fishing line spooled under your backing or other creative solutions.
Our Guru E-Series reel features an interchangeable weight system that allows you to fine-tune that balance.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that while the frames are quite different, the spools are interchangeable between HD and non-HD reels, as long as they are the same model and size. There are no differences in the spools themselves.
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