These replace the Sirrus range, which in general, was a medium action, medium stiff rod, priced as the introduction to the Hardy stable. Despite liking Sirrus rods, I have to say the Demons I’ve tried make them seem slightly dated – both single handed rods I’ve tried feel lighter and generally have more get up and go than their predecessors.

Demons are the least expensive Hardy rod in the current line-up, prices run from £199 to £399. Before trying a Demon rod I read something saying these as ‘entry-level Hardy’ that didn’t come from Hardy, who choose to include “user-friendly” among the Demon’s attributes. Combine those descriptions and I expect something with a soft, middling action, possibly slightly heavy and certainly not as well built or specified as those gleaming flagship Hardy rods.

When the Demons arrived it was clear Hardy had trimmed costs by choosing a Cordura tube. Open the tube and you find a familiar olive canvas rod bag, the sections don’t have those nice wee plugs Hardy like to fit and I manage to lose. Having unpacked and assembled the Demon I’m hard put to say where the build costs of this rod have been reduced. Stylish metal reel-seat, quality cork, slim blank, the ring-set looks good and the standard of whippings and varnish is high. Compared with a much more expensive Hardy the build differences are slight, on the more expensive rod maybe the feet of the guides have been trimmed back slightly more and maybe the rings taper smaller towards the tip – hard to tell without taking a ruler to the rings. In short, this looks like a Hardy rod, very well built and finished.

So, if Demons are ‘user friendly’ should I expect soft? That’s not what I got!

I tried a 9ft #6 Demon first: light enough in the hand, firm responsive action. Matched with a #6 line, casting is crisp and accurate, loops are smooth, easily controlled, tend to be narrow and can be opened at will. I’d describe this as rated for a sense of loading at moderate range and very capable of false casting a long line.

Switch to the 9ft 6in #7 rod and I get the same sense of control and power. Lengthen the line, get the full WF 7 head in the air and this Demon cruises.

I like the line ratings of both rods, I get a sense of the whole blank as it loads and can feel what the line is doing. Both these Demons can handle a heavier line than the one Hardy recommend, the balance between the needs of shorter range casting and lofting a long line is good so I see little need to up-line.

Casting the Demon, hauling is not absolutely essential but both thrive on it. In my opinion these will fish best in the hands of intermediate and advanced casters, a novice may find the line rating slightly stiff and the action faster than they want – or ideal for novices who intend to have a few lessons and master the double-haul.

The 9ft #6 is my idea of a general purpose fly-rod, the line is light enough for river fishing with enough muscle for smaller stillwaters. The 9ft 6in #7 is very capable of handling large frisky trout and that saltwater resistant reel-seat opens possibilities of bass and possibly bonefish (three sections – a little cumbersome for international fishing.)

Overall: impressive new arrivals, a pleasure to cast and highly fishable.