Yes, there are two versions. Love the Marquis version, never owned the other.

I have never fished one, but a few people have asked me before if there is a way to replace the plastic springs, so I believe they must take a set (soften) with age.
The dual click-pawl Marquis will be supported by Hardy parts indefinitely.

Nice pics guys ... thanks for posting. You know, I've always preferred full cage reels, but have shied away from the Viscount. It's a great looking reel, a classic design, but the drag configuration has always put me off. Can anyone who has owned/fished one comment?

I don't know about the SA System Reels, or the Hardy Viscount, but my Hardy Marquis #7 does not have plastic springs, and it is a thing of beauty to behold, both at rest and and at work. Sigh ... even though it's not a caged reel, it is a favorite of mine.

Hello Carl, thanks for the honest assessment.

I have the SA 150 model. I've been using it for over 25 years and have not experienced any problems or failures due to the reel. At first, I too was put off by the drag system, But as i said it has not failed me. It delivers more than I would have expected on the "pay", but I don't depend on the reel drag to control the fish. I have been using it for Steelhead/Salmon fishing on 9' - 9.5', 9/10wt rods. It has also preformed well fishing for Stripers in lakes. I have rigged it with shooting head systems and currently use full weight forwards and a 9wt DT on the reel. I'm with Frank and think these are very nice reels, just under appreciated. Respectfully rvreclus

Just for the sake of this thread, I'm not positive but I believe the same design was also sold as a Marquis for a year or two. Some other members might know better.

Yes, that's the clue. Single rivet, in line with the drag adjustment and spindle casing, will tell you it's the circular spring and ratchet a la Viscount.

Yes, the circular spring reel only has one rivet. In addition the engraving is sideways on the reel compared to the standard click/pawl drag arrangement. The circular spring setup makes the reel about 3/8 of an ounce lighter.

Tom

Keep in mind these reels are 35-40 years old. At this point "nicer" depends on how much abuse a particular reel has survived. Some reels were treated well and will fish nicely for another 35-40 years. Some were thrashed beyond repair. If the condition is similar, both reels should fish basically the same. If you just can't abide that circular spring, watch for the dual pawl reel. I see more of the dual pawl reels in good shape and the price tends to be higher.

The reel on the left of the photo is in very nice condition and fishes just fine. The reel on the right can only be described as "lucky". I received it with a rod purchase and expected to use it for parts. The line guide was broken, the paint was quite chipped and worn, and the lubricant was so nasty the spool barely turned. I didn't expect much, but I gave the reel the full bulldog anyway. The results were miraculous. The spool spins freely and the drag pawl is so perfectly worn it purrs like a sleepy kitten. If I had to sell either reel, I would sell the one on the left. It's bad karma to sell that much mojo.

Tom

Picked up a hardy viscount 130 for $42 on the 'bay' and it arrived today from the UK. It's got some honest rim rash and needs a good cleaning but is in fine mechanical condition. Really smooth, quiet, with a wide range of adjustment to the drag. I like it.