Ari't Hart fly reels are not well known, yet they rank among the best "secrets" in fly fishing.

“My reels are futuristic, made with the absolute best of materials and, of course, they must be beautiful...”

The 2010 "triangle" design speak form itself: design and technology. Not a surprise when you realize that Mr Hart is an industrial designer!

Hart fly reel are made by hand, in Hollad, in Ari't s studio.

Ari "... began in Holland in 1959. Designing for ATH and Dutch Reels through the 1990s, Ari made his mark. In 1993, his landmark Remco Reel was honored with permanent placement in The Museum of Modern Art in New York."

This is New Yoork MOMA hari fly reel:

Ari 't Hart (Dutch, born 1936)

1990. Aluminum, anodized aluminum, and steel, 4 x 3 x 2 3/8" (10.2 x 7.6 x 6 cm). Manufactured by ATH Design International, The Netherlands. Gift of the manufacturer

This is what we are reading from the Canadian website selling his reels.

And again, from the Dutch website (Also hosting Rolf Baginski's bamboo rods):

"For 50 years, Ari ‘t Hart has been internationally recognized as the master architect of the modern fly fishing reel.

This incomparable industrial designer continues to combine cutting edge technology, space age metallurgy and old world craftsmanship to create functional works of art. An Ari ‘t Hart design is the only reel on permanent display in the Architecture and Design Collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Collectors, heads of state and royalty covet his work and often present his reels as gifts to business associates and guests"

 

HART FLY REEL HISTORY (an attempt)

This a nice glimpse on his History by brooksriver in the clark classic fly rod forum

Early 1980's to Mid 1990's ATH Design - Holland.

Early reels are the Triangle and S Series reels. Other products include vises, tippet dispensers, grease watches and reel seats. The earliest Triangle reels had a spanner head screw on the drag knob and were shipped with a black velvet reel case. Later Triangle reels came with leather pouch and the drag knob was secured with a hex nut. The Remco, Aras, and Rainbow reels are launched in the early 1990's and the Remco is displayed at the Metro Museum of Modern Art. These are the most collectible.

Late 1990's

Ari Hart leaves ATH Design and the firm is sold to a Danish Firm (Danica). These Danish made reels include the original Remco's (including a larger version) the Gallatin and other reels. The Danish Remco is distinguished from the Holland made Remco by a stainless line guard at the 6 o'clock position.

Late 1990's

Ari Hart establishes a new reel company named ATH International in Holland. Reels include the ARI 1, 2, 3, and Triangle models. The Ari Models are distinguished by a newer design of the progressive reel foot seen on earlier Remco's.

Early 2000's

Ari leaves ATH International and ATH International ultimately becomes Dutch Reels.

Throughout this time period Ari Bulids numerous prototype's.

Contact

Canada

Exclusive Reels Ltd.

website

Toll Free: 1.866.404.4865
Local: 1.403.255.4097
Fax: 1.403.255.4418

United Kingdom

The Netherlands

From hart fly reels back to the main page

From hart fly reels back to the main reel page

source:

1 - blog

2 - forum with picture and historical background