The late Ari Hart, I would argue, was probably the most innovative designer of fly reels and fly fishing equipment of the past 40 years or so.
Each and every ATH reel is a work of art in its own right, crafted from the best materials and built to the highest standards.
His reels were Paganis to the Mini Metros from Hardy etc. Quite rightly, most owners that buy an Ari T Hart reel keep it.
I don't know if he sold his ATH brand to Dutch Fly reels - or if it was under license - but they made a number of his designs for a number of years.
I'd say that Dutch reels aren't in the same class as the originals, they somehow feel cheaper, but I confess I've only handled one of the Dutch Fly Reels.
Ari was a consultant to a number of brands and came back to making his own products before heading into some sort of semi-retirement. He passed away at 86 in July last year.
