An Expert Guide to Lamson Fly Reels


Lamson Guru. Photo by Joseph Smith
New to fly fishing and need a fly reel? Maybe it is time to upgrade gear? Has an internet search or a friend mentioned Lamson reels but you are overwhelmed by the options? In this article, I will discuss the key features of Lamson reels. Together, we will go over the brand’s different model options and hopefully help you decide which Lamson reel is best for you.
As an avid fly fisherman, I luckily have a pond in my backyard exactly two minutes from my fly-tying bench. If there is open water, I will fish just about every day. I grew up fishing the fabled streams of Pennsylvania and have been fly fishing my entire life in various parts of the country and abroad, chasing both fresh and saltwater fish. Fishing is my life, so the gear I use is a passion of mine. I have used Lamson reels for over 10 years now. As someone who is constantly searching for the “perfect” piece of gear, I have tested their gear extensively.
On a personal note, I derive great pleasure in teaching and passing fly fishing on to others. There is nothing more rewarding than fishing with family and friends and seeing their success. So, I would love to pass my knowledge on and help start your passion for fly fishing.
Why Lamson Reels?
Waterworks-Lamson reels were designed and made by fly fishing fanatic product designers who happened to hone their skills producing high-end cycling equipment. Realizing that the reels they were using were heavy, slow to retrieve, and unreliable, they decided to apply their skills to create the perfect fly reel. As a result, these lightweight, smooth, highly reliable reels were born. Still made in Ketchum and Boise, Idaho, fly anglers continue to rave about these reels.
The Importance of a Fly Reel
For some anglers, the fly reel just holds the fly line and serves as a counterbalance to assist with fly casting. However, if you are an angler who demands high performance from your gear, there are certain features that you will want to consider.
Quality components lead to smooth operation. The weight of the reel often makes the difference between a tired arm and one ready to fish the next day. And just as important as the integrity of your knots, a solid drag with a smooth start-up torque may be important for landing large fish. A sealed drag may be important when fishing in harsh conditions such as saltwater.
What to Consider When Buying a Lamson Fly Reel
How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Lamson Reel?
Although a Lamson reel is considered to be a top-of-the-line fly reel, this does not necessarily mean you need to break the bank. For freshwater situations, you can obtain an entry level reel for around $150. Saltwater reels start around $500. Though truly premier reels are much higher priced. Different reel price points have different features. Your budget may be the biggest factor here.
In What Conditions Will I Be Fishing?
Guru S. Photo by Joseph Smith
The larger the fish, the larger the required reel. Trout and panfish anglers use smaller reels than anglers chasing steelhead, pike, bass, or even sailfish. Make sure your reel is designed to accommodate the fly line weight you are fishing. Ultralight anglers chasing trout in North Carolina's mountains will have different needs than fly anglers floating in Montana or saltwater fishers in the Florida Keys. Making sure your gear matches your needs is key to success.
Are Extra Features Worth it?
Fair enough of a question. The answer ultimately depends on you and your tolerances. The aesthetics of the reel are certainly a matter of personal preference. The weight of the reel has a personal feel. Solid drag with minimal start up inertia is more important with larger fish. Ultimately, there are other reels on the market that may better match your needs. Overall, though, Lamson is a high-quality reel that will not disappoint.
Different Types of Lamson Fly Reels
Entry Level Reels
Benefits:
- Lower price
- Designed for a variety of applications
- Relative ease of use
Be Aware
- Often made of less durable material
- Heavier reels
Liquid
The Liquid is made from pressure die casting aluminum, which may not be as durable as machined-aluminum reels. Its large arbor U-shaped design helps with line management and quicker line pick up with decreased coiling due to line memory. Its spools are compatible with the Remix, so it’s a great option for anglers needing different spools for different lines.
Remix
The Remix is a hybrid between pressure die casting and machined aluminum. While the case and reel are machined, the spool is cast. It also features a large arbor U-shaped design, and its spools are compatible with the Liquid.
Advanced Reels
Benefits:
- Built with higher-quality materials
- More durable
- Less weight
Be Aware:
- More expensive than entry-level reels
- May have more features than a novice would need
Guru S
Photo by Joseph Smith
The Guru S is Lamson’s all-around daily-use reel. It features a rugged and reliable construction from fully machined bar-stock aluminum. Its larger arbor with a narrowed spool decreases its weight and line twisting, and its integrated counterbalance results in a smoother function. It also features Lamson-s Power Arm Frame Design and a curved cross section for increased stability and structural support. Plus, the full cage HD option prevents fine line used in European nymph fishing from pinching in between the spool and reel casing.
Speedster S
The Speedster S is designed for rapid line retrieval. It is made from fully machined bar stock aluminum, making it strong and lightweight. Its super arbor with a narrowed spool decreases the weight and line twisting while ensuring the fastest retrieval rates. And its integrated counterbalance offers a smoother function.
Force SL Series II
The lightweight and strong Force SL Series II is a great reel for minimalists and those with ultralight setups. Made from machined 6061 aluminum, the integrated reel foot and cassette are built into the reel with an efficient frame supporting the entire structure. This reel also sits closer to the fly rod, which eliminates reel “swing” that can occur with large amounts of backing. And the large Arbor construction makes for better line management.
Centerfire
The Centerfire is designed specifically for saltwater applications. It is IPX8 certified waterproof, and the large-circumference spool assists in rapid line retrieval. Plus, the locking spool nut ensures the spool will stay attached even under heavy load. Carbon PEEK thrust washers and self-lubricating o-ring seals with a zero-lash stainless steel roller clutch ensure this drag can handle the harsh saltwater environments and the hard-fighting saltwater fish. And the full cage HD configuration is the desired option for spey and switch anglers.
Litespeed F
Photo by Joseph Smith
Lamson’s flagship reel, the Litespeed F is made from CNC machined aluminum with material distributed along critical load paths. This results in superior strength while remaining lightweight. It features an ultra large arbor design, and an indexing click drag knob, which makes it easier to precisely control the drag on the reel with the same drag per click across the entire drag range. Plus, the Space Frame Construction makes for an enhanced strength-to-weight ratio.
Special Features of a Lamson Reel
ULA (Ultra Large Arbor)
Lamson’s large arbor frame allows for quicker line pick up and reduces line memory of spooled line, thereby decreasing unwanted coiling and tangles
Power Arm Frame
The primary load path for any fly reel runs from the center of the drag core to the reel foot. Any distribution of material not aligned with the primary load path will result in either a structure that is too flexible or heavier than it needs to be. Lamson’s Power Arm Frame aligns the structural support for the spool along this path, which increases the structural integrity of the reel while keeping weight to a minimum.
Sealed Proprietary Conical Drag
This sealed conical drag system differentiates Lamson reels from all other competitors. In the beginning the company envisioned a mechanical solution for a reel by storing line on a large-circumference spool supported by a lightweight frame. Typical drag systems of that time were based on flat counter-rotating discs, which was counterproductive to this design. To correct this, the designers configured the surface area of discs into a pair of matched cones machined with angular precision. This resulted in a significant reduction in the diameter of the assembly, making the drag small, light, and easy to seal. As a bonus, the proprietary friction materials used produced zero start-up torque and could run without lubrication.
Integrated Counterbalance
To counter the weight of the spin knob, all reels have a counterbalance. This ensures that the reel evenly picks up line. Often this is an attachment that is added to the reel frame. Lamson, however, integrates their counterbalance. By integrating the counterbalance, the reel is structurally stronger while remaining lightweight.
Lifetime Warranty
Although I have never had to use this, all Lamson reels come with a lifetime warranty covering defects in material or workmanship for the original owner of a reel or rod. This warranty applies to parts and labor, but doesn’t cover damage due to misuse, improper maintenance, or modification. Lamson promises to have the work done within two weeks of arrival at their warehouse. If the reel is needed sooner, rush orders can be placed.
Choosing the Right Lamson Reel
To help illustrate how this technical information applies to you, here are a few examples of different anglers and their specific needs, with corresponding reel recommendations.
Millie: New Angler Targeting Trout
Millie is starting to fly fish in Pennsylvania after getting hooked on the sport by a friend. She is looking for an inexpensive reel she can pair with an entry-level fly rod she has already purchased. She anticipates fishing a variety of styles in different bodies of water and is interested in having different spools for sinking fly lines.
Features Millie Should Look For
- Easy for beginning fly fishers – Millie is new to the sport and should seek out a fly reel that is not overly technical and will work for a variety of situations.
- Inexpensive – As she will not use this reel extensively, money can be saved and put towards other items she will need, such as waders and a pack, as she enters the sport.
- Lightweight – Since she is fishing for trout, a heavy-duty fly reel is not needed.
- Availability of Inexpensive Extra Spools – Fishing conditions often change and the fly line needed to fish a streamer can be different than one needed for dry fly fishing. Extra spools are less expensive than additional reels.
Reel examples: Liquid , Remix, or Guru S
Ted: Ultralight Purist Trout Angler
Photo by Joseph Smith
Ted is an avid fly angler who has been fishing for many years. Recently, he purchased an ultralight fly rod for dry fly fishing while backpacking in Wyoming and is looking for a reel to aesthetically balance his new rod. Price is not a major concern.
Features Ted Should Look For
- Lightweight and compact – Since Ted will be hiking into remote areas, a lightweight frame without extra weight will be beneficial.
- Durable Construction – Hiking over boulders can often lead to slips and drops of equipment. A durable reel will help prevent breakage; and in the event breakage occurs, a good warranty is a must.
- Aesthetics – Innovative fly reel architecture creates modern looking fly reels with clean lines. The science of the fly reel meets the art of the fly reel.
Reel examples: Force SL Series II, Speedster S, or Litespeed F
Jason: A Trout Bum Who Lives to Fish
Jason is an angler who fishes every day he can. He casts dry flies in search of the perfect dead drift and will quickly switch to nymph fishing or casting baitfish imitations if that is what the fish are hitting on. He recently purchased an updated fly rod and is looking for a solid reel to pair with it.
Features Jason Should Look For
- The best drag system – Since he fishes a range of situations and may need to fight large fish and protect fine tippets, a strong drag is a must
- Durable – He fishes hard and expects his gear to hold up with him. A reliable warranty is imperative.
- Large Arbor – A larger arbor will assist with quick, accurate casts (less line memory) and will help fight larger fish.
Reel examples: Lamson Guru, Litespeed F, or Speedster S
Final Thoughts
Litespeed F. Photo by Joseph Smith
Lamson makes high-quality fly-fishing reels that are backed by lifetime warranties. With multiple offerings, beginning and advanced anglers will be able to find a reel that suits their fishing style. If you have questions or need help selecting a fly reel, or any other gear, as you head out to your favorite fishing hole, please reach out to me or another Curated Fly Fishing Expert for free, customized advice. We would love to help. Tight Lines!