Lamson Konic vs Orvis Mid Arbor ? ? ?

[waynep]

All,

I have a TFO 8wt. It's the Project Healing waters rod which I think is the same blank as the Professional rods from TFO. I need a reel and have two in mind. An Orvis Mid Arbor or a Lamson Konic.

I would really like to keep the reel under $150 and I was leaning towards the Orvis until this last weekend. I have not actually seen a Konic in person, hence the question here. The Lamson has a sealed drag. I have 10 Orvis reels and not a complaint among them. I also have 1 Lamson Velocity so I am familiar with their product as well.

Anyone favor one over the other? Why? Any price difference is not a problem as they are close enough in my mind price wise.

-wayne

[flybinder]

How about a Lamson Radius, for an 8wt. for $99.95? Check out the "Clearance page" at Madison River Fly Shop.

[GRN]

I've owned a lot of reels, from 7 different manufacturers, and two of those have failed me... Orvis and Lamson. I still own a lot of reels, and with the exception of my 2 beaten loaner LL Bean's, I fish all Ross. For $190 you can buy a #5 Cimarron, which is one of the best block and tackle, not to mention proven, pieces of fly gear available today.

We dropped Lamson because of the rate of return, and the lousy customer service. Orvis won the award for being the only reel to produce smoke in a series of reels tested, check out the video (having a flashback to my Mach reel )...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ersKFd-4d7k&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdssQeA6nxA

[hutjensmpg]

All,

An Orvis Mid Arbor or a Lamson Konic.

-wayne

I don't have either, but isn't the Mid Arbor Machined and the Konic cast? I think I'd pick the machined over the cast for lower weight. I've heard stories of cast reels breaking if you fall, drop it, etc. but fished regular Battenkills with no issue for a long time before I switch to the Large Arbor.

[Greg F]

The Orvis mid arbor, Pflueger Trion, and Redington CD are the same reel. Look around, you'll find the Pflueger for around $85.

[tailingloop]

Those three are similar, but not quite the same. Different drag materials and bearings. Does it make a difference. I don't know. The Battenkill Mid-Arbor, Trion, CD all seem to have a pretty good reputation.

People seem to have love or hate relationships with the Lamson reels that use their conical drag. Apparently, if you get it wet with the spool off, that can lead to problems. The maintenance manual for each Lamson model can be found on their website. That deal mentioned above is a great deal.

[Jet369]

Don't know too much about those reels. My son has the Orvis BBS reel and they are OK.
I looked into getting a Lamson Radius and 2 things turn me off. One the spool just snaps on/off and the spool shaft has plastic parts on it. I think Ross was a good suggestion or consider a Teton Tioga. Very reliable reels with good customer service.

Good Luck,

Jet

[GRN]

I think Ross was a good suggestion or consider a Teton Tioga. Very reliable reels with good customer service.

Teton/Tioga reels are a great value, and they rarely fail. I caught a record 48# Redfish on a Teton Specialist... then a smaller fish smoked my Orvis Mach the next year on the same trip. Wish I had kept the Tetons!

[acadianfly]

I have two Orvis mid-arbor reels, one on my 6 wt. and one on my 8 wt. (saltwater). The disc drag will stop a small Volkswagen. Great reels for the price. I'm completely satisified.

[jeffnles1]

I guess I better tell my son not to use his Orvis Mid Arbor to fish for motorcycles.

Jeff