Lamson Velocity Hard Alox Fly Reel

[bobbyg]

Looking for opinions on this reel for salt fishing.

Appreciate any input!

Thanks!

Bob

[golfinjoe24]

I have herd a little bit from both ends on it. Not a bad reel though. As long as you wash it off after each trip, should be fine.

I was thinking about getting a Ross Evolution. Cabelas has them on sale and I think they are cheaper than the lamsons right now.

[dunfly]

The Velocity is an excellent saltwater reel. The drag is very good and the finish is very impervious to salt. Is this the new hardalox version or the recently discontinued hardalox version? The discontinued version was running at good discounts.

[bobbyg]

The Velocity is an excellent saltwater reel. The drag is very good and the finish is very impervious to salt. Is this the new hardalox version or the recently discontinued hardalox version? The discontinued version was running at good discounts.

Thanks for the input dunfly.
Just looking at Lamson's website, so it must be the new one.
Considering the 3X for a WF8.

Bob

[dunfly]

I haven't seen the 3X so I don't know how it is different from the 3, other than it has more backing capacity. It must have a smaller inside diameter. I would probably go with the 3.5 for an 8wt. It is heavier, but has a larger outside diameter.

[kglissmeyer]

Bob, I own the Velocity in the size 2 and love it for my 5wt. The fully enclosed and water/weatherproof drag is as good as it gets. Can't speak for the larger size, but can't imagine it is any less in quality.
Good luck,

Kelly

[bobbyg]

Thanks all!

dunfly, the 3x is built for a WF8 and 225 yds. of 20# backing.
It is 3.63" in diameter.

I'm thinking it's going to be a great match with the G. Loomis FR1088-3,
9 footer.

Bob

[idlerick]

I have a couple of V-2's I use for freshwater trout and never had a problem with them at all. Also have two V-3's I use in the salt; one has an erratic drag (start up is higher than running drag) and one drag failed completely, both less than 3 yrs old. I sent the failed one in and they fixed it in 7-10 days, but charged me $20 plus my shipping & Deliv Conf.
Ross' warranty is lifetime to any owner and totally free. I've had drag problems with a couple of them too, but only one was a Ross defect and both fixed fast & free.
Velocity reels are OK for the price, but not what I'd pick for hard use in the salt. Even a $100 Ross Cim 4 will hold up better in my experience.

[bluefish]

Have had no problem with my V-3 after about @90 days on the water. Older Velocitys didn't have stainless bearing cages and corroded over time. New ones do. Fresh water rinse is a must after use. Old V's lasted 8 yrs. of heavy salt use. New one has been flawless so far. Seen lots of freshwater duty, too.

Charlie