When I was considering a new reel, I too was considering the Ross vs. the Lamson. I felt that there was a big hole in the Ross line up in the 5/6 wt at the time so I went with the Lamson and have not been disappointed!

The conical drag has already been mentioned but deserves a second recommendation. While the Ross drag is very good, there is, like all disk drags, a noticeable startup force. The conical drag, on the other hand is smoothe as silk!

I also agree with the post regarding those Ross that are made in the US vs. the imported. All of the Waterworks Lamson are made in the US.

I have the Lamson Litespeed on a 6 wt. and have more than enough line and backing to tangle with the trophy Kenai River rainbows and even sockeye salmon (however I feel greatly undergunned with a 6 wt).

Happy Trails