As i asked in my other post on five weights verses fly size,as stated i have a galvan ob-2 which i use on a 3 and 4 weight which it is intended,but feel it will be too small for this st croix legend ultra five weight i have.I am currently looking at the lamson guru in silver which should look good and preform well on the silver reelseat the st croix has.I am looking at the 1.5 which states 3-5 weight lines.Question to the lamson owners,does the reel click on line in and line out?I like the fact that my galvan is silent on retrieve.
i have a 1.5 velocity. had an airflow ridge distance 5 wt on it and there’s not much room for backing, maybe 50 yds 20# (probably less). the airflow is 102’ so a shorter line may allow about 75 yds 20#. the spool dimensions for each reel are the same. clicks both ways but not an objectionable click.
GURU 1.5 3.15" 1.10" 4.70 oz 3,4,5 WF4 100 yds 20#
VELOCITY 1.5 3.15" 1.10" 4.00 oz 3,4,5 WF4 100 yds 20#
I recently bought a Lamson Konic. Clicks both ways. Like you, I’d prefer a silent retrieve, but I can certainly live with the clicking. Lamson makes excellent reels.
I also have a Lamson Konic for my 5-wt and have no complaints about it. Thinking of picking up a Lamson Guru for my 4-wt, as my friend has had a good experience with that one.
Have an older Lamson Velocity which clicks both ways but the clicker can be silenced. Easiest course is to call the manufacturer and ask them about the model you are interested.
Personally I’d get another Galvan in the 3.25" diameter for a 5-weight and be done with it…
The ob galvan are no longer made,found a ob-3 thats for 4-5 weights but is about 50.00 more than the lamson guru.I have to say i do love my ob-2,the
most adjustable smoothest drag reel i have ever seen and it runs on ball bearings too.
I have a Lamson Guru and I feel it’s the best reel I’ve ever owned.
Bruce
ross disc drags are silent…I just got an orvis that clicks, but not so bad…
I like the silent best
cabelas has ross airius on sale
mrfs has nautalis on sale http://www.mrfc.com/MadisonRiverShopping/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=4
fyi
I’ve fished Lamson’s for several years now. No complaints. Great reels and the click isn’t obnoxious and can be removed very easily if you don’t like it.
How can the click be disabled on the guru?
The click is made by a small plastic tab that contacts the knurled knob on the drag cylinder. Remove the tab and the reel is silent. Pretty simple process.
I know most shops are pushing the Galvan Spoke instead of the OB, but Feathercraft still lists them:
http://www.feather-craft.com/wecs.php?store=feacraft&action=display&target=GA100
You might want to consider a size 2 instead of a 1.5 for a 5wt line.
Every reel I own is a Lamson with the exception of one Redington. I’ve put mine through the ringers, from dropping them in the mud to dropping them on boulders (accidentally!) and they are no worse for the wear. Most of my reels are Velocity’s. I did have one issue with a Radius reel and I called Lamson, got a “RA” number, sent it back to them and they fixed the problem and I got the reel back VERY fast from their warranty dept…along with a feeebie gift too. The conical drag on the reels are top shelf. The service after the sale is top-shelf too. Very easy folks to deal with and very accommodating.
I have a LP 1.5 on my 4 wt, LP 2’s on my 5, & 6 weights, and LP’3s on my 7 & 8 weights. No clicks on any of them.
Best reels ever IMHO and would never consider any other make.
Dick
I have a Billy Pate, a Sage, and a Lamson Litespeed I use on bigger rods for salt. I like the Lamson the Best. Only complaint I ever heard was from a salt water guide who said he had a client who was not careful about dunking his reels in water to get the salt off them after he went fishing. Little (and I mean little compared to other reels) screws that hold the foot on to the body were attacked by the salt and one let loose on a big fish causing the reel to turn sideways. Never got the rest of the story.
Bob
I have a Galvin, Ross and Lamson. Lamson hands down is my favorite reel.
Jim
I was lucky enough to win a new guru 1.5 on ebay for $160.00 shipped.Hope i like it as much as my smaller galvan ob-2
I won a guru shipped on ebay new for 160.00,reel is much wider than my ob
-2 galvan and is larger in diameter,i think
this 1.5 was a good size choice for the rod a 8’ legend ultra 5 wt,took a pic of it.
Three Lamson Konics on my 3 wt 5 wt and 9wt, If my wife would allow I would bring them to bed love them that much