Does anyone have any experience with Lamson reels? They look good but the metal looks thin. How do these reels hold over time? My main concern is if I take a fall on this reel will it hold up to the fall or will it be done for for the day?
I own the Lamson Velocity II in the Hard Alox version and I’m very, very pleased with it. As far as durability, It’s taken it’s share of abuse due to my inability to walk very well at the present and some resultant spills and trips, and I haven’t had a problem with it. Also, it has a sealed drag meaning no dirt, water or grit can get into the drag mechanism to cause problems. Several years ago I bought a nice Pflueger reel, newer model, and the salesman touted it as having a ‘sealed’ drag, which was not the case. I got it wet on a winter fishing excursion and it froze on the drive home and the drag has never been the same since, so I got the Lamson. Also, the Lamson drag will adjust minutely and stay adjusted. Love mine. P.S.: the drag system is in their lower-end priced models as well as the top-end.
Kelly.
Have no fear I have several Lamson Radius and my buddies fish Litespeeds and Hard Alux. They take a beating and keep on ticking!! They are one of the best for the money.
Can’t give you any info on the newer models but I have a few of the older LPs and they are rock solid. An LP-1L for most of my small creek, rock scrambling fishing - it’s been banged around a fair bit an works as well today as when I got it 12 years ago. I’ve used an LP-4 for just about all of my saltwater fishing and it’s held up to everything from false albacore, tarpon, jacks, snook, etc. Not the greatest drag, and I wouldn’t use it in the surf unless I had no choice, but it’s held up to years of use/abuse without a whimper.
Regards,
Scott
chuckle… I would be much more worried about alot of other manufacturers reels than a Lamson. I too have the old Lp’s and they are just as problem free as they were in the previous decade
Every reel I own is a Lamson. I like them to say the least! Tough reels that perform. All my reels are Velocity’s except one Radius. I like the older “V” series of Velocity’s in the smoke finish. Swiss watch-like smoothness. I have a couple of Hard Alox models too and like them as well.
In terms of value and quality for money spent, I don’t think it gets much better than Lamson. I’ve got several from the budget Konic on up to the Force series and can’t complain at all. I was nervous about the thin walls on my LS too, but have had NO problems in several years of hard fishing.
I have a Konic and Radius. Both have served me well. I have never had an issue with them. Rock solid!
I’ve got a Lamson Radius 3.5 on my 7 wt. It hasn’t been used much, and my fishing doesn’t include many fish on the reel, but so far I am quite pleased with it. Some of the best fly fishermen I know from SE Idaho are dedicated and loyal Lamson fans. ( Can you spell Ketchum ID ?? )
John
I thank you guys for the imput. I ordered the lamson FORCE 2 LT. I am putting it on a sage z axis 9ft 5 wt. What do you guys think about that for a setup. I will be using it for panfish and trout.
For me Lamson equals the good stuff. I have Ross, Orvis, Lamson and others and I really like the two Lamson Radius reels that I own. For an inexpensive reel the Konic is kick … you get the point. Same drag as the expensive reels at a bargin price. I would not hesitate to own another one or to recomend them to anyone.
Lamsons rock. My Orvis and Ross take a back seat. Galvan rocks also.
I have been fishing Lamson LPs since they were first on the market (can’t remember how many years ago that was). Have 5 or 6 LP 2s and a couple of 1.5s. Bullet proof reels that take a lot of abuse. If you want to deal with ebay - you could pick up one or two with extra spools for cheap. Good Luck!
Recently purchased a Konic…dropped it from waist height onto a concrete floor as I was taking it out of it’s bag for the VERY FIRST TIME…(still had that new car smell) arrrrgh
landed square on the edge of the spool rim. Not a nick, warp, chip, ding or scratch!
I’m sold!
Lamsons will take a beating! With the drag system, the trick is NOT to pay with it. If you MUST change spools, be real careful not to get gunk in onto the spindle. Don’t go GREASING up the works either. A really light machine oil is all that is needed OCCASIONALLY.
Lamson got a bad name a long while back when they had problems with a drag, … no such problem now (imho) since they all use the conical system.
Are they tough and long lasting?? , … Well I use Lamsons as lenders and renters so you can just imagine how much they get banged up. Nice choice for your reel. Have fun!
I’d say SWEET!!!