Let customers speak for us
The Lamson Purist 9’ 5-weight is marketed as a small-water, technical dry-fly rod. That description is accurate, but incomplete. What the Purist really delivers is control under conditions where most rods quietly give up.
I handled and cast this rod under far-from-ideal circumstances: sustained winds in the high teens with gusts approaching 30 mph. The shop owner warned me the conditions were stacked against it. In a Florida saltwater shop dominated by fast, stiff cannons, the Purist was the only sub-7-weight rod available. I’ve fished Lamson reels since the 1990s and come from a mountain-trout background, so I took the chance.
The result was immediate and decisive.
The Purist’s progressive action is the core of its performance. The supple tip loads effortlessly and provides constant feedback, the mid-section maintains tracking and stability, and the butt section stores and releases energy smoothly without collapse or shock. Together, this translates into exceptional loop control. Into gusts, I could confidently drive tight, roughly 12-inch loops with accuracy. Between gusts, I could instantly open the loop and soften the presentation without changing tempo or fighting the rod.
That level of adaptability is rare.
Despite being a 5-weight, the rod never felt overpowered or vague. It communicated exactly what the line was doing at all times. Recovery was crisp but never abrupt. Nothing felt rushed, hollow, or forced. The rod simply did what I asked, every time.
I’ve owned or fished roughly 50–60 fly rods over the years, always searching for that elusive balance where feel, tracking, and power align without compromise. I honestly can’t remember the last time a rod “just worked” this completely. I don’t need a 5-weight, but I bought this one immediately. The shop owner was surprised. To him it was an oddball leftover. To me, it was obvious.
If this rod makes gusty roadside casting feel controlled and precise, then truly technical trout water will feel easy. The marketing line is correct: once you understand what this rod can do, the others really will seem easy.
Highly recommended for anglers who value finesse, feedback, and authority over brute stiffness.
The Hyperspeed M has become my favorite saltwater reel for my 7 and 9 weight rods. Because of the variety of fishing I use these for, I have multiple spools. I love the ease of changing spools, light weight, sophisticated design and aesthetics, and high speed retrieve. A bit expensive but worth it.
Where do I even begin… I have owned this rod for a short period of time and have had some breakages occur. At the time, I was frustrated because I have enjoyed using the rod and the reel; it is a great setup and well priced! Customer support reached out and ultimately made me whole again so I could get back to what I love doing—fishing. Lamson has definitely earned my respect and a loyal customer for the future. Thank you!
GREAT hat with solid FLAT BILL! SUPPORT Lamson Fly Fishing!! Catch bigger fish, y'all!
Great all around reel for not an overwhelming price. The drag is butter smooth. I would 100% recommend.
This is my second review since I couldn't edit my original. I've now used this reel bonefishing for almost 8 weeks over the last year and a half, and it has never let me down. I walk the flats and love the weight, the finish, the large diameter and the way I can keep up with a bonefish when it runs at me. I just rinse and repeat day after day. I've pretty much retired my other high end reels and bought a second spool to run a 7 weight line on. I bring back-up reels with me but never use them because this is the best reel of the bunch. I've got blue braid on for backing and it matches the reel accents and looks really cool. The drag has never let me down, even when I have to go to 3x because the fish are really spooky. If you are looking for the best bonefish reel on the market, then buy this reel. You will not be disappointed. This from someone whom has fished bonefish for almost 40 years and gone through over a dozen other high end reels.
I got the 9ft 5wt and it is incredible. Has the feel and swing weight of my 4wt rods, but with the punch, distance and accuracy of a 5wt or even some 6wts. Hands down the most versatile trout rod in my quiver. My first Lamson rod but won’t be the last.
Also worth noting I have this paired with a true to line weight line.
These are the best fishing gloves on the market. They fit great, provide excellent sun protection, the fingerless design allows anglers to maintain the ability to tie knots, and they look great. I've been using them since 2008 and just bought a lifetime supply in case they ever stop making them, which I hope never happens.
If you have never fly fished for Benito, before you need to might be one of the funnest species. The potato bite was on bonato. Fight like little tuna. They take off really fast and they fight really hard for their size. I'm a task force, chef and have been currently working in florida, but I was home for the holiday in San Diego and my friend asked me if I wanted to go out on his boat. The only reel I had in San Diego was my liquid Max. I've used it quite often, and it works great. It stands up today to day. Use many of your competitors make very beautiful reels. That look super nice in a display case. But when you get them out there and use them on a daily basis they fall apart, you just look at them. And they bend. The medino took off hard-and-fast the drag on the liquid. Max performed great.. they were hard, fights and I had 0 issues with my reel. A fly fish about 300 days. A year and probably 289 of those, I have a lamson reel. Occasionally, I'm on a boat that is too crowded and all I can do is conventional fish. The rigors of daily saltwater fly fishing really take a toll on your tackle. Lamson stands up to it. I'm
Got the 8wt and the 5wt for Christmas. Can’t wait to get on the water
I received my first Lamson fly rod - Velocity 6wt FB - after I broke my old streamer rod. It is such a fine streamer rod and the casting is pretty good! Light as featherweight! GOOD value! I CAN use this rod for Carp, Redfish and Bonefish during the calm water (no wind and the presentation is important)!
I have extra/second spools for my Guru S Blackout -3+, -5+, and Liquid HD 8wt in this with the tool for the Liquid reel. Safe and. Secure if I want to switch techniques while in the wild. Great value and another great Lamson product!
Such a great product and an important part of my fly gear I don’t fish without it. No better way to save your fly and create the least amount of harm to the fish!
This is my 3rd full Lamson rod & reel set up. Plus my previous 3 rods have Lamson reels on them. I fully expected a nice kit for the price but wow was I blown away by the quality of this kit. So much so I immediately ordered a 2nd spool. I have the 8wt for salmon & steelhead, 1 spool set up with RIO WF8F and the second with Rio specialty 8wt streamer sinking tip when I need to get deeper. Thank you Lamson for producing excellent products us Idahoans can be proud to own and brag about!
Designed To Flow
Free-flowing design comes down to physics. At Lamson, we make fly gear that’s fluid and dynamic. Making you a real force of nature.
