LAMSON

Well built, very snug, if using it while in a rod might want to go one size up but it will work either way. I have one of these for every Lamson reel I own. Great for transporting a rod between streams.

I bought this rod as a 7wt for a Belize trip and it was perfect for bonefish that needed a lighter presentation. It casts really well into the wind and has plenty of backbone for hard fighting fish. Also worth noting that Lamson customer service was awesome and quickly helped resolve an issue.

Reel is exactly what I wanted. Simple, elegant and clean. The whiskey color matches the rod it’s paired with perfectly. My only gripe, and this is a small gripe, with a DT4F line, 40 yds of backing is not an option. I did not measure, but I’d guess I’m at no more than 20 yds of backing or the line will not all fit onto the spool. For my dry fly rod this doesn’t concern me as I don’t expect to catch a fish that spools me on an eastern or midwestern river.

Picked this up for skinny, off-color water on the Golden Isles flats where wind is usually part of the deal. Tested it in conditions that were about as wrong as possible, including gusts pushing 35 mph. I was casting a 5 wt line that actually weighs in closer to a true 6 wt, which is typical. The rod performs right at true line weight.

Even in that mess, it held tight, controlled loops and stayed usable. In normal 10–20 mph wind I could reliably shoot 50–60 feet and keep it on track. It’s a legit cannon, not just marketing language. When summer settles in and the wind backs off, distance is going to come easy.

It’s fast, but not lifeless. It loads cleanly, has enough feel in the tip to stay connected, and plenty of power down low to pick up and reposition line quickly when the shot changes.

I’ve owned more rods than I care to justify. This one actually earns its place.

I bought the 9 wt outfit when my back up rod (a different brand) snapped the week before a trip to the Bahamas for bonefish. I planned to use it as a back up to my 8wt Cobalt rod/Remix reel. The weather was less than ideal with 15-25 mph winds for the whole week and rain. The stiffer action of the Liquid Max rod and the 9 wt of the line helped my casting enormously. The reel held up like a champ too, smoothly managing bonefish of up to 5lbs with 10lb tippet. Back in Florida, I am looking forward to tackling smaller tarpon and snook with the outfit.

Very protective, great for traveling

The Lamson Speedster S is a great reel, though it carries noticeably less material than the older 1990s-era Lamsons I still fish and trust. Those older reels feel nearly indestructible in comparison, especially in saltwater.

That said, the Speedster S delivers where it counts. The machining, fit, and finish are impeccable, and the drag is smooth and more than adequate for the kind of fishing I do. It retains the core Lamson reliability, just in a more modern, weight-conscious package.

Time will tell how it holds up to decades of salt exposure, but if it follows the lineage, it should have a long life ahead. I fully expect to be fishing these for the next 30 years, just like the classics.

This is a great budget fast action rod. I took it to wyoming and it had plenty of power for throwing indy rigs in 50mph gusts and fighting big fish. First day with it I caught 50 fish, biggest was around 20". It's a great entry level rod, I would describe it as being about as sensitive as any other rod in this price range but definitely a faster action for more power casts, mends, and fish.

I have a 4wt. in this, I use for drys in Wyoming, what a stellar rod!! Way out performs it's price point!!

I needed a new reel for a rod upgrade and decided on the Liquid S after reading a lot of media and customer reviews. I fish mostly small streams and don’t require an overpriced bling winch to show off around a campfire. This one is light but sturdy with tight tolerances and no wobble. I’ve used it on about a dozen all-day trips. I got a bit of grit in it that made it grind but I was able to pop the spool out and easily clear it streamside with no tools. The click is just right, quieter than most and not buzzy. It doesn’t free-spool but the drag is light enough that I can turn it all the way down and forget it unless I hook a chunky trout. The foot seats perfectly and the handle and drag knob appear to be replaceable if needed. It’s a good tool that does exactly what I need without any fussing or fear that I can’t put it to work. Five stars all day.

Used it once or twice so far, I love it do far! Hope it holds up!

I have been a fan of lamson for many years now. I have a number of reels. I bought this HD version due to the solid frame for euro nymphing with long thin leaders. It was a great choice.
John

I purchased my first one last sping on closeout since I had never owned a Lamson reel. I liked using it so much through the course of the year, that I just ordered two more, through my local fly shop! Those are going to replace a couple of older reels, from another well known maker, that I thought I liked best before buying a Lamson.

I've been searching for the perfect Great Lakes Steelhead reel that can be fished in any weather without worrying about spool freezing on the frame when it's 15 degrees out. The Force SL II -7+ is it. The design & engineering is to marvel at. The spool & reel touch only slightly at two points beyond the middle spindle, making the spool to appear like it's floating on air. Astounding retrieve rate & drag. Just freaking wow Lamson! I own two of these reels.
PS: I spend 140 days per year on the water. I know.

There was a miscommunication on Lamson not getting back to me on a problem with my reel. But in fact their email went to my spam folder and I never saw it. Once we communicated these guys went over the top to make me happy. A big shout out to Kyle who was first rate