lamson reels?

[zebsco]

What are your opinions on them? I'm looking at their lower end reel the 'konic'. I know its nothing too fancy- but for a 5wt entry level setup I just want a 100 dollar or close reel that I won't have to replace in a year. Thanks everybody!

[MsOutdrs]

What are your opinions on them? I'm looking at their lower end reel the 'konic'. I know its nothing too fancy- but for a 5wt entry level setup I just want a 100 dollar or close reel that I won't have to replace in a year. Thanks everybody!

I have a lamson..only reel I've had for 15 yrs. Had a hard time finding another spool for it few years back. And it was real spendy. I like a couple of spools for different lines, depending on where and what I'm fishing. If you ever get down around Tualatin area, I would say it would be worth your time to drop by River City Fly Shop and talk to Don Nelson, the owner. He's very, very, very knowledgeable and will give you a good deal.

[NCL]

I have one Lamson reel, it is not a Konicm, but the model I have seems to be solidly built. I have noticed that Lamson is coming out with a new or improved model this year and last years are being discounted. The bottom line is if I was in the market for a reel I would not hesitate to buy a Lamson.

[Slow and Low]

I have several Velocities. Nice reels. Can't speak for the inexpensive stuff.

[sothereiwas]

The cheapest Lamson is cast, stay away from that one. They all share the same drag. What your paying for in the more expensive reel is material and machining. I have several as well and they're great.

[nb_ken]

I fish almost exclusively with Lamsons. I own several Radiuses (Radii?), Velocities and Litespeeds (and several old LPs as well). Never fished with a Konic, though. The Konic is the lowest priced Lamson and the only cast-aluminum reel they make. I've heard good things about them -- as mentioned, they share the same drag as the other models -- but I've got no experience. They're fairly light for a cast reel, but I just don't like cast reels in general. I've found that the tolerances aren't as tight as you get with a machined reel. I'm sure it's fine, but I'd say look over the one you're planning to buy carefully before you plunk down the money.

As an alternative, Lamson replaced the Radius model with one called the Guru. So, you can find Radii all over right now (including waterworks-lamson.com) for the same price on closeout as a new Konic. I like my Radii, especially in the smaller sizes. For a 5wt, an R1.5 or R2 is a good bet. If you're even considering overlining that rod, go with the R2.

[stillwater97]

I have several of the old LP3's and even an LP5.

They make good stuff!

Can't speak to the new gear though..

[NWFloridian]

I have a Konic and a Radius. Both are fantastic reels for the money. The Konic is my workshorse trout reel. I've had it going for almost a year now with absolutely no issues. The first time I had a hot fish, I almost fell over--the drag was so smooth. There's no inertia on startup, and it has an infinite adjustment.

As far as the casting, Lamson uses a different process than most cast reels. It's also finished with a hard coating. After a year of dropping it in the mud an fishing hard, mine still looks (and works) like it's brand new.

The only thing I don't like about it is the funky way you swap spools. It's not a big deal now that I know how to do it, but it's very strange the first time you literally pop the spool off. Still, I've never had an issue with spool changes on the water.

You could do a LOT worse for $120.

Dave

[kigercreek]

I have several of the old LP3's and even an LP5.

They make good stuff!

Can't speak to the new gear though..


I've used my LP 3.5 for bonefish. Love the reel. Hoping to come across some smaller sizes someday when I'm in the mood for a new reel (like I need more...).

[santiamflyguy]

The Konic is a nice little reel. It's cast as described above but they manage to keep the weight down which is one of the biggest criticisms of cast reels. It might not be 'as strong' but it's still plenty strong for a fly reel.

That said, I've seen the Radius models on clearance at a number of shops, and would one in a minute over the Konic if price were equal. If you look around you should be able to find one in the $100 range.

The Velocity is also a great reel and mine has really stood up to some absurd abuse.

[nookslayer]

Sierra Trading Post has had the Radius on sale for a while now and I picked up a couple. GREAT reel and I have been testing it out on winter steel. I would go that route over a Konic any day.