Lamson Litespeed Review in 2026 – Fly Reels

In this Lamson Litespeed Review we find out just how this fly reel performs. After speaking to experts and the team at Lamson, we can show you everything you need to know about this wonderful fly reel.
lamson litespeed review

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In this Lamson Litespeed Review we find out just how this fly reel performs. After speaking to experts and the team at Lamson, we can show you everything you need to know about this wonderful fly reel.

It’s easy to focus solely on buying the right rod. But if you’re an avid fly fisher like me, you’ll know how important it is to have a sturdy reel you can rely on when fly fishing. It can make all the difference to your fishing success and make or break a fishing trip!

And that’s why we aim to review the best products out there to help you find the perfect reel for your needs.

Waterworks Lamson is a well-respected company that has been producing high-quality fishing gear for over two decades. The Litespeed reel series is one of their best products. This mid-range reel has been through several redesigns over the years, and the fifth-generation model is the best so far!

Let’s take a closer look to see exactly what the Waterworks Lamson Litespeed has to offer you in our detailed fly reel review!

Lamson Litespeed Review

lamson litespeed

Lamson Litespeed Specs:

Available Size: 3+ – 7+ Overall Weight: 3.1 – 4.5oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: Gen 6 construction CNC machined
Spool Diameter: 3.5 – 4oz Colors: Whisky, Fuego
Spool Capacity: 75 – 150yds Warranty: Lamson Warranty
Drag Type: – Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

87%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
90%
Weight and Balance
90%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
90%
Aesthetic and Design
80%
Price to Value Ratio
80%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

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Key Features

  • Conical Drag
  • Extra Large Arbor
  • Gen 6 Design
  • Lamson Warranty

The Lamson Litespeed reel is a sturdy workhorse reel for fly fishing. The latest edition of this reel is the fifth reinvention, making it better than ever. It has a consistently smooth drag and eye-catching aesthetics that will complement your fishing setup.

Some of the recent improvements to the fifth generation Lamson G5 include an improved retrieval rate, stronger build, and better line handling.

The Litespeed reel comes in two eye-catching colors. You can choose from Cinders, a burnt orange shade, or Blackout, which is a classic black color. Either colorway will compliment your fishing setup and look awesome out on the water!

It’s available in sizes from 3 to 11, allowing you to find the right size for your needs.

Construction

In this section of our fly reel review, we’ll take a close look at the build of the Lamson fly fishing reel, from the Lamson Litespeed Micra 5 to the latest G5 model. ‘

The Lamson Litespeed is made from corrosion-resistant 6061 aluminum, similar to the type used for aircraft. It’s incredibly durable but also lightweight.

All of the Litespeed models from the Litespeed IV to the Litespeed Micra 5 are lightweight and have that iconic large arbor. This makes them a pleasure to use. The narrower, concave spool design allows for better fly line handling and a reliable drag torque.

Waterworks Lamson has achieved an amazingly low weight through innovations like the integrated counterweight and smart porting. This integration also makes the frame stronger and stiffer than ever before. You won’t need to baby your Litespeed – it doesn’t scratch or dent easily.

Thanks to that large arbor, every Litespeed reel can hold plenty of fly line bac