Lamson Reels Review in 2025 – Fly Reels

In this Lamson Reels review we compare all the models of fly reel from Waterworks Lamson. Read on to know what Lamson Reel will be the best for you.
lamson reels review

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Waterworks Lamson has been making some of the best fly reels and rods since 1995. Technical expertise, innovation and simplicity are some of their highest values. 

The team aims to make fly fishing products and accessories that are streamlined, effective, and simple to use.

Image Product Details  
flyfisherpro-table__imageBest TechnologyLamson Force SL Series II
  • Lighter Than Old Model
  • Improved CNC-Machined Structure
  • Sealed Conical Drag System
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest LightweightLamson Litespeed G5
  • Lightweight
  • CNC-machined in USA
  • High Retrieve
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest For BeginnersLamson Liquid Fly Reel
  • Low-Price Series
  • Budget Friendly
  • Lightweight, Durable & Effective
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest Premium SaltwaterLamson Cobalt HD – Saltwater Fly Reel
  • Latest Technology
  • Super-Strong Reel
  • Silky Smooth Drag System
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest Smooth FunctionLamson Speedster S HD
  • Heavy Duty
  • Smooth Functioning
  • Powerful Drag
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest Budget SaltwaterLamson Guru S HD Lamson
  • Perfect For Saltwater
  • Lightweight & Affordable
  • Anodized Aluminum
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest BudgetLamson Remix HD
  • CNC-Machined
  • Unique Hybrid Die-Cast
  • Rigid, Durable & Sturdy
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Waterworks-Lamson uses superior materials to create durable, long-lasting fly reels and rods that you’ll love.

All of their products are manufactured in Idaho, USA, to the highest standards. In this guide and fly reel review, we’re going to take a close look at the reels, so you can decide which of their products is right for you.

Lamson Reels Reviews

If you’re on the search for Lamson fly reels that are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater, any of these superb reels fit the bill. Let’s find out more about them:

Lamson Force SL Series II

Lamson Force SL Series II

Force SL Series II Specs:

Available Size: 5 – 7 Overall Weight: 3.31 – 3.7oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: Machined 6061 Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 4.1 – 4.4in Colors: Azure, Thermal, Flash
Spool Capacity: 125 – 180yds Warranty: Waterworks-Lamson Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: – Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

89%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
80%
Weight and Balance
100%
Line Capacity
90%
Ease of Maintenance
90%
Aesthetic and Design
90%
Price to Value Ratio
80%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

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Available Sizes

  • 5+
  • 7+

Lamson first introduced the Force fly fishing reels in 1997, but this redesigned model is even lighter, with better performance than before. The latest edition of the Force SL (Super Light) II fly reel has a larger arbor, lower weight, and faster line retrieval.

Using the best technology around, they has come up with an improved CNC-machined structure and a sealed conical drag system. One of the best tools for fly fishing around, add this fly reel to your fly gear and you won’t regret it. The Force SL II costs from $499.99-549.99. Buy the Force SL II fly reel from your local shop, or add to your cart to buy from their online shop directly.

Lamson Litespeed G5

Lamson Litespeed

Litespeed G5 Specs:

Available Size: 1 – 4 Overall Weight: 3.7 – 8.0oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: Machined 6061 Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 3.3 – 4.6oz Colors: –
Spool Capacity: 100 – 225 Warranty: Waterworks-Lamson Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: – Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

82%
Durability
80%
Drag System Quality
90%
Weight and Balance
90%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
80%
Aesthetic and Design
80%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
80%

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Available Sizes

  • 1.5
  • 2
  • 3
  • 3.5
  • 4

If you’re on the search for a lightweight reel, check out the Litespeed G5. This stunning reel is constructed to the faultless standard you’d expect of a Lamson reel, with cool aesthetics, a higher retrieve, and Hard Alox finish.

This mid-range Lamson Litespeed reel is CNC-machined in Idaho, USA, and available in stylish burnt orange or classic black. Shop for the Litespeed G5 reel online directly from their shop, or search for your closet fly shop to see it in person. This reel will take your fishing experience to the next level!

Lamson Liquid Fly Reel

lamson liquid

Liquid Specs:

Available Size: 3+ – 9+ Overall Weight: 4.2 – 6.7oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: Pressure Cast Aluminum Frame and Spool
Spool Diameter: 3.34 – 4.65in Colors: Smoke
Spool Capacity: 100 – 250yds Warranty: Waterworks-Lamson Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: Conical Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

82%
Durability
80%
Drag System Quality
90%
Weight and Balance
80%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
80%
Aesthetic and Design
70%
Price to Value Ratio
90%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
80%

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Available Sizes

  • 3+
  • 5+
  • 7+
  • 9+

Lamson Liquid fly reel is a low-price series for beginner and intermediate anglers on a budget. At the incredible low price of $99.99, this die-cast reel is making fishing more accessible. But this fly fishing reel doesn’t have the disadvantages of many die-cast reels: It’s lightweight, durable, and effective. 

With the most important components manufactured in the US, the Lamson Liquid is a fly reel you can depend on. Just what you’d expect from them, no matter what the price.

Lamson Cobalt HD – Saltwater Fly Reel

Looking for a saltwater specific fly reel for fly fishing saltwater flats and offshore? Check out these two that are specially designed tools for big saltwater game fish.

Lamson Cobalt

Cobalt HD Specs:

Available Size: 8, 10, 12 Overall Weight: 5.9 – 11.3oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: Machined 6061 Aluminum, Titanium, Stainless Steel
Spool Diameter: 4.25 – 4.7in Colors: Metallic Silver
Spool Capacity: 250yds Warranty: Lamson Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: Conical Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

85%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
90%
Weight and Balance
80%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
90%
Aesthetic and Design
90%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
80%

Cobalt

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Overall Score

85%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
90%
Weight and Balance
80%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
90%
Aesthetic and Design
90%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
80%

Cobalt HD

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Available Sizes

Cobalt
  • 6
  • 8
  • 10
  • 12
Cobalt HD
  • 8
  • 10
  • 12

The Cobalt has been designed with the latest technology, to create a super-strong reel that can bare even more pressure when fishing for big fish. This is down to a dual-axis machined frame and an embedded foot, adding strength and distributing the weight evenly across the frame.

The Cobalt reel is completely sealed and waterproof with a Microlax finish, so it can withstand harsh saltwater conditions. The conical drag system is silky smooth but powerful, for hauling in big saltwater fish. They perform consistently for fishing at any distance and hauling in big fish. But they also look amazing, with a sleek, neat finish and cool grey color.

If you’ve been on the search for an epic saltwater fishing fly reel, these reels are the perfect products for the job. They come with a higher price, but that’s the price you pay for this specialization and advanced design. The Cobalt HD is designed for when you need a heavy duty rod with even more power and resistance.

Lamson Speedster S HD

Speedster S HD

Speedster S HD Specs:

Available Size: 7 – 9 Overall Weight: 4.96 – 5.99oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: Machined 6061 Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 3.97 – 4.29in Colors: Midnight
Spool Capacity: 180 – 220yds Warranty: Waterworks-Lamson Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: Conical Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

83%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
70%
Weight and Balance
90%
Line Capacity
100%
Ease of Maintenance
80%
Aesthetic and Design
80%
Price to Value Ratio
90%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
80%

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Available Sizes

  • 7′ 0″ 3 WT
  • 8′ 6″ 4 WT
  • 9′ 0″ 4 WT
  • 9′ 0″ 5 WT
  • 9′ 0″ 6 WT
  • 9′ 0″ 7 WT
  • 9′ 0″ 8 WT
  • 9′ 0″ 9 WT
  • 9′ 0″ 10 WT
  • 10′ 0″ 8 WT
  • 10′ 0″ 7 WT

A full-frame, heavy-duty reel, the Speedster S has been cleverly designed for smooth functioning. These series are narrower and taller than standard, with a full-cage design to help control the line onto the spool. The sealed conical drag is both powerful and smooth, for an impressive performance every single time. The Speedster S HD is available in two sizes: 7+ and 9+, which start at the price of $399.99.

Lamson Guru S HD Lamson

Lamson Guru S HD

Guru S HD Specs:

Available Size: 5, 7, 9 Overall Weight: 4.6 – 6.1oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: Machined 6061 Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Spool Diameter: 3.55 – 4.11in Colors: Blaze
Spool Capacity: 100 – 220yds Warranty: Waterworks-Lamson Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: Conical Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

79%
Durability
80%
Drag System Quality
80%
Weight and Balance
80%
Line Capacity
70%
Ease of Maintenance
80%
Aesthetic and Design
80%
Price to Value Ratio
80%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
80%

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Available Sizes

  • 7+
  • 9+

The Guru S HD (Heavy Duty) is the perfect reel for saltwater and Spey fishing. It can handle monster-sized fish, but it’s lightweight, affordable, and reliable. Starting at the price of $339.99, the Guru is an excellent mid-range reel that will serve you well on all your fishing trips.

The Guru S HD has a large arbor and is made from anodized aluminium and stainless steel. The Guru reel from Waterworks-Lamson ensures a faster retrieve while being extra strong. It looks eye-catching with its black and orange design. Add the Guru to your cart when you shop online, or head to your nearest shop.

If you are interested, we have another great option from Lamson as well. here is our full review of the lamson guru 2.0 review

Lamson Remix HD

Lamson Remix HD

emix HD Specs:

Available Size: 7, 9 Overall Weight: 6.4 – 8.29oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: 6061 Aluminum and Pressure Cast Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 3.98 – 4.79in Colors: Smoke
Spool Capacity: 200 – 250yds Warranty: Waterworks-Lamson Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: Conical Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

78%
Durability
80%
Drag System Quality
60%
Weight and Balance
80%
Line Capacity
70%
Ease of Maintenance
90%
Aesthetic and Design
80%
Price to Value Ratio
80%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

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Check Amazon US/UK Price

Available Sizes

  • 7+
  • 9+

The Lamson remix is a unique hybrid of a die-cast reel and a CNC-machined reel, something new in the fishing world. If you’ve been on the search for affordable tools, you’ll love this reel which costs less than $200. 

It’s rigid, durable, and sturdy, so it’s able to withstand plenty of pressure. A U-shaped arbor and flashy, eye-catching design make this model look and perform well out on the water. Shop for the Remix online or from your nearest fly shop. You can add to cart for a speedy delivery, directly from the online shop.

FAQs

Are Lamson fly reels made in the USA?

No, Lamson fly reels are no longer made in the USA. The company was acquired by Waterworks-Lamson in 2013 and their reels are now manufactured in Asia.

Who makes Lamson fly reels?

Lamson fly reels are made by Waterworks-Lamson, which is based in Boise, Idaho. The company produces a range of fly fishing gear, including reels, rods, and lines.

Are Lamson spools interchangeable?

Yes, Lamson spools are interchangeable between all Lamson reels. This means that you can use the same spool for multiple reels, allowing for quick and easy switching out of spools.

Where is Waterworks-Lamson located?

Waterworks-Lamson is located in Boise, Idaho. The company produces a range of fly fishing gear, including reels, rods, and lines.

How do you open a Lamson reel?

To open a Lamson reel, simply unscrew the spool counterclockwise to remove it from the reel. You can then access the drag system and other internal components of the reel.

Wrap Up

Lamson fly reels are some of the best models on the market for fishing enthusiasts. Offering performance, a great price, and lasting durability, you’re sure to find the right model to meet your needs. Waterworks ensures that all of their products and accessories are constructed to the highest standards with a clean, neat finish.

If you want a reel with advanced tech, then go for the Lamson Force SL Series II.

You can shop online for these fly reels – just add them to your cart and process the payment as usual. Or if you prefer to check them out in person, find your nearest shop here. They also have a great range of fishing accessories, so check them out too! 

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