Lamson

konic is the chronic

i have last years velocity model, hard alox I versions 1 and 3.5.  i really like these reels.  the drag is smooth with no inertia and the reel is super light, i put the 3.5 on a 7wt for steel and it works great. i also have a 1.5 radius and LP2 and i will buy more lamsons.

I have a Lamson Hard Alox V2. They have pretty good drags on them, but other than that they are nothing special IMO. I still haven't figured out why everyone raves about them. I would prefer just about any Ross(NOT Ross Worldwide) or Orvis reel to them.

 
Seems like the conical drag system is the difference. The body is still bar stock 6011(?) aluminum. The anodized 3, hard alox, does make a big difference on the Lamson though.
 
I too have Orvis, Fin-Nor and others, but the drag system on the Lamson seems way ahead of everyone else.
 
Thanks for all the input so far. Still deciding between the Velocity 3Xand Litespeed 3X for steel.
 
Tight Lines,
 
OldSalt

Im a big salt water fisher and have reels by Billy Pate, Tibor, Islander and Fin Nor,Pand Penn. I bought a litespeed two years ago and i think its made as well as the mentioned reels at half to one third the price. It is quality and has the best drag system on the planet bar none. Lamson advertises the same high end drag in every reel made. I've checked their lineup and their claim is true. Buy one any model you wont be sorry. The 23rd ill be on the tribs with a litespeed screwed to a St. Croix in a 8 weight and a big smile on my face.

i can also comment on the service.  i bought the 3.5 used on ebay.  when i got it i found the reel foot was bent, like it was dropped.  i called them to buy a new one, they said to send it back because you need a specially designed tool to get at the screws, bad angle possibly strip screw head.  so i sent it back with the prescribed $20 handling charge and got a new reel foot and they also replaced the drag.  they will replace the drag a any time you ask, just for the $20 handling charge.

I have the Guru 2.5 on my 6wt for steelhead. It's a great reel and the drag is phenomenal.


MO

For erie sthd I have a Lamson LS 3, hard alox 3.75" spool diam. for my single hand rod and a LS 3.5, 4" spool diam. for my 2 hand rod. For a mid priced reel, around $350, They are a very good choice and I have had no problems whatsoever with these reels over the past 3 years. I fish sthd a lot, 80-90 days a year and really like these reels.

konics are a cast Al reel and not machined, but still has the same drag system as the more expensive models.  my cousin has 1 and i know he's nocked it around a good bit, he frequently slips and fallls, and has had not had any problems with it.  the orvis bbs would also be a good choice in that price range.

Thanks gentlemen.... gonna keep with what I have for this season, see if I can even get one to eat and then get a better setup next season.
 
Thanks again!
 
Jacob