Lamson saltwater reel drag system

Scslat

Scslat

Anadromous Angler
Forum Supporter
Anyone have any experience with the Lamson saltwater reels? I'm really looking for feedback on the drag system and thinking about the Centerfire, Litespeed (the current version), or the earlier Cobalt. I'm planning a trip to Belize, but I also want something that will be super reliable as I start doing more saltwater fishing in general. My older version Litespeed has has been fine for cohos and pinks around here, but it has a lot of plastic on the drag hub so it's not something that I would count on for a big trip. Thanks!
 
Lamson seems to use two different drag systems. The one they have used the longest is their “Conical” drag and the new drag they use on some lines they call the “Cobalt” drag. Both are sealed and therefore okay for salt water and most users seem satisfied. I have an older Litespeed that has given me a decade so use with bonefish, tarpon, snook and salmon with no issues until the drag froze last year (could not be adjusted) and had to be returned to Lamson for service. I also have a newer Liquid Max with the Cobalt drag. It has worked fine on two tarpon trips so far. I will state that the mechanism for changing spools on this series of reel is less than ideal. They have now provided a plastic tool for changing the spools more easily but who wants to carry an extra tool around while walking a bonefish flat? I would always suggest bringing a backup rod and reel on a trip like your’s as it is always possible something will fail.
David
 
Wonder how that tool works? The only way for me on my LS reels is to hold the reel with a couple fingers and use my two thumbs placed equally apart on the spool and apply even pressure and the spool pops off…….

Or
Like this

 
I have a Lamson/waterworks ULA from the early 2000’s that has caught plenty of bones, salmon and steelhead and has been flawless.
 
Thanks, everyone. As I said, I've had no issues with my older Litespeed, but it's never been used on bonefish. Glad to hear that others have had a positive experience. The Lamsons never seem to get mentioned in discussions around bonefish, GTs or similar warm saltwater fish. Not sure why, other than that they aren't made in Florida. ;)
 
Porter2 said:
Wonder how that tool works? The only way for me on my LS reels is to hold the reel with a couple fingers and use my two thumbs placed equally apart on the spool and apply even pressure and the spool pops off…….

Or
Like this

Click to expand...

The older style drags had a pressure fit spool that pops off as shown here. The newer style reels have a screw on knob on the side opposite the drag knob. The knob unscrews and the spool drops off. The knob is small and flat and needs this small plastic tool to grab it.
David
 
Scslat said:
Anyone have any experience with the Lamson saltwater reels? I'm really looking for feedback on the drag system and thinking about the Centerfire, Litespeed (the current version), or the earlier Cobalt. I'm planning a trip to Belize, but I also want something that will be super reliable as I start doing more saltwater fishing in general. My older version Litespeed has has been fine for cohos and pinks around here, but it has a lot of plastic on the drag hub so it's not something that I would count on for a big trip. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Hey there!

Lamson makes solid reels. The current Litespeed and Centerfire both have fully sealed drag systems that are way more saltwater-ready than your older model. The Centerfire is their premium option with a conical drag that's incredibly smooth and reliable. The current Litespeed is also great and lighter, but the Centerfire edges it out for heavy-duty use.

For Belize and serious saltwater fishing, I'd go with the Centerfire or current Litespeed over the older Cobalt. Just rinse them well after each trip, and you'll be set.

Have an awesome trip to Belize! More saltwater gear and tips.
 
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It shouldn’t be too much trouble to get your hands on a spare clutch for the older Lamson drag systems. It is nice to have one available for piece of mind in the salt, especially when a long ways from home.
 
stillreleasing said:
It shouldn’t be too much trouble to get your hands on a spare clutch for the older Lamson drag systems. It is nice to have one available for piece of mind in the salt, especially when a long ways from home.
Click to expand...
Good point, thanks. I'll look into it.
 
It’s been a few years now, I have several Lamsons and the clutch on one was giving me some problems, skipping or slipping as line was pulled out. One phone call, I mentioned I had 3 similar reels (Radius) but only one with the problem. A couple days later I received 3 new clutches in the mail. Of the 6 Lamsons I have that’s the only problem, great customer service.
 
Robert Engleheart said:
It’s been a few years now, I have several Lamsons and the clutch on one was giving me some problems, skipping or slipping as line was pulled out. One phone call, I mentioned I had 3 similar reels (Radius) but only one with the problem. A couple days later I received 3 new clutches in the mail. Of the 6 Lamsons I have that’s the only problem, great customer service.
Click to expand...
OK, great to hear. I ended up buying one of the Centefire HD reels since they went on sale, so I'll be taking that with me. I think an extra hub makes sense for the Litespeed, and that will give me a good backup. I'll contact Lamson. I also have an old Orvis DXR 9/10 that was one of my first saltwater reels. Rulon/Cork drag that works great. I've been using it on my 6 wt switch rod, but I'll take that along, too. Should be all set. Thanks for all the input.
 
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