Let customers speak for us
Liked the medium so much when I added my forth Lamson reel the Liquid Max 10wt and extra spool to go with my Liquid Max 8wt and my Guru S -3+ and my Guru -5+. I use the medium for the Guru’s extra spools and the large for the Liquid Max’s extra spools.
I have a second spool for my -3+ and my -5+ and they are flawless. Prefect for a quick technique change while in the wild.
A second spool is great for quickly changing techniques and this spool does exactly that. I have a second spool for my 8wt and 10wt.
I bought two Liquid Max setups 6 & 7wt. With 4pc 9ft rods. They performed perfectly catching monster browns and rainbows in everything from spring creeks, big rivers and lakes.
Unlike the 5-weight, which I bought on the overwhelming quality of the “feel” noted in my previous review, the 8'9" 3-weight is the rod I actually needed for an upcoming small-water dry fly trip.
This rod loads effortlessly at short range and provides constant, precise feedback. The progressive action allows excellent loop control with very little line out, making accurate, delicate presentations feel natural rather than forced. The tip is supple without being vague, the mid-section tracks cleanly, and the butt provides just enough authority to maintain structure and control across a surprisingly wide range of casting distances and conditions.
I’ve been deliberately reducing my gear over the past few years, moving toward a more minimalist approach and away from maintaining a specialized arsenal. This rod makes that possible. Its versatility and control allow it to replace three different 3-weights I previously kept to cover varying conditions. One rod that performs this completely removes the need for compromise or redundancy.
What stands out most is the consistency. There are no dead spots, no disconnect. The rod simply responds predictably and does exactly what you ask.
It is purpose-built for technical dry fly fishing, and it fulfills that role completely.
This is not my first Lamson reel, and it won’t be my last. Very solid, serious quality for the money spent.
I really love this rod, it casts super nicely and feels really good. All around great rod for the quality at the price
I think the Liquid Max line of reels is one of the best values out there. It has a fully sealed drag and plenty of line storage. At the $269 price point it just made sense to buy this reel as it can go from fresh to salt without any issues. This simplifies things for me. I currently own several Lamson reels and find them all exceptional. I have the Liquid Max 8 (+extra spool), Liquid Max 6 (+ extra spool), Centerfire HD 8, and the Lightspeed M in a 10wt. I also have a Cobalt 8wt rod which I recently broke on a redfish outing and the Lamson warranty took care of the issue with not questions. I had the required section back in about a week.
This reel works like a charm and ive been using it for over a year. The drag works incredibly well and helped me land a 24lb cutthroat trout and 12lb brown trout with ease. The clicks have two diffrent pitches for reeling in and drag, both of which sound great (i like clicky reel). I use a thin euro line and a mono line setup on this reel and they never slip out because of the full cage system. I dont think you can beat the quality for this price, and If you are considering this reel for yourself id say go for it.
The Lamson Purist 9’ 5-weight is marketed as a small-water, technical dry-fly rod. That description is accurate, but incomplete. What the Purist really delivers is control under conditions where most rods quietly give up.
I handled and cast this rod under far-from-ideal circumstances: sustained winds in the high teens with gusts approaching 30 mph. The shop owner warned me the conditions were stacked against it. In a Florida saltwater shop dominated by fast, stiff cannons, the Purist was the only sub-7-weight rod available. I’ve fished Lamson reels since the 1990s and come from a mountain-trout background, so I took the chance.
The result was immediate and decisive.
The Purist’s progressive action is the core of its performance. The supple tip loads effortlessly and provides constant feedback, the mid-section maintains tracking and stability, and the butt section stores and releases energy smoothly without collapse or shock. Together, this translates into exceptional loop control. Into gusts, I could confidently drive tight, roughly 12-inch loops with accuracy. Between gusts, I could instantly open the loop and soften the presentation without changing tempo or fighting the rod.
That level of adaptability is rare.
Despite being a 5-weight, the rod never felt overpowered or vague. It communicated exactly what the line was doing at all times. Recovery was crisp but never abrupt. Nothing felt rushed, hollow, or forced. The rod simply did what I asked, every time.
I’ve owned or fished roughly 50–60 fly rods over the years, always searching for that elusive balance where feel, tracking, and power align without compromise. I honestly can’t remember the last time a rod “just worked” this completely. I don’t need a 5-weight, but I bought this one immediately. The shop owner was surprised. To him it was an oddball leftover. To me, it was obvious.
If this rod makes gusty roadside casting feel controlled and precise, then truly technical trout water will feel easy. The marketing line is correct: once you understand what this rod can do, the others really will seem easy.
Highly recommended for anglers who value finesse, feedback, and authority over brute stiffness.
The Hyperspeed M has become my favorite saltwater reel for my 7 and 9 weight rods. Because of the variety of fishing I use these for, I have multiple spools. I love the ease of changing spools, light weight, sophisticated design and aesthetics, and high speed retrieve. A bit expensive but worth it.
Where do I even begin… I have owned this rod for a short period of time and have had some breakages occur. At the time, I was frustrated because I have enjoyed using the rod and the reel; it is a great setup and well priced! Customer support reached out and ultimately made me whole again so I could get back to what I love doing—fishing. Lamson has definitely earned my respect and a loyal customer for the future. Thank you!
GREAT hat with solid FLAT BILL! SUPPORT Lamson Fly Fishing!! Catch bigger fish, y'all!
Great all around reel for not an overwhelming price. The drag is butter smooth. I would 100% recommend.
Designed To Flow
Free-flowing design comes down to physics. At Lamson, we make fly gear that’s fluid and dynamic. Making you a real force of nature.
