Please remember that there are no ads on this page and 100% of our funding comes from your purchases, so if you find this review to be informative, please help us keep the reviews coming by purchasing your next fly reel from us.

The Lamson Guru E is Lamson’s euro-nymphing-specific take on their best-selling Guru series. Built on the same reliable platform, the Guru E introduces a handful of thoughtful tweaks, like removable balance weights, a full-cage frame, and an ultra-large arbor, to meet the unique demands of euro nymphing and light trout spey. Longer rods and ultra-thin lines can challenge a standard reel, but the Guru E is purpose-built to keep everything balanced, tight, and tangle-free.

Whether you're a dedicated euro angler or simply looking for a reel that pairs well with longer 3 and 4-wt rods, the Guru E delivers performance without unnecessary extras. In this review, we’ll break down what makes the Guru E stand out, and whether it deserves a spot in your quiver.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Removable weights make it easy to balance longer rods
• A full cage prevents thin lines from slipping through the frame
• Well-suited for euro nymphing or trout spey

Cons

• Changing weights isn’t quick or convenient on the water
• Not made in the USA

Who It’s For

The Guru E is built for euro nymphing and trout spey anglers who need a reel that pairs well with longer rods. Its full-frame design keeps thin lines in check, and the oversized arbor helps reduce coiling while giving you fast line pickup when it counts. If you’re just getting into euro or looking to upgrade to something that balances your setup better, the Guru E has all the right details in a clean, no-nonsense package.

Weight

Out of the box, the Guru E weighs 5.0 ounces - pretty standard for a mid-size trout reel. Lamson includes three removable balance weights (0.5 oz, 1 oz, and 1.5 oz), and you can install one at a time depending on what rod you're pairing it with. That gives you four total weight options: 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, or 6.5 ounces. Whether you’re fishing a shorter 10-foot euro rod or a longer 11'6" trout spey setup, this system gives you a clean, integrated way to dial in your balance without resorting to aftermarket hacks.

Drag

Lamson’s conical drag system has been a proven performer for years, and it’s a great fit for the Guru E. It offers low startup inertia and buttery smooth resistance - exactly what you want when fighting big trout on light tippet. Despite being designed for finesse, the drag still has plenty of stopping power (around 4 to 6 pounds), which comes in handy when fishing heavier tippets and jigging streamers in steep pocket water. We’re glad to see Lamson stick with this trusted system; it adds a lot of value for anglers who care about reliability and performance.

Sound

Reel sound is always a personal thing, but we think the Guru E strikes a nice balance. It has a pleasant, high-pitched click with subtle differences between incoming and outgoing, giving it just enough feedback without being loud or harsh. If you like a reel that sounds clean and crisp without drawing too much attention, this one delivers.

Spool & Cage Design

A couple things stand out about the Guru E’s spool and frame. First, the spool arbor is massive (2.55 inches) which helps reduce line coil and gives you about 8.7 inches of pickup per turn. That’s a real benefit when fishing long mono leaders or trying to stay tight to a fish that just shot downstream. Second, the full-cage frame prevents thin running lines from slipping into the gap between the spool and frame, a must for any serious euro setup. It also adds durability and weight, which helps balance longer rods.

Compared to other euro-specific reels like the Sage ESN or Hardy Ultralite, the Guru E holds its own with a more robust, minimalist feel. It may not be the lightest in the category, but the build quality and thoughtful details make it feel solid and reliable on the water.

Looks & Ergonomics

Lamson reels have always had a clean, modern look, and the Guru E sticks to that formula. The highly ported spool and frame feel lightweight and strong, with a design that looks both sporty and purposeful. It’s available in one color: Lamson’s "Tungsten," a dark gray anodized finish with black accents that gives it a sleek, stealthy vibe. As with all Lamson reels, it’s machined aluminum and built to take a beating.

Ergonomically, it’s similar to the rest of the Guru lineup. The drag knob is a bit smaller than we’d like, but it’s well-shaped and easy enough to adjust on the water. The handle is on the compact side too, but for trout-sized applications, it does the job just fine. Swapping spools is simple thanks to Lamson’s signature “pop-off” design - no tools, no buttons, just a clean snap. Overall, the Guru E looks great, feels good in hand, and offers just enough refinement without overcomplicating things.

Warranty

Lamson Fly Reel Warranty

Value

Price: $419.99

At $419.99, the Guru E is priced well above the standard Guru S ($299.00) and just a touch more than the Guru S HD ($409.99). For that bump in price, you’re getting a euro-specific reel with a full-cage frame, removable balance weights, and the same proven drag system found in the rest of the Guru lineup. It’s purpose-built for longer rods and thin running lines, which makes it far more functional for euro nymphing or trout spey than the standard Guru models.

While it’s not the cheapest euro reel on the market, it offers a lot of thoughtful features without climbing into ultra-premium territory. If you’re already looking at a Guru S or S HD but need a better match for a longer setup, the Guru E is worth the upgrade.

Conclusion

The Lamson Guru E is a smart, purpose-built addition to the Guru lineup, tailored specifically for euro nymphing and trout spey anglers. From its full-cage frame to the removable weight system and oversized arbor, every feature is designed to solve real-world problems on the water. It’s rugged, well-balanced, and sharp-looking, with the kind of thoughtful details that make a difference in both performance and longevity. If you're looking for a reel that balances well on longer rods and holds up to hard use, the Guru E is an easy one to recommend.

Buy it with Free Shipping Here