Lamson Guru S Fly Reel Review

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The Lamson Guru S Fly Reel is the latest in the lineage of the trusted Guru reel series. The things we love the most about the Guru series haven’t changed with the Guru S: it’s dependable, affordable, and performs great. As you’ll learn below, Lamson made some significant upgrades to this new iteration including reduced weight, faster line pickup, and more.

Weight

We focused on the 5-weight model of the Guru S for this review, as we view this reel as a solid freshwater tool first and foremost. The overall weight of the reel came in at 4.5 oz. which, for a mid-priced trout reel is terrific. For context, top-of-the-line reels are only about an ounce lighter than this on average. So, while the Guru S is not the lightest reel you can find, we see tremendous value here.

Drag

The Guru S features Lamon’s trusted Conical drag system, which is sealed and maintenance-free. Mechanically, the drag performs smoothly as we’ve come to expect with Lamson reels. The drag knob requires 3 turns to go from minimum to maximum drag, which is just about perfect - It's enough sensitivity to dial in the right amount of pressure quickly without excessive searching.

Sound

The drag sound on the Guru S is pleasing. There is a slight differentiation between the incoming and outgoing, and both directions produce a delightful click.

Spool & Retrieval Rate

The 5-weight size Guru S spool features a maximum diameter of 3.35”, a width of 1”, and an arbor diameter of 2.2”. It is worth noting a couple of improvements here over previous Guru models. A narrower width means less line stacking on the spool which we appreciate. Additionally, increased arbor diameter equals quicker line retrieval. You’ll be picking up 7.65 inches of line with each revolution, which is plenty for trout fishing escapades. And with 200 yards of backing capacity, you’ll be well-equipped for long runs if needed.

Looks & Ergonomics

The Lamson Guru series was due for a facelift, and the Guru S delivers a stylish yet ruggedly beautiful reel. One thing you’ll notice is increased porting, which not only looks cool but improves line drying and reduces weight. The handle is pretty basic and we prefer a larger handle for ease of use. In that same vein, the drag knob is small and hard to grab.

Warranty

As of 2023, Lamson offers a lifetime warranty to the original owner + $35 fee.

Price: $299

Conclusion

Like its predecessors, the Guru S delivers exceptional value to anglers on a modest budget. We were impressed with the upgrades to the spool design, and this remains one of our favorite mid-priced reels on the market. If you’re looking for a practical, user-friendly reel that offers high-quality features at a reasonable price, look no further than the Lamson Guru S.

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Pros

• Great value!
• Looks sharp
• Lightweight

Cons

• Drag knob is hard to use
• Small handle