Lamson Litespeed F Fly Reel Review

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First introduced in 1998, the Lamson Litespeed fly reel series has been a longtime favorite of ours. The newest release in this flagship lineup is the Lamson Litespeed F, a USA-made freshwater reel designed to live up to its name in both weight and speed. The new Litespeed showcases improved weight and line retrieval, as well as some additional upgrades that we found sensible. For the full scoop, check out our review below.

Weight

Weight is the cornerstone of the Litespeed series, as indicated by the name. The new Litespeed F carries this tradition forward by reducing overall weight to a mere 3.5 oz. in the 5wt model. This is right up there with other industry-leading lightweight reels. Lamson achieved this feat by creating an extremely “open” spool and cage that still prioritizes strength and durability.

Drag

The Litespeed F features Lamon’s time-tested Conical drag system, which we’ve found to be smooth and powerful. New for this iteration, Lamson has re-engineered the seals within the drag, resulting in enhanced reliability and waterproofing. We still perceive the Litespeed F as being a freshwater reel by nature, but given the improvements to the sealed drag, there's no reason you couldn’t undertake some light-duty saltwater work with this tool. As always, be sure to rinse thoroughly after each use in the salt.

Sound

The drag sound on the Litespeed F is largely unchanged from the older model, and for that we are grateful. The slightly differentiated clicks on the incoming and outgoing are both delightful.

Line retrieval speed is another major category where the Litespeed series has always shined. Lamson has doubled down on this commitment with the Litespeed F by increasing the spool and arbor diameter to generate a whopping 8.4” of line retrieval per turn. This is wicked fast and makes taking up line in a heartbeat an easy task. With a backing capacity of 200 yards, you can confidently tackle your next fly fishing adventure.

Looks & Ergonomics

The Lamson Litespeed F looks sleek and modern and is offered in two color options to choose from. Ergonomically, the reel handle is essentially the same as we’ve seen in previous versions. The handle is fine, but nothing to write home about. The same goes for the drag knob - it's functional, but not our absolute favorite. Both could stand to be slightly larger and easier to grab.

Warranty

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

Price: $559

Conclusion

The new Lamson Litespeed F is undoubtedly amongst the most premium freshwater reels on the market. And at a retail price of $559, it's going to cost you premium dinero to get your hands on one. That being said, you get what you pay for, and the Litespeed F is an outstanding freshwater powerhouse that gives you tons of high performance in an extremely lightweight package. If you can swallow the hefty price tag, this USA-made beauty is a worthy lifetime investment.

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Pros

• Extremely lightweight
• FAST line pickup
• Made in USA

Cons

• Very Expensive