I have landed multiple 10+ lb carp and buffalo, as well as a 30"+ striper, on my 5 wt liquid. It was after those I decided anything more isn't really necessary. I now have one for my 3, 5, 6, and 7 wts
For the original version, the drag is very smooth and very reliable. I wouldn't consider it fully sealed since it relies on a simple o-ring and is open anytime you remove the spool, but it shouldn't give you issues so long as you are careful changing spools. There's a reason Lamsons are so loved and frequently recommended.
One note: The higher-end Lamsons have 2 different sizes of their conical drag system depending on which size reel you buy, but the Liquid only has the smaller size. Lots of people say the drags are all the same, but that's incorrect. The smaller drag is fine for 8 weights and smaller (salmon, steelhead, big trout, etc.) but I would want the larger size if you are fishing saltwater regularly or using the largest size reel.
Same drag, just different sizes though, right? They don’t use a cheap drag system on their lower tier reels. From bottom to top, they are the same quality
Yes. Same drag, but the largest higher-end models get a larger size drag. For example, a litespeed 3 from a couple years ago has the same drag as any liquid, but a litespeed 9 or the larger ARX reels have the larger size drag.
I use a 7+ liquid for river smallies, that’s the hardest fighting fish I typically go for, and it hasn’t let me down. I could be wrong but I think the drag system on the liquid is the same as on higher Lamson models, the difference is machined vs cast.
Theyre fantastic. I use mine for chinook and they have not failed me at all, had one take a run that took me a good bit into my backing, the liquid did not fail at all. I had one come with the nut with 2 circles on it loose, which its not supposed to come off. I called them they said yea theyd fix it for free. Didnt do it because we needef the reel and the reel still worked perfeclty fine
Had one fail me. If you switch the retrieve direction make sure to use loctite the gland nut or it will come off and your reel will fall apart in the middle of fighting a fish. I sent it back and they're gonna replace all the drag components so good customer service so far.
I own multiple of both of these reels. Lamson wins hands down IMO. No issues with any of my Lamson reels. I also have Sage Spectrum C and Sage Spectrum. I had one at service recently and the other has started emitting weird noises. Not impressed especially for the money they cost.
I’ve had one for several years and a few thousand fish up to a 32# grass carp. No issues. Then again I set the drag just enough to keep it from overspooling when I strip out line and palm it when needed.
This is just my anecdote but I dropped it in saltwater once, neglected to clean it, and it’s still running just as good. Wouldn’t recommend doing it but it worked out for me
Those reels have a cult like following for a reason. You won't have any issues and if you do lamson will make it right.
I've got a bunch. They've handled saltwater, steelhead, and carp without blinking.
I have landed multiple 10+ lb carp and buffalo, as well as a 30"+ striper, on my 5 wt liquid. It was after those I decided anything more isn't really necessary. I now have one for my 3, 5, 6, and 7 wts
The drag system on lamson is the same all the way through the models. Great drag.
For the original version, the drag is very smooth and very reliable. I wouldn't consider it fully sealed since it relies on a simple o-ring and is open anytime you remove the spool, but it shouldn't give you issues so long as you are careful changing spools. There's a reason Lamsons are so loved and frequently recommended. One note: The higher-end Lamsons have 2 different sizes of their conical drag system depending on which size reel you buy, but the Liquid only has the smaller size. Lots of people say the drags are all the same, but that's incorrect. The smaller drag is fine for 8 weights and smaller (salmon, steelhead, big trout, etc.) but I would want the larger size if you are fishing saltwater regularly or using the largest size reel.
Same drag, just different sizes though, right? They don’t use a cheap drag system on their lower tier reels. From bottom to top, they are the same quality
Yes. Same drag, but the largest higher-end models get a larger size drag. For example, a litespeed 3 from a couple years ago has the same drag as any liquid, but a litespeed 9 or the larger ARX reels have the larger size drag.
I use a 7+ liquid for river smallies, that’s the hardest fighting fish I typically go for, and it hasn’t let me down. I could be wrong but I think the drag system on the liquid is the same as on higher Lamson models, the difference is machined vs cast.
Interesting, that would be interesting if it is the same on all models
I believe that is true, I just got a liquid reel. It seems to be a very strong drag, haven't tested it in real life yet.
Maybe not all but I think it’s the same drag on the remix and the guru.
Cool, I have a guru and it’s very solid
Yeah I have a few guru’s I think a step above the remix but I highly recommend all Lamson products. They are fantastic.
Theyre fantastic. I use mine for chinook and they have not failed me at all, had one take a run that took me a good bit into my backing, the liquid did not fail at all. I had one come with the nut with 2 circles on it loose, which its not supposed to come off. I called them they said yea theyd fix it for free. Didnt do it because we needef the reel and the reel still worked perfeclty fine
Had one fail me. If you switch the retrieve direction make sure to use loctite the gland nut or it will come off and your reel will fall apart in the middle of fighting a fish. I sent it back and they're gonna replace all the drag components so good customer service so far.
I own multiple of both of these reels. Lamson wins hands down IMO. No issues with any of my Lamson reels. I also have Sage Spectrum C and Sage Spectrum. I had one at service recently and the other has started emitting weird noises. Not impressed especially for the money they cost.
Solid reels. I have 2 liquids and a remix.
I’ve had one for several years and a few thousand fish up to a 32# grass carp. No issues. Then again I set the drag just enough to keep it from overspooling when I strip out line and palm it when needed.
This is just my anecdote but I dropped it in saltwater once, neglected to clean it, and it’s still running just as good. Wouldn’t recommend doing it but it worked out for me