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Lamson

Speedster S Fly Fishing Reel

$39999
Taxes, discounts and shipping calculated at checkout.

A reel hot rod. 

The Lamson Speedster S is a super‑high‑retrieve, large‑arbor fly reel built from fully CNC‑machined aluminum with a sealed conical drag and a tall, narrow spool for fast line pickup and reduced line barreling.


Core Design and Performance:

The Speedster S is defined by its super‑high retrieve rate, achieved through a tall, narrow spool and large outer diameter. This geometry increases circumference, so each turn of the handle picks up more line. The narrow spool also prevents line barreling, keeping line stacked neatly.
Key performance traits:
  • Large arbor for fast pickup and reduced line memory.
  • Inboard mounted handle to improve retrieve efficiency.
  • Enhanced spool machining that removes excess material for a lighter reel.
  • Maintenance‑free sealed conical drag, usable in fresh or saltwater.

Materials and Construction:

Lamson builds the Speedster S with:
  • Fully CNC‑machined frame and spool for durability.
  • Machined 6061 aluminum and stainless steel components.
  • Type II anodize / Alox finish for abrasion resistance.
The machining focuses material only where needed, making this version lighter and higher performing than its predecessor.


Sizes and Backing Capacity:

Lamson sizes the reel “one line weight up or down,” meaning a -5+ fits 4/5/6 wt lines.

Specs:
  • Speedster S -3+: 3.28" diameter, 3.26 oz, WF4 + 50 yds 
  • Speedster S -5+: 3.65" diameter, 3.83 oz, WF6 + 100 yds 
  • Speedster S -7+: 3.97" diameter, 4.73 oz, WF8 + 180 yds 
  • Speedster S -9+: 4.29" diameter, 5.70 oz, WF10 + 220 yds 

Drag System:

The reel uses Lamson’s sealed conical drag, offering:
  • A wide range of drag settings with strong stopping power.
  • Protection from water and debris for all‑water use.
  • Smooth operation with consistent drag due to the large arbor design.

Standard vs. HD Version:

Lamson also offers the Speedster S HD, which adds:
  • A full‑cage frame to prevent thin running lines from slipping between frame and spool—important for Euro nymphing and Spey.
  • Increased durability from the enclosed frame design.
Spools are interchangeable between Speedster S and Speedster S HD.
 

Color:  Ember, Battleship

Best Uses:

Based on manufacturer descriptions and reviews:
  • Excellent for trout and general freshwater fishing due to light weight and smooth drag.
  • Suitable for saltwater, though backing capacity limits it to smaller saltwater species.
  • Ideal for anglers who prioritize fast line pickup, such as streamer fishing or covering water quickly.

Limitations:

  • Lower backing capacity than some saltwater‑focused reels.
  • Higher startup inertia compared to Lamson’s Litespeed.
  • Drag knob is smaller and less ergonomic than some competitors.
Choose it if you want:
  • A lightweight, fast‑retrieve reel for freshwater or light saltwater.
  • A large‑arbor design that reduces line memory.
  • A durable, fully machined reel with a sealed drag.
Consider the HD version if you fish Euro nymphing, Spey, or use thin running lines.