Lamson Liquid S
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
- Format: Large Arbor
- Materials: Pressure Cast Aluminum Frame and Spool
- Finish: Polyurethane Case and Spool
- Drag: Sealed Conical Drag
Description
More Liquid courage. When creating the first-generation Liquid, we focused purely on the virtues and advantages a pressure-cast process can offer. With the second-generation Liquid S we take these advantages to a higher level. Liquid S has larger diameters, larger arbors and increased strength-to-weight ratios that come from the unique pocket spar frame and spool design. The arbor shape has been redesigned for cleaner spooling, and the drag knob is now larger, and if we can say it, “gripier”. Liquid S carries the Liquid name to a higher level.
Available in Smoke and Day Break.
** Liquid S Spools also fit Remix S HD and non-HD Remix S Reels **
** Not compatible with previous generation Liquid and Remix**
Specifications
|
Model |
Diameter |
Width |
Weight |
Rod Weight / Capacity |
|
Liquid S -3+ |
3.35" |
1.00" |
4.20 oz |
2/3/4 wt — WF4 + 100 yds 20# |
|
Liquid S -5+ |
3.65" |
1.00" |
4.60 oz |
4/5/6 wt — WF6 + 100 yds 20# |
|
Liquid S -7+ |
3.90" |
1.15" |
5.20 oz |
6/7/8 wt — WF8 + 200 yds 20# |
|
Liquid S -9+ |
4.45" |
1.25" |
6.70 oz |
8/9/10 wt — WF10 + 250 yds 30# |
Size Chart
|
Target Species |
Recommended Model |
Line Weight |
Backing Capacity |
Notes |
|
Small Stream Trout / Panfish |
Liquid S -3+ |
2–4 wt |
WF4 + 100 yds 20# |
Ultra-light setup; ideal for delicate presentations on tiny creeks |
|
Trout (general) |
Liquid S -5+ |
4–6 wt |
WF6 + 100 yds 20# |
The most versatile size; matches a standard 9' 5-weight outfit |
|
Bass (largemouth/smallmouth) |
Liquid S -7+ |
6–8 wt |
WF8 + 200 yds 20# |
Handles topwater poppers and streamer fishing with confidence |
|
Carp |
Liquid S -7+ |
6–8 wt |
WF8 + 200 yds 20# |
Sealed conical drag manages long, steady runs on flats and lakes |
|
Light Steelhead |
Liquid S -7+ or -9+ |
7–9 wt |
WF8–WF10 + 200–250 yds |
Backing capacity matters here; size up for big winter fish |
|
Striped Bass (inshore) |
Liquid S -9+ |
8–10 wt |
WF10 + 250 yds 30# |
Sealed drag tolerates light saltwater exposure on bay and surf trips |
|
Bonefish (light) |
Liquid S -9+ |
8–9 wt |
WF10 + 250 yds 30# |
Large arbor speeds up retrieves between flats runs |
|
Redfish (inshore light) |
Liquid S -9+ |
8–9 wt |
WF10 + 250 yds 30# |
Good entry-level saltwater option for occasional inshore trips |
|
Pike |
Liquid S -9+ |
9–10 wt |
WF10 + 250 yds 30# |
Stronger drag and capacity needed for sudden, powerful strikes |
FAQ
Who is the Lamson Liquid S for?
The Liquid S is built for anglers who want a dependable, great-looking reel without paying for a fully machined frame — from small-stream trout anglers to bass and carp fishermen, and even light saltwater applications like inshore stripers and bonefish. It's an ideal choice for anyone who wants Lamson's signature smooth drag and large-arbor performance at a more accessible price point.
What's the difference between the original Liquid and the new Liquid S?
The Liquid S is a second-generation redesign with larger diameters, larger arbors, and improved strength-to-weight ratios thanks to its unique pocket spar frame and spool. The arbor shape was redesigned for cleaner line spooling, and the drag knob was made larger and grippier for easier on-the-water adjustments. Liquid S spools are not compatible with the original Liquid or Remix reels.
Is the Lamson Liquid S a cast or machined reel?
The Liquid S uses a pressure-cast aluminum frame and spool, which is then machined to ensure tight tolerances and a refined finish. This pressure-cast process allows for compound curves and structural details that aren't achievable with a fully machined billet, while keeping the price more affordable than premium machined reels.
What kind of drag system does the Liquid S use?
The Liquid S features Lamson's sealed conical drag system, which is fully sealed against water and debris. It offers a wide adjustment range with reliable stopping power — roughly 5 to 7 lbs in the -5+ size — suitable for the vast majority of freshwater fishing and light-duty saltwater use.
Can the Liquid S handle saltwater fishing?
The Liquid S is built primarily for freshwater use but can handle light saltwater applications like bonefish or redfish thanks to its sealed drag system. For dedicated saltwater fisheries with bigger, harder-fighting species, we'd recommend stepping up to a reel purpose-built for the salt.
Is the Lamson Liquid S Good for Beginners?
The Liquid S is one of the easiest reels to recommend to newer fly anglers.
It's durable, simple to use, requires very little maintenance, and offers a performance level that most anglers won't outgrow. Rather than buying an inexpensive reel and immediately wanting to upgrade, many anglers find themselves fishing a Liquid S for years.
What Are the Downsides of the Lamson Liquid S?
The biggest tradeoff is construction.
Unlike premium reels that are fully machined from bar-stock aluminum, the Liquid S uses a pressure-cast manufacturing process. This allows Lamson to keep costs low while maintaining excellent performance, but it does not have the same level of refinement or premium feel as higher-end reels.
Likewise, anglers looking for the lightest possible reel or the most intricate machining details may prefer stepping up a more premium offering.
For anglers focused on value, however, the Liquid S remains one of the strongest performance-per-dollar reels available in fly fishing.
