Lamson Speedster S

Description

A super-high retrieve rate reel, the Speedster S features a narrower spool, inboard mounted handle, and an outer diameter significantly larger than our highest performing reels. The narrow spool prevents line barreling, while the inboard handle and added circumference improve retrieve rate. Rev these features up with our classic Waterworks-Lamson styling and attention to detail—plus our time-tested, maintenance-free drag system—and you have what the name implies: a hot rod of a reel.

The dimensions of structure and function inspire beauty. An enhanced spool machining technique—focusing material only where it’s needed—is the reason why this version is significantly lighter and higher performing than its predecessor.

Technology

CONICAL DRAG

We set out to engineer the best drag system possible: Zero start-up torque with adequate range. Smooth operation. Sealed from the environment. Reliable and maintenance free. Plus compact, light and technically simple. No sweat, right? We imagined a mechanical solution for a reel that probably seems obvious today:  storing line on a large-circumference spool supported by a lightweight frame. But typical drag systems of the time were based on flat counter-rotating discs. Counterproductive. It occurred to us that the same surface area of discs could be configured into a pair of matched cones machined with angular precision. This resulted in a significant reduction in the diameter of the assembly, making it small, light and easy to seal. We also found proprietary friction materials that produced 

POWER ARM

Due to our proprietary conical drag, we set out to develop a distinct and efficient frame. The Power Arm frame design is a way of aligning the structural support for the spool along the primary load path. The primary load path for any fly reel runs from the center of the drag core to the reel foot. It’s logical to put most of the material along that load path. Any distribution of material not aligned with the primary load path will result in either a structure that’s too flexible—or heavier than it needs to be. The Power Arm design uses the least amount of material to achieve the maximum stiffness. 

INTEGRATED COUNTERBALANCE

Another structural theme built into our reels: integrated counterbalance. Why hang a piece of hardware on a spool if there’s a simpler way? But simple isn’t always easier.  Our earliest spools required a fair amount of trial and error to build the precise bias into the spool to counter the weight of the spin knob. For us, the elegance of eliminating a component and then using the resultant asymmetry as part of the design made all the effort worth it. This simple, logical, but often difficult feature became essential to the personality of our reels.

Specifications

Size Chart

FAQ

Who Is the Lamson Speedster S For?
The Speedster S is built for anglers who value quick line pickup and a lightweight, responsive reel. Its super-large arbor and narrow spool retrieve line noticeably faster than many traditional large-arbor reels, making it an excellent choice for streamer fishing where you need to recover slack quickly, and saltwater flats fishing when fish change direction in an instant.

It's an ideal reel for anglers who appreciate modern engineering and want a premium machined reel without stepping into the highest price tier.

How Does the Speedster S Compare to Other Lamson Reels?
The Speedster S is one of the fastest-retrieving reels in the Lamson lineup thanks to its super-large arbor and narrow spool design. Compared to the Guru S, it places greater emphasis on retrieve speed and weight savings, while sharing Lamson's proven sealed conical drag system.

Compared to the Litespeed M, the Speedster S offers many of the same design philosophies but at a more approachable price point. If fast line pickup is your top priority, the Speedster S is one of Lamson's best options.

Is the Lamson Speedster S Good for Saltwater?
Yes. The Speedster S features Lamson's fully sealed conical drag system and Type II anodized finish, making it well suited for occasional and regular saltwater use. The 9+ is an excellent choice for bonefish, redfish, permit, and other inshore saltwater species.

For anglers targeting larger fish like tarpon or giant trevally , other heavier-duty saltwater reels are better suited to those applications.

What Are the Downsides of the Lamson Speedster S?
The Speedster S is designed around retrieve speed, and its narrow spool reflects that priority. While the design retrieves line extremely quickly and reduces line stacking, it doesn't offer quite as much backing capacity as some wider-spooled reels of similar size.

It also occupies the upper end of Lamson's freshwater lineup in terms of price. Anglers who simply want a dependable trout reel may find the Guru S or Liquid S provides everything they need for less money. The Speedster S is best suited for anglers who specifically value its lightweight construction and exceptionally fast retrieve at a respectable price point.

Warranty

Our lifetime warranty is valid for any defect in material or workmanship for the original owner of a reel or rod. This warranty applies to parts and labor, but doesn’t cover damage due to misuse, improper maintenance, or modification. This warranty is limited to repair or replacement at our discretion, and repair parts or colors might not match the original reel. Put it back in our hands. We’ll get you a quick fix, so that you can get right back on the water.