Lamson Liquid S Fly Reel Review

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Here at Trident, we are longtime fans of the Lamson Liquid reel series. Having used them as demo reels for years, we were especially excited to get our hands on the new Lamson Liquid S. Lamson fanatics will be happy to hear that the best features of the Liquid carry through in this new model; it's affordable and it performs great. As you’ll learn below, Lamson also made some significant upgrades to the new Liquid, including improved ergonomics and a sleek facelift.

Weight

The 5+ size Lamson Liquid S weighs in at 4.75 ounces, which, for an entry-level priced reel, is pretty light! For context, there are plenty of heavier premium reels on the market today, like the Galvan Torque and the Ross Evolution LTX. Both the Galvan and the Ross weigh nearly 5 ounces and are about triple the price of the Liquid S. For a value reel that won’t weigh you down casting all day, it's hard to beat the new Lamson Liquid S.

Drag

The Liquid S features Lamson’s trusted Conical drag system, a single o-ring sealed drag featuring around 5-7 pounds of stopping power in the 5+ size. This is plenty of drag for any freshwater fishing situation and is adequate for light saltwater duty. The improved drag knob offers 2 full turns of adjustment, which we find ideal for dialing in drag pressure with minimal fine-tuning.

Sound

We like the sound of the new Liquid S drag, offering a pleasing “clicky” noise that pays homage to vintage trout reels of the past. The incoming and outgoing sounds are differentiated, and both sound awesome.

Spool & Retrieval Rate

The Liquid S features a max spool diameter of 3.37”, with a narrow width of 1”, and an arbor diameter of 2.3”. This equates to roughly 150 yards of backing capacity with a 5wt fly line, and a line pickup rate of 8” per turn. Compared to similarly priced mid-arbor reels like the Orvis Battenkill Disc, you’ll get a significantly higher retrieval rate with the new Liquid S.

The only downside of the Liquid S’ spool and frame is its cast-aluminum construction. As opposed to machined reels, cast reels can be more susceptible to scratching or denting if dropped or abused.

Looks & Ergonomics

The Liquid series received a major facelift with the new Liquid S, opting for sharper edges and a sleek pocket-spar spool design. One of our favorite upgrades is the new drag knob, which is much larger and easier to grip and turn than its predecessor. This is one of the best drag knobs available at this price point. The handle is also adequately large and works fine. Lamson offers two color options for the Liquid S: Smoke and Daybreak, which are both a matte gray metallic color. Visually, we found this to be one of the most attractive value reels we’ve ever seen.

Warranty

As of 2024, Lamson offers a lifetime warranty to the original owner with an additional $35 fee.

Price: $149

Conclusion

Lamson stayed true to its roots with the Liquid S, offering ample drag and quick line retrieval in a lightweight, sleek package. The improvements to the ergonomics and appearance of this model solidify it as one of the best all-around value reels available today. For anglers seeking a high-performing large arbor reel at a fair price, the Lamson Liquid S is a solid choice.

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Pros

• Excellent value
• Lightweight
• Great drag performance
• Looks sharp

Cons

• Cast aluminum construction