Lamson Liquid vs Sage Spectrum

[salmo]

I’m looking for a reel in the 4-6 line range mostly for dry flies. Which is better?

 

[ROVERT]

I don't have any experience with the Sage but have a couple of Liquids. I like them. My understanding is that the Spectrum free spools on retrieve. The Liquid does not. That may impact your decision.

 

[dudemanspecial]

I have the older model Lamson Remix, which is a machined version of the Liquid, same moving parts. It's an okay reel. I find myself having to adjust the drag often as the day goes, it gets loose then wants to backlash my spool, then too tight when I am stripping line, then too loose again. That is probably typical of lower end reels though.

I don’t think I will buy a reel with a drag for a trout reel ever again. I have a couple click pawl reels that I never have to think about when fishing, they just do the job.

 

[salmo]

I’m not sure that I understand the implications.

 

[NRD]

My first reel was a Lamson Liquid. It taught me not to fear cast reels. That Liquid was dropped onto concrete from 3+ feet several times, suffering only minor dings.

I next standardized my reel purchases on Sage: Spectrum, Spectrum C, Spectrum LT, and Arbor XL. My preference for the Sage reels will be dumb to many, but I want numbers on the drag knob. I like the ease of returning the drag to exactly where I prefer it after changing it to fight a stronger fish. For like minded folks, I'll add that the numbers DO NOT correspond to the exact same amount of drag form one reel to the next. They are usually close, but I have enough of these now to say that exact match-ups are only a coincidence.

If I was ever to shake my number preference, I'd consider choosing a reel based on which one sounds best (to me). I think the Lamson sounds a little better.

 

[wildtrout2]

I have a Lamson Liquid which has served me well for the last 5 years. I can't see spending a lot of money on a reel that simply holds line. It's not like it has to perform a certain way, so drag isn't an issue when you're only fishing for small trout. The price was right too.

 

[laurelrun]

I've never fished a Sage reel, but I have several Lamsons, Liquid and Remix. I've had zero issues at all with them and would recommend. The drag is fantastic, although I would bet you rarely need it for a 4-6 fish. NRD's comment is not dub at all, Lamson drag is not a numbered selection, just a smooth tightening. So that's a valid difference for sure.

 

[dano]

I next standardized my reel purchases on Sage: Spectrum, Spectrum C, Spectrum LT, and Arbor XL. My preference for the Sage reels will be dumb to many, but I want numbers on the drag knob.

I'm the same way. My Sage reel drag settings have been very consistent through the years. I know the exact max setting I need weather I'm fishing 3,4,5,6 or 7X Rio power flex tippet.

 

[tztrout]

I have two Spectrums and a Liquid. Honestly you can’t go wrong with either

 

[HoboWithAFlyRod]

I use a Lamson Liquid with my 7wt rod and I like it well enough. It hasn’t malfunctioned and lost me a fish or anything. It was a great deal too with a couple extra spools. That said, if I had a dedicated dry fly outfit and was limited to the ~$150 range I’d probably put an Orvis Battenkill on it.

 

[Dr.J 1952]

I bought a Lamson Liquid for my six weight rod mainly for steelhead about seven years ago. Lamson was discontinuing the model last year and I got a great deal on the reel and two spools. For a good while now,I’ve been using 9 foot four weight rods for trout with a regular Orvis Batenkill reel. I rarely use drag and I’ve landed fish in the 18-24 inch range with the Battenkill. I bought the Lamson just for a higher retrieve rate.

 

[CRB]

I picked one up last year too for a very good price. I also have a lightspeed 1st gen it has been a vey good reel for 25 years. The anodization is tops it does not show it's age.
same drag on both.

 

[salmo]

I pulled the trigger on the Sage. Thanks for the suggestions and advice.