Any thoughts on Lamson Konic or Orvis Access for a 5wt rod?
I’ve got a couple Access reels and really like them! No problems at all, they’ve been bulletproof.
If you decide to go with Orvis? Send me a p.m. and I’ll send you a coupon that will get you 25 bucks off. expires 12/24/13.
Why not Sage, or Redington ?? Personally don’t have any experience with Orvis or Lamson. I have hears Orvis Rods don’t hold up well in Salt. Don’t know if you plan on throwing it here.
experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s
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the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
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that thing you get just moments after you needed it.
I own a konic and I can personally vouch for it. I have had it for a little over a year. I have put it through hell. It’s an 8wt reel and i use it for redfish. I have climbed through many a marsh and flat with her. I have had it fully submerged probably a dozen times and although I always clean it thoroughly after each use it works like brand new.
Hooked up Tight
17’ Scout 115 Yamaha
Out of the two the Konic is the most durable in the long run…
as for the other suggestions… redington isn’t even in the conversation in this price point, nor is sage… both offerings from these two will be graphite framed oneway bearing jobs… not worth the cash…
The lamson is completely sealed reel your gonna find sub $200 bucks…
All that being said, I would save a penny or two more and go for the Lamson Guru… as opposed to the Konic it is a fully machined aircraft aluminum reel making it alot lighter, and keeping the sealed drag system…
Bang for the buck Lamson is the best out there… Period… and i’ve owned, fished, and sold every reel mentioned in this thread…
Mad Mike
"to hell with insane… I’m OUTsane!!! "
Many thanks for the responses. This reel will strictly be used in fresh water but will get a lot of rugged use. It sounds as if Lamson is the most logical choice for me. Will have to look a bit harder at the Guru. Thanks all.
if you are talking about freshwater fishing, you are looking at man jewelry at that point. Drag doesn’t mean crap for 5wts. You will spend more time stripping in a fish than reeling it in… You can find PLENTY of inexpensive reels to hold like while you fish. it all depends on how cool ya wanna look 
The Konics are good reels. But for that price point the okuma SLV is perfect. $70, Solid a rock and I have even used the 7/8, 8/9 and 10/12 in the salt with no issues. I even dunked one in salt water let it sit for a week and it STILL reeled like it was fresh out of the box… Are they sexy and well known, no but they are soild and the 5/6 will last you plenty long and catch just as many fish as a lamson… best $70 I have ever spent on a reel. Hell if you want I’ll let you borrow my 5/6 to see if you like it
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
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