Ross, Glavan, Lamson??????

[BirdDog]

Ive always owned Ross Reels and Sage rods. Recently I bought a Winston....think I may be ready to break out of my shell and get a different reel. What have you guys heard, or do you guys like about the Galvan Torque and Lamson Litespeed.....If I stayed with Ross I would get the evolution or the Vexis.....Which has the best drag system, coolest look, most durable. I would be getting it to match a Winston Boron IIx 9' 6wt for streamers, and big western rivers.

Any of you guys owns these reels or know anything about them???? It would be appreciated......

[briansII]

I have a couple Lamson Litespeeds. They are my workhorse trout reels. I like em, and wouldn't hesitate to buy another. I own a Ross Evo. It's ok, but not my favorite. It's smooth, but not a true large arbor. I don't think you can go wrong with a Galvan. I have heard nothing but good things about them. They're a local(Sonora?)company too.

briansII

[thtsarumr]

I agree. I don't own a Lamson but I have tested it. It is super lightweight and the drag is insane.

[darrin terry]

I've got a Galvan Torque 6 and love the reel. Great large arbor reel. The only Lamson I have is a Radius 2, and I am equally impressed with the Lamson. I do not think you can go wrong either way.

[anacrime]

if i could afford it, i'd go Loop.

[Sasha]

The only Galvan I own is an OB-1 so I am not of much help.

[RichardCullip]

I've got both the Galvan Torque and the Lamson Litespeed. I find that I love my Torques better than the Lamson. I love the Galvan's fit and feel and silky smooth rotation and it's drag has lots and lots of range. While the Lamson has a great drag and is extremely lightweight, iI feel that it's fit and feel (especially the rotaton) is a step below the Torque. I'll be buying more Torques in the future but I won't buy any more Lightspeeds.

[Flyjunkie]

I own 4 Torgues.. all but one of them are for the Ocean... I agree 100 % with Richard's statements about Torgues.. they are Great Reels.. The Drag system is top notch and in the Ocean that's really important. The Start up on the Drag when a fish is taking off line seems to be very fast with no "slow Down" while the System is engaging.. Very Important...
My Great friend, Lee Baermann, who guides in the Surf and does extended trips to Baja, uses the Lightspeeds. He's had zero defects with them as well...
I Like the Torgues because they have more substance to them.. Important consideration if You're into Rock hoping along a river or Stream and suffer the occasional slip....
Make sure which ever Make & Model you purchase, that it balances with Your rod you are gonna use it on...

[RubiKinda]

I put my vote in for the Torques. I have a few of them and a couple Open Backs as well and have never had an issue. You sure you don't want to go with an Orvis L.A.? I have a bunch that I replaced with Galvans I'd be happy to part with.

[Rollincast]

I have a couple Lamson Radius, a couple of their Velocity and one lightspeed. All have the same drag system, a kick-ass work horse drag for sure. I use them on everything from a small boo up to an 8wt that I throw in the salt. Never an issue, one of the best deals outthere. Check e-bay, some great deals. Also have a couple lower end Ross Cimmarons and a Gunninson (sp?) also great reels. A couple Galvan OB's that don't get much use so, I'm no help there. As a side note, I tried to order a Galvan Torgue, T-10, for an upcoming trip south of the border. All 3 shops I contacted say that it would be 3 months before they could get one from Galvan. Maybe they have a better supply in the more common sizes.
With that being said........I don't think you can make a bad choice with any of the three.


Randy

[briansII]

I'd like to add, I own the older, pre Hard Alox Litespeeds. I'm not easy on my stuff, and a klutz when it comes to boulder/cobble hoping. My reels/rods are on the ground/rocks a lot. I've fallen and slammed my Guide Finish Litespeed on the rocks a few times. I thought for sure I would've bent to frame or spool. Nope. One, almost unnoticeable dull spot on the finish, and that's all. I hear the Hard Aloxs are tougher. Wish I was tougher...or at least more graceful in my falls.

briansII

......maybe Lamson will read this and i'll get a kickback?

[darrin terry]

Keep in mind we're talking about waht are arguably three of the top reel makers out there. The best three? Maybe not, but still top quality makers.

I've not used a Ross reel, but a friend has owned several and was only disappointed with the amount of plastic in them. Something I had noticed when looking at them. Likely not a problem unless your reels spnd time getting dropped or laying amonst rocks a lot. In other words, it would concern me on a rod used on freestones more than a rod used on spring creeks.

[midger]

Randy,
I sent you a PM regarding a T10.

[midger]

Birddog,
All have given good recommendations and all the brands listed are reliable and they all have good warranties with the manufacturers all standing behind their products. Get the one you like best and that balances with the rod you intend to use it with, and the one you like the looks of the best. Personally, I'd be happy with any of the models listed--I don't pay that much attention to cosmetics, but rather, am more interested in function..