Lamson Arx II Fly Reel

The Lamson Arx II Fly Reel is built specifically for the demands of the two-handed angler, addressing the unique frustrations often found in Spey and Switch fishing. While standard reels can struggle with the thin running lines essential for swinging flies, the Arx II eliminates the dreaded line-slip between spool and frame with its purpose-built architecture. This is not just a trout reel scaled up; it is a dedicated tool for steelheaders and salmon anglers who require absolute reliability when managing running line and fighting heavy fish in strong currents.

Design

Engineered with a full cage frame, this reel encapsulates the spool to prevent shooting lines from escaping or fouling during the cast. The design features a thoughtful grip section on the drag knob and spool handle for easy manipulation even with cold, wet gloves. The spool floor is V-shaped to maximize backing capacity without increasing the overall diameter, while the palming rim is designed to provide immediate manual pressure when a fish runs hard.

Finish

Lamson applies their toughest Type III Hard Alox finish to the Arx II, providing a surface that is nearly as hard as diamond. This anodization penetrates deep into the aluminum, offering superior resistance to scratches, dents, and the corrosive nature of brackish or saltwater environments. The finish creates a sleek, stealthy aesthetic that minimizes glare on the water while ensuring the reel withstands years of abuse on rocky riverbanks.

Materials

The reel is fully machined from 6061 aerospace-grade aluminum bar stock, chosen for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. By utilizing high-grade aluminum and stainless steel components, Lamson ensures structural integrity under heavy load without adding unnecessary bulk, making it light enough to balance modern Spey rods perfectly while retaining the durability needed for landing large anadromous fish.

Drag

At the heart of the reel lies Lamson’s proprietary Conical Drag System, a fully sealed unit designed to keep out water, sand, and grit. Unlike traditional flat drag surfaces, the conical mating structures increase surface area in a compact footprint. The friction system utilizes a proprietary blend of zero-maintenance materials that deliver smooth, linear startup inertia to protect light tippets, yet possess the stopping power required for strong steelhead and salmon.

Arbor Size

Featuring a true large arbor design, the Arx II maximizes line retrieval rates, which is critical when a fish turns and runs toward the angler. This larger diameter also significantly reduces line memory, ensuring that shooting lines and running lines lay straight and shoot farther with less coiling.

Warranty

Waterworks-Lamson offers a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser covering defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty ensures that the reel will be repaired or replaced if it fails due to manufacturing issues, though a nominal processing fee applies for shipping and handling.

More Info

• Best for: Spey, Switch, Saltwater
• Arbor Size: Large
• Weight Range: 7/8/9, 9/10, 10+
• Retrieve: Convertible left/right