Light-year. The distance traveled by light in a single year; the time it takes for design to evolve to a next step.What can be said about larger but lighter, lighter but stronger? Of course it can be done. We’ve done it over and over again, but does there come a time when the bar can’t be raised?No, there are always improvements to be made, new ways of thinking, new materials, and processes to exploit. As we’ve said – the performance benchmark for a fly reel is retrieve rate per ounce. If you haven’t thought about it before, think about it now: there’s no downside to high retrieve rate other than extra weight.As an example, consider the 2021 Gen 6 Litespeed: CNC machined with material distributed artfully along critical load paths, stable and strong, so light you might forget it’s there, but beautiful enough to make you remember it is.The art of the fly reel derives from the science of the fly reel, but at the end of the day both art and science, when held in balance, serve to make us smile. LSM – The marine version of Litespeed is equipped with a hybrid drag system, sharing some elements of the Cobalt drag – fixed spindle, large heat-wicking conical surfaces, click stop drag knob. The LSM incorporates close tolerance composite bearings, and comes equipped with the same linear spring set found on LSF, optimized for each reel size. Like our Cobalt reel, it holds an IPX8 waterproof rating to 100 ft. LSM frame and spool share the same open structure as LSF, with emphasis on greater stiffness and stability. Specifications Lamson Litespeed M Specifications Size Rod Weight Diameter Width Weight Max Line Backing Capacity 6 5–6 wt 4.15" 0.95" 5.5 oz WF6 150 yds / 20 lb 8 7–8 wt 4.65" 0.95" 5.7 oz WF8 250 yds / 20 lb 10 9–10 wt 4.82" 1.00" 6.6 oz WF10 250 yds / 30 lb 12 11–12 wt 5.10" 1.19" 8.0 oz WF12 300 yds / 30 lb Size Chart Recommended Applications by Size Target Species Recommended Model Line Weight Bonefish 8+ 7–8 wt Permit 8+, 10+ 8–10 wt Redfish 8+ 7–8 wt Tarpon 10+, 12+ 10–12 wt Giant Trevally 10+, 12+ 10–12 wt Roosterfish 10+ 9–10 wt Triggerfish 8+ 7–8 wt Snook 8+, 10+ 8–10 wt Striped Bass 8+, 10+ 8–10 wt FAQ Who Is the Lamson Litespeed M For?The Litespeed M is designed for anglers who want a premium saltwater reel without carrying unnecessary weight. Many saltwater reels become heavier as manufacturers add drag surfaces, structural reinforcement, and sealing systems. Lamson took a different approach, focusing on maximizing retrieve rate, stiffness, and drag performance while maintaining one of the best strength-to-weight ratios in the industry. What Makes the Litespeed M Different From Other Saltwater Reels?Most saltwater reels focus on drag output. Lamson focuses on what they call "retrieve rate per ounce"—the ability to pick up more line while carrying less weight. The result is a reel that retrieves line incredibly quickly without sacrificing rigidity or strength. How Good Is the Litespeed M Drag System?The Litespeed M utilizes a marine-specific hybrid drag system derived from Lamson's flagship Cobalt platform. It incorporates a fixed spindle design, large heat-dissipating conical drag surfaces, close-tolerance composite bearings, and click-stop drag adjustment. The result is a drag that starts smoothly, remains consistent under pressure, and offers plenty of stopping power for everything from bonefish to tarpon. Why Is the Litespeed M So Lightweight?Lamson's design philosophy centers around placing material only where it contributes to strength and performance. The CNC-machined frame uses a "space frame" architecture that maximizes stiffness while minimizing unnecessary mass. What Are the Downsides of the Lamson Litespeed M?The biggest downside is that the Litespeed M prioritizes lightweight performance. Anglers who place maximum drag pressure above all else may find heavier reels such as a Mako, Shilton SR, or Tibor offer more brute-force stopping power. The Litespeed M is also firmly in the premium category and costs significantly more than reels such as the Lamson Liquid S or Guru S. However, for anglers seeking one of the lightest fully-machined, fully-sealed saltwater reels available, this is a great option.
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