I bought this outfit from my local fly shop on their recommendation for my first flyrod, but I got it without the line. Added Rio Gold to it and its been great! Sure, I'll be looking to upgrade or try different rods, but I think for the money this can't be beat!
Ben, great review. It's nice that the reel is spooled with line and leader. As a starter or backup, this would make a good combo. Thanks for the review.
Most beginners that buy this might not be casting the line very far anyways. Thanks for showing us this. Something to add, there is one component that is very important to scrutinize on these entry-level rods, and that is the tip top guide. I have seen some very poor ones on entry-level rods (Redington Vice for example) and it can make a big difference in the casting, plus you really don’t want the fly line to get excessive wear because the plating finish isn’t smooth, or it wears off like I have seen on even some moderate priced rods. Fly fisherman should always check this (and if buying used on the auction site, make sure to look for closeup pics).
Interesting focus on the tip top, particularly when tip tops are so easy to replace. My experience with Redington Vice (I currently have one in a 9 weight) are no problems with tip tops.
@ When the Vice first came out, the hoop of the tip top guide was a flexible piece of brass wire coated with a black teflon-like material. I pulled the new rod out of the case and that guide was flat with the blank, couldn’t believe how easy it was to bend back into position. After some complaints Redington did change this guide later on. As far as replacement, not as easy as you think. Many overseas rods are using epoxy, not a heated cement. And, US manufacturers of quality guides (like Snake brand) are constantly out of the right sizes because commercial rod builders order huge quantities at a time, leaving us small rod builders waiting for supply. Granted, perhaps that’s improved some now. Last time I ordered guides from Mud-hole, every one of them lost the plating after a few uses. Also, I own a lot of older rods from the auction site, tip tops are messed up and damaged on a good number of them, and it’s hard to check because you are asking the buyer to take a close-up photo, and even then, often the pics won’t show the damage that only becomes obvious when you get the rod.
Another awesome review by Ben at Trident! The rod would be, to me, the most important part of the outfit. This outfit seems like a great deal and, as you said, a tremendous value - particularly with the addition of the reel-on rod case. Poseidon score of 64.5? Amazing score! I know what big fan you are of the Fenwick Aetos; how would you compare the two rods and rank them? Thank you!
Hey Trident. I was curious about these Lamson outfits and glad to see the review, thanks. Lots of friends use Lamson reels for years, but the rods and lines are a surprise. You talked about the line in depth for this 5 weight. If this was available in a 3 weight, which line would you choose?
Ben, good review, but let me add a few thoughts from someone who's bought a bunch of rods from Trident. This is a good starter outfit for someone who wants to progress in fly fishing. This kit can be easily retasked to form the basis of a better outfit by adding a second spool with a different line and upgrading the rod to something like the Radius. The Liquid rod becomes the ideal backup rod or bass rod.
Yes they are U.S. made and probably somewhat underrated. Seems like SA and RIO get all the hype. Cortland 444 has been around forever and basically unchanged because it is still an excellent line and it's $70, not $100+. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
I bought this outfit from my local fly shop on their recommendation for my first flyrod, but I got it without the line. Added Rio Gold to it and its been great! Sure, I'll be looking to upgrade or try different rods, but I think for the money this can't be beat!
Ben, great review. It's nice that the reel is spooled with line and leader. As a starter or backup, this would make a good combo. Thanks for the review.
Most beginners that buy this might not be casting the line very far anyways. Thanks for showing us this. Something to add, there is one component that is very important to scrutinize on these entry-level rods, and that is the tip top guide. I have seen some very poor ones on entry-level rods (Redington Vice for example) and it can make a big difference in the casting, plus you really don’t want the fly line to get excessive wear because the plating finish isn’t smooth, or it wears off like I have seen on even some moderate priced rods. Fly fisherman should always check this (and if buying used on the auction site, make sure to look for closeup pics).
Interesting focus on the tip top, particularly when tip tops are so easy to replace. My experience with Redington Vice (I currently have one in a 9 weight) are no problems with tip tops.
@ When the Vice first came out, the hoop of the tip top guide was a flexible piece of brass wire coated with a black teflon-like material. I pulled the new rod out of the case and that guide was flat with the blank, couldn’t believe how easy it was to bend back into position. After some complaints Redington did change this guide later on. As far as replacement, not as easy as you think. Many overseas rods are using epoxy, not a heated cement. And, US manufacturers of quality guides (like Snake brand) are constantly out of the right sizes because commercial rod builders order huge quantities at a time, leaving us small rod builders waiting for supply. Granted, perhaps that’s improved some now. Last time I ordered guides from Mud-hole, every one of them lost the plating after a few uses. Also, I own a lot of older rods from the auction site, tip tops are messed up and damaged on a good number of them, and it’s hard to check because you are asking the buyer to take a close-up photo, and even then, often the pics won’t show the damage that only becomes obvious when you get the rod.
Another awesome review by Ben at Trident! The rod would be, to me, the most important part of the outfit. This outfit seems like a great deal and, as you said, a tremendous value - particularly with the addition of the reel-on rod case. Poseidon score of 64.5? Amazing score!
I know what big fan you are of the Fenwick Aetos; how would you compare the two rods and rank them? Thank you!
Hey Trident. I was curious about these Lamson outfits and glad to see the review, thanks. Lots of friends use Lamson reels for years, but the rods and lines are a surprise. You talked about the line in depth for this 5 weight. If this was available in a 3 weight, which line would you choose?
I bought this as my first. Fished it in the sierras with good success.
Ben, good review, but let me add a few thoughts from someone who's bought a bunch of rods from Trident. This is a good starter outfit for someone who wants to progress in fly fishing. This kit can be easily retasked to form the basis of a better outfit by adding a second spool with a different line and upgrading the rod to something like the Radius. The Liquid rod becomes the ideal backup rod or bass rod.
Why would it need retasked?
Cortland lines aren't made in the U.S.?
I think you’re just making a point with this comment, but yes, they are.
I thought all fly lines were made in Temu's warehouse 😂
Yes they are because Kelly Gallop says it's true. :)
Yes they are U.S. made and probably somewhat underrated. Seems like SA and RIO get all the hype. Cortland 444 has been around forever and basically unchanged because it is still an excellent line and it's $70, not $100+. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
How does the rod compare to the ERA?
Yet they don't give a neoprene case with the remix
I'm a beginner, will this work for inshore salt water?
In the 7 and 8 weight, you bet.
I thought Cortland is also made in USA
7/10 for cool factor? Really?
I hate the whole cool factor thing. No one cares. All I wanna know is does it fish and do I like the way it looks.