Lamson LP Series Reels

[Dave E.]

Hello,

Are there any of you that are using these specific reel models on a regular basis ?

Lamson LP 2

Lamson LP 3

Lamson LP 3.5

If so, would you mind chiming in with which ones you use and the number of reels ( not spools ) that you have of each?
If you have more than one and are not using them regularly, why is that?

Sorry, not looking for LP Lite owners.http://www.kiene.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif

Best, Dave

[koffler]

Are we talking about the LP series of reels that were made in the mid to late 90's? If so, I own an LP 3 and have used it to death over the past 14 years. I used it so much the clutch blew out on a big fish about 2 years ago so I had to send it to Bill Archuleta to repair as Lamson no longer has any parts in stock to repair those reels. With the new repairs I figure I'll get another 10 years of life out of the reel.

[Dave E.]

Koffler,

Check your P.M.'s

Best, Dave

[egabelr]

I have an LP 3 and an LP 5. I just replaced the LP 5 used as a spey reel with a Galvan R12. The machining and balance of the LP reels is great but the clutches wear out and break after only a few years and there are not any spare clutches available. I can no longer fish in confidence with these reels without a spare clutch in my vest.

[Victor Yee]

after "graduating" from the SA System 1 system, decided the Lamson was worthy to build a system around it. It's been my standby until one of my LP-2 was stolen and I haven't recovered since... meaning I wanted 2 reels with multi spools. Since the theft, I'm hesitate to us it in case of equipment failure and no spare reel. I currently have two LP-3 and only one LP-2. Other system I've grown fond of are the Ross Gunnison and Evolution reels. Lately I've been going retro, - using my 2 piece rods with the old click and paw reels just for the hell of it.

[huntindog]

I had two LP 2's and i hated them...too many equipment failures...sold them both on ebay.

[Lance Gray]

I have had numerous LP loved them. I have one that I bought brand new when I worked at Powell Fly Shop in Chico when they first came out. Still have it. I have got rid of my 3.5 on ebay. Nice reels, but as much of the others on the board have explained. Equipment failure. Love the reel, needs a good drag / clutch. When I guide I only use Ross or Bauer, good reels no failures.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

In their day these were good reels (~20 years ago?).

Did have some clutch and drag issues with them but other than that they were very durable.

Today many reels have enclosed drags so they stay cleaner.

Again, when the LP reels fail you can mail them to Bill Archuleta for repairs.



I don't think "Lamson/Waterworks" Company works on them any longer.

[Dave E.]

Thanks for chiming in guys,

A little explanation is in order. This wasn't meant to be a referendum on the popularity or worthiness of Lamson LP's.
I was going through my old equipment bags and found a stash of LP clutches and a couple of handle assemblies. Rather than just announcing that I had a bunch of parts to give away and starting a free for all. I thought it might be possible to identify a few folks that have LP reels that are not in working order and get those parts to them.

I posted this same basic message on a couple of boards and have now pretty much exhausted the supply.http://www.kiene.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif

Best, Dave

[koffler]

Dave -

I appreciate the reel parts you gave me and thanks for dropping them by - if/when the clutch fails again I'll have a replacement!!!

koffler (Jason)

[Gary T]

Dave,

Check your PM's.

Gary

[egabelr]

Dave E. I would be very interested in a spare clutch.

Erik

[kbbgood]

I have two LP2 and one LP2 lite I use all the time. I have two LP1.5 and a LP1 that I use but only when I want to play around with smaller fish. They have only let me down if I let them get sand in them. Would buy a 1.5 lite and a LP3 at some point when I need to.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Not sure but Bill Archuleta has no more LP clutches but I think he can rebuild them?

http://www.archuletasreelworks.com/

___________________________________

Lamson Reels started out I think in Oregon.

Then Sage bought Lamson and had the company for a while.

Then Sage sold Lamson to the people who have it now, Lamson Waterworks.

.

[Lincoln Gray]

Dave PM Sent

Thanks

[Dave E.]

Lincoln, thanks. Check your messages.

Bill, it was Redmond, WA.
I toured the factory in their first full year of production.

Here's a tip for those who might have a clutch go into free spool on them.

The clutch failures were mostly with first generation clutches and over lubed second generation clutches. Early clutches had a lot of slop in them, more so after heavy use, many of the slip / free spooling was being caused my fine particles and dust getting into the assembly and the lube, gumming up the works. Others were just shot, the inner hub would be wobbling like the wheels on a demolition derby car and needed to be replaced.

We found that clutches that were gummed up could be reconditioned by taking a small glass jar or tin can and filling it about 3/8" deep with engine degreaser, place the clutch in the solution and swirl it around a bit, leave if for 15 minutes or so, then remove the clutch, spin the clutch some and repeat. If the clutch starts working again, dab dry with a paper towel, replace the clutch and go fish.

Some of the first generation clutches, simply failed. If one takes a first generation and second generation clutch and puts them side by side, they'll see that the second generation is more robust, larger diameter, etc. and the tolerances, especially after a wear in period, would generally remain tighter with Gen 2 clutches.

Dave