New for 2026 – and just made available in the European market – the new Lamson ARX II is an updated and upgraded version of the much hailed ARX reels that came out more than a decade ago. A workhorse for anadromous fish and double-handed rods, we’ve had a chance to play around with it ahead of the upcoming salmon season.
Our first impression of the ARX II reel is that it is solidly made and with a recognizable design that lends heavily from the old ARX reels. What has been updated, however, is the whole brake system, which has been refitted with Lamson’s tested and proven conical sealed drag (A drag system that we’ve tested frequently in the Seychelles and other far-flung places).
“The reel is a subtle stunner that feels just as solid as it looks.
With a great drag system that has very low start-up inertia and smooth incremental stopping-power, the ARX II is set to handle any tippet- and fish size with both subtleness and firmness.
The CNC machined and anodized full frame housing is made to prevent thin shooting lines to get caught between the spool and housing. It obviously ads some weight to the reel, but at 250grams for the -7+ reel Lamson has produced a reel that balances perfectly on a double-hander.
We’ve been able to fit close to 300 meters of SA Gel Spun 50lb backing on the -9+ reel along with a coated running line and a Headway I/S3 shooting head and tip. The spool runs true with no wobbling, the handle knob is large enough to provide a solid and comfortable grip, and – overall – the reel is a subtle stunner that feels just as solid as it looks.
Three models are available: -7+, -9+, and -11+. Here’s what Lamson writes about them:
-7+ / A natural fit for the trout spey and switch angler who wants a light, responsive setup without sacrificing versatility. Whether you’re swinging soft hackles for resident rainbows and other species or chasing summer steelhead with a lighter two-hander, this reel keeps things nimble while still holding everything you need on the water. Great for 11’ rods and others in that size category.
-9+ / The workhorse of the lineup. Built around the full spey rod in the 13’+ range, this size strikes the ideal balance between capacity and fishability, handling everything from modern Skagit and Scandi heads to long and mid-belly lines with ease. If you’re looking for the one reel that does it all across a range of two-handed applications, this is likely your answer.
-11+ / When the rod gets long and the fish get serious, this is the reel you reach for. Engineered to balance big sticks stretching up to 15′, it is purpose-built for pursuing large salmon and other hard-running species. A larger drag system with serious stopping power and backing capacity that pushes well past the 200-yard mark means you’re ready for whatever runs.
More info: www.lamsonflyfishing.com/products/arx-ii
