Ross Reels vs. Lamson Reels

I am starting this post to see what you guys have to say. Basically I have been looking for a new reel and it haqs become a hard choice between Ross and Lamson. I know my one buddy has a Lamson and swears by it and I have been reading so many good things about Ross and they seem so similar. It is a tough choice. My head has been hurting the past couple of weeks trying to decide. I know my reel(Orvis Battenkill Mid Arbor) I have now is just too heavy for my new 10 foot 5 weight. I am looking for somethings that can accomodate my 5 weight and some lighter rods like a 4 weight as well. I hope you guys give me some good information because this is killing me. My top two choices right now are a Lamson Litespeed and a Ross Evolution(the discontinued Evo).

Tight lines,
kaleb

Both very good reels... But the litespeed is lighter. I wouldnt complain about either though

I originally had one of those Orvis Battenkill Mid Arbor reels and hated it. So I sent it back and went out and got a Ross which I like much better. The drag is better in my opinion and the reel is less bulky. It is what I am using now on my Z-axis 4 wt. and it pairs nicely. I never owned a Lamson but they seem to have a good reputation. I just liked the way the Ross looked and felt so I went with it.

I own a bunch of Lamsons and absolutely love them! Never had a problem with any of them, they have an incredible drag and I think they look pretty damn good too! For everything from small trout streams, to Great Lakes steelhead, to stripers and blues in the surf, they have performed flawlessly. Best reels I've ever owned.

What type of lamsons do you own? I know my one buddy swears by them and he has the old litespeed. I was looking at the konic and litespeed.

I have Gurus, Velocities and a Litespeed or two. I highly recommend the Guru. It is a machined reel (so better than the Konic) with the same awesome drag as the rest of the reels, but for a fraction of the price of the Litespeed.

How shiny is the guru? It looks very shiny in pictures. is the color similar to any of the other lamsons?

I use the Guru on my Steel head set up. Nice tough reel, finish is between shiny and flat silver.

I mean it's kinda shiny, but it's not blinding. It's brighter than the Velocity, Litespeed and Konics, but I haven't had any problems with the shine. If you're really concerned about it, than step up to the Velocity with the Hard Alox. It's durable, dull and has the same incredible drag, but again not as expensive as the Litespeed. If money isn't a factor, than go straight for the Litespeed. Probably the best reel I've ever owned, but I love all my Lamsons. The Purists are nice too, and really light weight, but again they have a shiny spool if that's a problem for you.

I just don't want it to look plasticy. I don't mine the shine I just didn't know how bright it was. What reel is the color comparable to? I just need to get to a shop and check them out is what I need to do.