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.
LSF – The LSF is the freshwater version of the new Litespeed. The chassis is based on the conical system found in our other reels with the addition of a click stop drag knob and a unique spring set that creates a linear progression of torque with very fine resolution at the light end of its range. LSF spool and frame architecture is super-arbor in scale for high retrieve, but spare and open to promote line drying and, of course, reduce weight.
| Item | Diameter | Width | Weight | Rod wt | Line capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Litespeed F-Series -3+ | 89mm | 23mm | 88gr | WF 2-4 | WF4 75 yds 20# |
| Litespeed F-Series -5+ | 95mm | 25mm | 102gr | WF 4-6 | WF6 125 yds 20# |
| Litespeed F-Series -7+ | 102mm | 25mm | 128gr | WF 6-8 | WF8 180 yds 20# |
Do not remove the drag knob or the two-holed nut in the center of the drag knob for any reason.
Always ensure the Gland Cap is tight, especially before using the reel the first time or after reversing the retrieve direction. Be sure to periodically check that the cap is on securely; it should always be firmly tightened by hand, do not use a tool. The Gland Cap should seat completely on the drag cylinder when installed properly.
The drag system is meant to operate lubrication free. Do not use any type of oil or lubricant in or around the drag system. A small amount of WD-40 may be applied to the retrieve handle in order to remove any dirt build up between the handle and the handle shaft.
Freshwater Use: Occasionally rinse your reel thoroughly under fresh running water and wipe the spool and frame to remove any debris or dirt build up. Be sure to wipe down the spindle on the spool and keep it free of debris.
Saltwater Use:
Be sure to rinse the reel under fresh running water after every use in a salt environment. Occasionally rinse the drag by doing the following:
Remove the spool, unscrew the gland cap and remove the red and silver clutch assembly.
Rinse all components including the inside of the drag cylinder thoroughly with fresh running water.
Allow all components to dry completely before reassembly.
