Totally enlightened. Steadfast and stylish, Guru has long set a standard for enlightened excellence as a rugged, fully USA-machined, and ultra-reliable reel at a great price. By increasing the arbor to a larger diameter and making the spool narrower—all the while decreasing its total weight and parts—Guru S takes it to another level. An enhanced spool machining technique—focusing material only where it’s needed—makes this version significantly lighter and higher performing than its predecessor. We’ve opened the porting to reduce weight and improve line drying, and integrated the counterbalance. We even introduced a curved cross-section for structural stability.
Taking your game to fishing nirvana, this will be your Guru for life.
Overview & Value
The Guru S is the third generation in Lamson's Guru line, offering fully CNC‑machined construction at a relatively modest price (typically around $299 USD for the 3+ and 5+ sizes, rising slightly for larger models)
From a performance and engineering standpoint, it delivers excellent value and is widely regarded as one of the best reels under $300
Construction & Design
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Materials: Made from aerospace-grade T‑6061 aluminum, Type‑II anodized for durability and saltwater resistance
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Machining: Precision CNC-machined with optimized spool geometry that concentrates material only where needed, lowering weight while boosting rigidity and retrieve rate
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Porting & Structure: Open port design for better line drying and lower weight; integrated counterbalance and curved cross-section further increase structural stability
Sizes & Specs
From Lamson’s official specs:
|
Size |
Rod Weight |
Weight (oz) |
Line Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
|
‑3+ |
2–4 wt |
3.73 oz |
60 yd of 20 lb backing |
|
‑5+ |
4–6 wt |
4.41 oz |
100 yd of 20 lb backing |
|
‑7+ |
6–8 wt |
5.04 oz |
180 yd of 20 lb backing |
|
‑9+ |
8–10 wt |
5.83 oz |
220 yd of 30 lb backing |
Retrieve rate is impressive for its class: roughly 7.65 inches per turn on the 5‑weight spool, thanks to a larger arbor and narrower width that reduce stacking and improve speed
Drag & Performance
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Drag System: Lamson’s sealed conical drag system is rugged, maintenance‑free, smooth in operation, and performs well under strenuous loads
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Adjustment: Drag knob offers approximately three full turns from min to max tension, giving fine control without being overly sensitive
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Audible Feedback: The drag produces a pleasing, click-style sound when line is pulled — in both directions — which many users find satisfying
Ergonomics & Aesthetics
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Form & Finish: Stylish and modern; available in Blackout, Olive‑Green, and other colorways depending on size
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The finish touches high‑end reels in this price bracket.
✅ Pros & Cons
Pros:
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Exceptional mid‑price point value—features and build rivalling more expensive reels
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Lightweight and sleek—great retrieve‑weight ratio.
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Reliable, sealed conical drag with satisfying click sound.
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Fully machined in the USA with a lifetime warranty
Cons:
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Limited color options for larger weights compared to small sizes.
If you're looking for a fully machined, large‑arbor reel with excellent drag, solid retrieve speed, and clean styling—without breaking the bank—the Lamson Guru S Series is an outstanding choice. It's a favorite among trout, stream, and predator anglers across both fresh and saltwater terrains. The stickler ergonomic features and minimal weight tradeoffs are far outweighed by its build quality, sleek appearance, and overall value.
At its price point, the Guru S punches above its class and remains a benchmark mid-priced fly reel in 2025.
Pair the Guru S size to your rod weight (example: 5+ for 5 or 6 wt rods; 9+ if targeting big species). Expect top-tier performance in a sleek, dependable package—and count on decades of service thanks to full USA manufacturing and lifetime warranty. Unless you’re chasing micro-ergonomics or grip upgrades, it's hard to beat this reel at its price level.