Lamson Konic Reels

Our goal is to bring the best technology in reels to any given price point. We’ve now addressed the important $100+ price point with Konic. Please read on to find out what makes Konic a better reel than any other comparably priced alternative.

When designing the Konic, we started with one given: to incorporate the same fully sealed conical drag system and stainless steel roller clutch used in our high-end reels. The drag system in Konic uses the same fully machined parts, made of the same materials, and to the same specifications, as the drag used in the $400+ Waterworks reels or any of our other high-end reels. This is the principal benefit of the Konic versus competitive reels. What other $100+ reel can say that it shares proven drag technology with a $400+ reel?

In order to deliver this expensive drag in a low-priced reel we are die casting the frame and spool. But this is no low-end die casting. This is Pressure Casting with molten ALDC12 aluminum alloy injected at 1,080 kgs pressure to ensure consistent, smooth and strong parts with lower porosity. Contrast this method with the Gravity Casting used by competitors. Our frame and spool are solid single-part pieces. Again, contrast this with 2-part cast spools that our competition uses. Once cast, the frame and spool are “skim cut” on CNC machines, a process in which a thin surface layer is cut away to provide a finish comparable to fully-machined reel.

We use a 100% solid polyurethane coating to provide a finish that is very resistant to gouging and abrasion. Contrast this to the weaker electrostatic paints that competitive reels use.

The Konic is a lightweight, true large arbor reel. It’s strong, good looking, well put-together and frugal.

FAQ about the Konic

Is die cast inferior to machined bar stock? There are really two issues here: strength and beauty. The question of strength is a complicated one, but let’s concede that a machined part is stronger, in general, than a die cast part. The better question is this: is a die cast part strong enough? Yes, if designed correctly. As evidence, just about every metal part in your car is die cast including your wheels. Are the highways littered with failed cast aluminum wheels? The other issue is beauty. It’s true that a machined part has more finish options than a die cast part. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and behold Konic: it looks goooooood.

Why the name “Konic”? The conical drag system is an important point of superiority for this reel and we wanted a name that pointed to this feature. We started with “Conic” but since that word cannot be trademarked (it’s descriptive), we swapped the C with a K to get the trademark.

Will Konic replace Radius? No. Radius is our least expensive fully machined reel, and will remain in the product line-up to fill this role.

Is Konic saltwater safe? Yes, absolutely.

Will Konic be available in a 0/1/2 weight or an 11/12 weight? No. We’ll offer these sizes only in machined reels. Die cast is a volume technology, and there is too little volume in these sizes to justify fixed costs.

What color is Konic? It’s a metallic gray.

What is the warranty for Konic? Underscoring our confidence in the durability of Konic, we’re offering the same conditional lifetime warranty for Konic that we offer for all our other reels.

Where is Konic made? Some parts that go into this reel are made in the U.S., and some are made overseas; final manufacturing and quality control is in Boise, Idaho.