Purpose-built for two-handed rods and demanding anadromous fisheries, the Lamson ARX II Fly Reel combines massive line capacity, fast line pickup, and Lamson's proven drag technology in a full-frame reel designed to handle modern Spey and shooting-head systems.
The ARX II isn't simply an oversized version of a traditional fly reel. Its proportions and architecture are specifically designed around the demands of Spey and two-handed casting, where running line management, backing capacity, balance, and retrieval speed all play a major role in how a reel performs.
A full-frame design completely surrounds the spool, helping prevent thin running lines and shooting lines from slipping between the spool and frame. For anglers fishing Skagit, Scandi, and other shooting-head systems, that added security can make a significant difference when managing thin-diameter running line.
The ARX II also utilizes an ultra-large arbor spool to deliver exceptionally fast line pickup. When a steelhead or salmon suddenly turns and charges downstream—or comes racing back toward you—the oversized arbor helps recover line quickly and maintain control.
Despite its substantial capacity, Lamson keeps weight under control through extensive machining and an open-frame design. The result is a reel capable of carrying the backing and line systems required for serious two-handed fishing without unnecessarily weighing down the rod.
At the heart of the ARX II is Lamson's proven sealed conical drag system. Smooth, powerful, and protected from the elements, the drag provides the consistent resistance needed when targeting powerful steelhead, salmon, and other large fish in demanding freshwater environments.
Purpose-built for Spey and two-handed fly rods
Full-frame construction helps prevent thin running lines from escaping between the spool and frame
Ultra-large arbor design
Fast line retrieval
High backing and fly-line capacity
Lamson sealed conical drag system
Smooth, powerful drag performance
Extensively machined construction helps reduce unnecessary weight
Open-frame architecture
Designed to accommodate modern Skagit, Scandi, and shooting-head systems
Built for steelhead, salmon, and other demanding two-handed applications
Designed and manufactured with Lamson's emphasis on precision and durability
The Lamson ARX II is a specialized reel for anglers who understand that two-handed fishing places a different set of demands on a reel. Thin running lines require a secure frame. Large line systems require serious capacity. Powerful migratory fish demand a dependable drag. And when a fish changes direction, fast line pickup can become extremely important.
The ARX II addresses all of those needs in a reel designed specifically around modern Spey fishing.
Whether you're swinging flies for Great Lakes steelhead, Atlantic salmon, or Pacific Northwest steelhead and salmon, the Lamson ARX II delivers the capacity, line control, retrieval speed, and drag performance needed for serious two-handed fishing.
For anglers building a dedicated Spey setup rather than adapting a conventional fly reel to the job, the ARX II is exactly what a purpose-built two-handed reel should be.
| Size | Diameter | Width | Weight | Rod Weight | Max Line | Backing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -7+ | 4.00" | 1.16" | 8.8 oz | 6–8 wt | WF8 | 300 yds / 20 lb |
| -9+ | 4.20" | 1.30" | 9.5 oz | 8–10 wt | WF10 | 300 yds / 30 lb |
| -11+ | 4.60" | 1.46" | 12.1 oz | 10–12 wt | WF12 | 350 yds / 30 lb |
| Size | Skagit Head | Scandi Head | Running Line | Backing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -7+ | 510 gr / 22' | 450 gr / 34' | 100' 25 lb Flat Mono (.017") | 150 yds / 20 lb |
| -9+ | 570 gr / 23' | 510 gr / 34' | 100' 42 lb Flat Mono (.022") | 150 yds / 30 lb |
| -11+ | 660 gr / 24' | 560 gr / 38' | 100' 50 lb Flat Mono (.025") | 225 yds / 30 lb |
