I have the Loop Opti speedrunner as well , its 5-1/8" diameter and an 1" wide with lots of porting , but that reel picks up like no other , I use it on my switch rod in the lower niagara ! You do have to be careful not to step on it for sure , I could see it bending but I have had no issues with mine , I think you'll like the Hardy my Dad just got the 9000 I believe, for a switch rod but I haven't had the chance to play with it yet but they are kind of the same idea as the loop I think it will make a great trout reel , I'm not a fan of the Lamson reels though I've never owned one . Annnnd the Hardy will look pretty wicked on that custom without a doubt