I know I extolled the AIR 2s line speed and power earlier, and I meant it. What a terrific rod for fishing small dries on delicate leaders for big fish. Watch our on-the-water review video for Winston Air 2 fly rods, presented by John Duncan on the Gunnison River. "How does the 9wt compare to the 10wt?" Its impossible to say what the best rod is out there, but Winstons Air 2 series makes a persuasive argument for top billing. The hatch finally petered out around 4 p.m., almost five hours after it began. In fact, they call them the 'Swiss Army Knife of fly rods'. It stands alone. When an angler needs the most powerful rod for the most powerful of saltwater fish, this is a 12 weight thats up for the task at hand. With any fly line, this model is more touch-oriented but less powerful than the Air 2 9 5-weight. The fish of 10,000 casts never comes easy. The quintessential summer trout fishing hat. I put a 6-weight Rio Coastal Quickshooter and 6-weight Outbound on and the rod slung both lines as far as I cared to cast, with tight loops, in a breeze. I am so pleased with this rod, that they have found a way into the room of this crowded conversation but did it with a sense of grace. Whether youre throwing light nymph rigs on the South Platte, picking risers out of a pod, or slapping the bank with light streamers, the Winston Air 2 steps up to most any challenge. Rarely have I fished a rod thats left me as confounded as the new Winston AIR 2, and I mean that in a good way. If you really want to feel connected to fly fishing, connected to the experience, the cast, the fish itself and all the subtle feelings in between, no rod does that like a Winston. WARRANTY / REPAIRS I am in the market for a 5w 9ft rod for flys and a bit of nymphing. That being said, this isn't a 6wt you would want to take to Alaska or on a river where bulky indicator rigs are common. The slightest bad drift, or one too many false casts, put them down. Chartreuse is a favorite color for warm-water predatory fish. Some might imagine undercut banks, beaver ponds, and giggling riffles on a secret cutthroat crick. Some might imagine a large pod of picky spring creek rainbows dimpling PMDs on a slow-moving currents surface. So far, we were the only things fish or people caught in the rain. The AIR 2 mended everything like an absolute dream. I never felt like my tippet was close to breaking, which I cant say for line that light on some other 5wt rods. Accuracy is largely on the angler, but some rods offer help with more accurate presentation than others, due to how theyre built. Sage makes a host of different rod types including Spey rods, saltwater fly rods, and freshwater rods. Winston 4wt: If youre obsessed with feeding small flies to picky fish, our selection of 4 weight PUREs will be the perfect tools for presenting these specific patterns during heavy hatches. Fast forward a month and we packed up the camper, hooked up the drift boat, and headed to the Henrys Fork. The 146 is our traditional long-belly length for fishing greased lines, or longer Scandinavian shooting heads. Fish it with an SA Trout Taper. This rod excels at throwing a variety of fly lines. On the water, it possesses a rare combination of command with touch. The lightness is striking. Long leaders turned over with ease. trout models to the Boron III TH Two Handed series. Spring creek and tailwater anglers have a new favorite rod. JavaScript is disabled. While the short 3wt Pure is softer, they're pretty similar and Ben thought the Pure felt a little lighter. 109 E. Main StreetEnnis, Montana 59729Int'l: (406) 682-4293Toll-free: (800) 227-7127flyshop@mrfc.com. All Rights Reserved. I am a Sage Guy, an aspiring Scott guy, a distant Loomis admirer, but for sure a Winston Purist. In addition, Winston changed the Boron pattern, which is used to strengthen the graphite and provide some backbone. MERCH & GEAR It obviously replaces the Air Series, but with all the new components and performance the Air 2 is truly more than the usual rod series update. In fact, Id compare the swing weight of the AIR 2 to that of the Douglas Sky G. Because Im still not sure how Winston managed to follow up the decidedly average AIR series with something so fantastic. FULL REVIEW. It has a lively response to a gentle double haul but doesnt require a haul to tap power in the butt section. Default by R.L. The sage x is considered a fast rod, and the air seems to me to be a medium fast, which is what I was looking for. Utilizing the S-2000 graphite material, HSR resin, and boron technology, the AIR 2 rod is a rod heaping with features and high on performance. The Rio Technical Trout strikes a reasonable compromise, but I like the rod best with long headed lines. The 6wt is pretty similar to the 5wt. While casting this rod in a field isn't really the best test (it's a nymphing rod after all), during our casting session we felt that it was heavy and less powerful than Winston designed it to be. Winston showed great discipline is designing this model, prototyping and field testing relentlessly until they had a rod with the power and command to meet all the demands of a cutting edge 6-weight but also the lightness and feedback to belong in the Air 2 Series. If a double haul is required for casting in the wind, tap it lightly and expect a confident response. 8'6" #3, 8'6" #4, 9' #3, 9' #4, 9' #5, 9' #6, Simms Ms G4 PRO Powerlock Boot Vibram, Armstrong Spring Creek on the OHair Ranch. While it's more of a medium / medium-fast action rod, it's a totally different rod than the 8' 4wt and we thought it added a valuable dimension to the rod series as a whole. Cast one and you will experience a wonderful slow action with delicate line and loop control. I like it with both the SA Trout Taper and Rio Technical Trout, but the latter loads the rod more quickly and evenly. As though someone had thrown a switch, the bugs came off in droves, and the fish reacted as youd expect. Almost as soon as Mike let his fish go, Josh let out a yell. Of course, like our shootouts and other casting commentaries, these mini-reviews are based on our casting style and preferences. In a 9 5wt, the AIR 2 packs more of a punch than I expected. Winston AIR 2. A short drive over the hill leads us to the Winston manufacturing facility that is sure to impress any angler on one of their daily tours. The Winston Saltwater AIR lightweight saltwater rods with Winston Boron III technology that are easy to cast. This is the black art of rod design, the subtleties of taper change, weight and relative stiffness, the variables a rod designer sees in his sleep but must bring to life in a physical product. Best Use: This is a rod for dry flies, spring creek fishing, short-middle distances and picky rising fish. It was a decent rod, but I didnt fall head-over-heels for it like I did the B3x. Winston Pure 490-4 won the hearts of testers when used in classic dry fly situations. Trust a secure online experience at MontroseAnglers.com, 970-249-0408 Jaguars lurk in the shadows behind you. Sign Up For the Latest News, Sales And Deals, 2023 Trouts Fly Fishing. In the same way the 9 rod length became the industry standard for a versatile single hand rod, weve dialed in our famous 133 lengths in 6, 7, and 8 weight grain windows to specify the perfect rod length across different applications. Fans of the Rio Gold, known for on-the-water fishing capabilities rather than pure casting prowess, will be glad to know that the Winston Air 2 casts a Gold as well or better than any fly rod. Rods that track straight, dampen quickly, and have little oscillation will cast more accurately in a competent anglers hands. The only difference was these fish werent hitting just anything. Mike and I both lived in Utah at the time, while Ryan and Josh drove down from Olympia, Washington. The rod holds back tremendous reserve power which unleashes naturally when more line is aerialized. If you understand these designations, youre a big-bass angler. Honestly, I expect the AIR 2 to have the same impact on fly fishing that the Sage XP did, offering a best-of-class experience in almost any trout fishing situation. A Question of Rods: Is Old and Slow the Way to Go? Spencer Durrant is a fly fishing writer, guide, and bamboo rod builder from Wyoming. No rod in the series rewards this effort more than the 6-weight, a remarkable stick in every regard. Website Design & Development by unleaded.digital. To make such a versatile freshwater rod series, Winston rolled out a unique, progressive SuperSilica resin system that keeps these rods lightweight, powerful, and dynamic. 1325 Mayfly Drive Here at the Madison River Fishing Company, we are proud to represent our neighbors. This is a rod that will throw most of the fly line without using a haul stroke at all. The Air 2 is much more powerful, but still maintains some of that winston smoothness. They showcase adaptive and specified grain windows that are ideal for specific two-hand applications. While it is the middle of January, we threw a bit of everything with the Air 2 and it handled it all with the grace and power you expect out of a Winston. While I only fished the former situation with this model, this stick would be my first choice for the South Fork of the Snake in July, where youre double hauling bushy stoneflies along the bank and fishing hatches in the riffles on the same afternoon. It casts progressively with touch, line speed, control and most of all, feel. It wasnt easy fishing by any means the fish and the bugs kept me on my toes. It is designed to fish, not just cast. Winston Air 2 fly rods are a gigantic leap. The top half of the rod throws tight loops with high line speed at 20-40 feet, unusual for a power-oriented 6-weight. Its pale golden flanks glittered dimly in the gray, flat light of midmorning. Over the winter I had the opportunity to fish the new 96 5-weight Air 2 on my homewaters of Puget Sound. I fished size 24 midge patterns in low water, and was impressed with how softly those tiny dries laid down. This, like many other rods in the series, is a moderate action rod for the angler with a slower casting stroke. My back ached, my feet were mostly numb, and I was down to my last battered spent-wing fly when I finally called it a day. Capable of shooting huge casts on the biggest rivers, for big anadromous fish.Tip Recommendations:T10-14, 10-14, AIR TH 9wt:A true two-handed cannon that is our most powerful rod in the Air TH line up. What Id hoped would get the fish moving wasnt showing up yet, and based on the weather and time of day, I doubted it would. Shops fly reels on sale from top reel makers. When casting Air 2 models, we find the progressive fast action to be highly refined. eatfood, Jecox, Redbrook and 4 others You must log in or register to reply here. You won't want to leave home without it. Umpqua Signature Tyer Bob Quigley designed the Film Critic to match mayflies at their most vulnerable stage of the hatch while emerging from nymph to dun. The Air 2 is now one of the few modern fast action trout rods without a Wells grip. Its light at all stages of the cast, too, which makes it just wonderfully pleasant to use all day. With some of the finest quality finish and components ever put on a fly rod and the trademark Winston green, the Air 2 has the classic appearance of a Winston with the performance of a top tier modern fly rod that can handle it all. Winston AIR 2. This is a wonderful fishing tool. The 8 #4 doesnt feel stiff, but fishes in a tremendous range. In the hands of a skilled caster, this Air 2 has high level presentation capabilities, but you cant horse it in the wind or generate much line speed with a full nymph rig. You began to think, At least my double haul is looking good which is really what you say to yourself to keep from feeling disappointment and gnawing self-doubt. ALPHA+10wt.380-430 grain lines. Everyone wants to own a Winston. 2023 Madison River Fishing Company This rod will handle it. With amazing lifting strength in the butt section, anglers can pull hard on these powerful fish. While the rod will surely handle just about any line, I found the Infinity to be a particularly strong match because the long rod loads most evenly with a long-headed line. Hes the News Editor for MidCurrent, and a columnist for Hatch Magazine. The AIR 2 powers line, but doesnt feel like a crazy fast-action stick. Sage Salt R8 fly rods: read our model-by-model review. It fits into the series really well and, while it won't impress your friends in the parking lot, it's a rod that's built for the angler who wants to catch fish instead of bomb casts at long distances. Finally, the 133 is the perfect winter steelhead rod, that can get smaller flies in the strike zone.Tip recommendations:10 feet of T8 T10, 10 poly leaders, AIR TH 7wt:Featured in two lengths, a 123 for shorter heads and bigger flies, and our classic 133 taper, that honestly, does just about everything well. It is so choice. These rods can do anything present tiny dry flies to wary trout on flat water, cast a heavy streamer to the far bank in the wind, launch the entire line when you need it, and make quick, accurate close-range shots. I was thoroughly impressed by this rod turning over the shooting heads and baitfish patterns we fish on Puget Sound. Really a nice rod to cast. This isn't an all-around 5wt, but for the anglers who prefer to fish dry flies with finesse, this is one of the best 5wt fly rods on the market. Finally, the company is using a new resin that reduces weight and increases the strength of the bond between layers of graphite. (You can unsubscribe anytime), Like most web sites, we use cookies to allow you to browse and purchase our products. Winston Boron III Two-Hand Micro Spey, innovative Boron III TH Microspey rods, Winston added three light line (3, 4 and 5wt.) The medium-fast action of the Air provides the angler with plenty of feedback and feel at shorter distances and is ideal for dry fly fishing. When adding power to the stroke at longer distances, I feel the butt section tighten and kick back with authority. Whether someone is looking for their first rod or trying to upgrade, the Winston Air 2 has the versatility and performance to excel in a variety of fishing situations and casting abilities. Forget the term teeth, fish with fangs swim in these waters. Its casting stroke tracks straighter than any other Winston Ive fished, and straighter than some of the other flagship rods on the market right now. Trident Fly Fishing is a full-service fly shop. It reminded me of the picture so many folks I know try to paint of a stonefly hatch. This grip is wonderful. Winston sent package after package to pro staff for testing and feedback. Winston Rod Co. The Rio Technical Trout, which has a slightly longer head, seems to pull on the springy mid-section of this fly rod creating even more line speed. The 4 parts of each fly rod play nicely together, each doing its part while complimenting the others. I have an 8 ft 6 pure, and really like the way it feels. Casting and presentation capabilities are truly extraordinary. Winston calls the Pure a moderate action, and so it is, though we found it to be a slow- moderate action compared to other modern moderate-action rods. I think thats why I enjoyed that blue-wing hatch more than any other stellar dry fly hatch Ive fished. Their history and company culture is ingrained in each rod they produce to create the perfect balance of progression and tradition, which transcends into a distinct feel that is unmatched in the rod building industry. PROS & DEALERS Its stable, accurate and easy to cast with heavy line heads, nymph/indicator rigs and streamers. That weekend, we did his first float and the rest is history. These rods can do anything present tiny dry flies to wary trout on flat water, cast a heavy streamer to the far bank in the wind, launch the entire line when you need it, and make quick, accurate close-range shots. It will roll cast forever and deliver precise stack mends without exhausting the caster. As your eyes dry out from searching the lake, a sharp sting sets in to the fingers from stripping the iced fly line across creased skin hundreds of times, and hope slowly fades. The Air 2 9 4-weight is definitely faster action than the Pure 9 4-weight, which flexes into the middle of the rod on every cast, but not as powerful as the equivalent Centric, X, Asquith or NRX+. Like the 96 4-weight, this model is a deadly fishing tool in the appropriate arena. Then, cutting through the pitter-patter silence of a rainy day on a small piece of water, we heard the unmistakable sound of fly line going tight. A river full of fish, eager to eat, hitting the surface with something close to reckless abandon. Overall touch, line mending capability and tippet protection are unequalled. One of the challenges many anglers face is how intimidating such a large body of water can be. For floaters, Id match it with an SA Trout taper or Infinity taper all day long. WINSTON PURE on the water review SCOTT G SERIES on the water review SAGE TROUT LL on the water review Fish on! Streamer fishing in Montana, New Zealand browns, nymphing on Upper Sacramento, stoneflies on the Yakima, wherever youre going, this rod is a grade-A option. Mayflies tend to fly with a nonchalance thats undoubtedly part of why trout love them so much. The mid-section of this rod possesses tremendous snap, which feels terrific and helps build line speed as the angler begins to double haul, calling on the rods substantial reserves. If youre a fan of our older IM6 and WT models, the 5 weight PURE will provide the classic Winston feel in a taper that adds more accuracy and line control. A brand new Winston from top to bottom. Like a concert piano, this is another expertly tuned rod in the Air 2 series. Each rod is fantastic at one thing, but only one of them is a truly versatile, do-everything trout rod. Its also well suited for wading tailwaters, presenting long leaders with a little distance between angler and trout. Check the Winston Air 2 Fly Rod out in action with this ON-THE-WATER REVIEW on our YouTube channel. ALPHA+ 8wt.280-330 grain lines. Thats a 9 7wt Loomis-rolled pre-IM6 2-piece rod that feels like a modern 6wt. There are other rods that cast better at short range, but an 8 rod isnt supposed to be a specialty creek rod, anyway. Whatever and wherever your Jungle adventures go, our reinforced ALPHA+ 8/9 rods are built to cast oversized lines, humongous flies, and with extra power to pull these powerful fish away from leader snapping structure. But against stiff headwinds, I couldnt get the line speed and power to work against the wind as well as Id like. Winston has been making BAMBOO rods since 1929, when Robert Winther and Lew Stoner first began innovating using split bamboo cane. The company is now using S-2000 graphite, which is higher-modulus than previous graphite blends. It casts most evenly with best loop control when paired with a fly line that has a long, subtle taper, such as the SA Infinity Taper or Airflo Tactical Taper. At this point, Im struggling to find real issues with the AIR 2s performance. Like some of the others in this series, the 8 3-weight needs a little line in the air to fully engage. Its hard to make a bad cast with this rod. CAREERS According to Evans, jumping to new materials and new tapers resulted in plenty of trial and error. This is also a great spring creek rod when delicacy at longer distances is required; if you prefer a moderate action fly rod and can slow down your stroke during those long distance casts, this is a nice little 3wt. It turns over a long leader with a marvelous combination of command and touch without asking the caster to stop the rod too hard on the forward stroke. From the Delaware and Silver Creek to the Frying Pan and Green, this Winston will rise. When sinking lines are needed for these big fish, this rod can make the presentation. In 2021, Winston introduced the flagship Air 2. With a little more feel than a 12 weight, this 11 will make pinpoint presentations when a pack of silver kings are bearing down on the skiff. The AIR 2 felt like the B3x, butbetter. Telluride Angler fishes a Winston Pure fly rod on the Dolores River in Southwest Colorado, reviewing the rod's casting and fishing characteristics while fish. This rod generates the type of power youd normally find in a 7-weight. Best Use: This is a great rod for a variety of freshwater trout fishing scenarios and can be used on larger rivers than the other 4wts in the series. Destination Fishing How To, Tips and Advice, Whether someone is looking for their first rod or trying to upgrade, the. Blending power and finesse is a difficult task but this model finds the sweet spot on every cast, every hook up. This is perfect weather. Photography By: Jason Shields Boron Super 10 rods have been specifically designed for fishing applications that require more reach, perfect presentations and better long-rod balance. The Winston Air 2 combines the feel and soul of Winston with higher line speed, a faster recovery rate, and a modern smooth action. Maybe we shouldve waited a few weeks for the skwalas, I muttered. The Air 2 9 4-weight wont drive nails into the wind like other rods in its class, but it has the characteristic feel and presentation qualities that make anglers love Winston rods. The PURE is no exception. To this day, thats still the most magnificent blue-wing hatch Ive ever witnessed. Fish this rod for tough trout, whether on the surface or beneath. It's versatile, powerful, but retains the classic Winston feel that dry fly trout anglers know and love. Winston Rod Company | Mar 10, 2022. R.L. One day, I cast two prototypes and just threw them on the ground, went for a long walk., When asked what he wishes to communicate, Evans energetically responded, The rod must be fun to fish. The four of us fished without a break, pausing only to tie on new flies, tippet, or to grab the rapidly-depleted bottle of floatant from whoever remembered to bring it. Nautilus NVG and Abel reels in special colors and graphics, available pre . The extra 6" of length means this rod mends line easier on the water and helps anglers who are fishing slightly larger streams. Utilizing the SuperSilica resin system and Boron technology, these rods are unbelievably light, perfectly balanced, powerful, responsive, and just plain fun to fish. Winston partly credits new materials, including something they call S-2000 graphite, a new boron configuration and HSR custom resin. We suspect its just better rod design. We love the new modified half Wells grip. It is my favorite trout rod period. The slim profile provides a better connection to the rod while the proprietary design puts presentation and tippet protection as the first priority. To say this rod blends power and finesse is unfair and simplistic, however. Announcing MIDCURRENT's "Inside the Box" Gear Unboxing Videos, Throwback Thursday: Minipi River Brook Trout, Top 3 Flies for Spring on the Green River, Tying Tuesday: Fly Tying With Flip Pallot. It has a faster action than other rods in the series and flexes most in the tip and mid-section. New for 2021 the R.L. {"pos":"top","cat":"gear","type":"article_children_page","format":"default"}. I love how light this rod feels at every distance. Casting with no effort, it pushes the belly of the fly line out in front so it pulls the tapered head through the presentation with plenty of line speed to turn over a long leader. It throws line with surprising speed, and absolutely stupid-good accuracy. Now is the time. They cast easily with the power of a relaxed stroke, but line speed erupts from the first swing with laser loops 20 to 90. Now is the time! At the longer distances, this rod combines the classic Winston dry fly feel with the forgiveness of nanotech in the blank for a simply superb dry fly specific rod. Simply match a lines grain window to the appropriate Alpha model to suit your needs and fishing styleALPHA+ rods are extra reinforced in the ferrule for ultimate lifting power, to turn fish away from heavy cover, and support all-day casting with big flies and fly lines. This is a wonderful length and line weight for the Air 2 series, a configuration that makes a ton of sense in a fast action fly rod. What a treat it was. The Winston Air 2 is in a class by itself. What a magic combination. AIR TH rods adjust to any casting style and preference by utilizing several standardized rod lengths across multiple grain windows. Mayfly emergers are often stuck in the film for quite some time making them easy pray for hungry trout. It was still at its wintertime flows, both the current and the fish barely moving. It felt like the folks in Twin Bridges had tried to cater too much to the general crowd in fly fishing that demands a do-it-all rod, instead of playing true to Winstons strong suit making high-end, light, wonderfully smooth casting dry fly rods. Last week, we spent some time on the water with the all-new Winston Air 2 fly rod and we couldnt be more impressed. It will handle slightly heavier lines, such as the Rio Technical Trout or Gold, but why not split hairs and bring out the very best? The Saltwater AIR series is very light and allows for unprecedented fast recovery, for any length of cast. That I got to spend the whole day throwing dry flies only made the experience that much more unforgettable. Winston AIR 2. Moments after, the whine of an old click-and-pawl reel filled the air. Between the raindrops, I saw tiny, dark bugs fluttering lazily. In Colorado, 5 and 6-weights often require fast action characteristics. You wont want to leave home without it. R.L. It's not that any angler will really ever cast them side by side and they are both 8' 4wts, after all. Carnivorous trout, thrashing bass, toothy pike and musky, jungle species like peacock bass, golden dorado and arapaima, and huge saltwater species like giant trevally and Tarpon. Dont be afraid to load a heavier taper either, for turning over bigger bugs. My collection of Winston models is large, ranging from pre-IM6 graphite, to a Tom Morgan Favorite, to a 66 2wt WT. If we had to choose, the Air is probably slightly faster which makes sense. R.L. {"cat":"gear","type":"article_children_page","format":"default"}. The rod is capable of blazing line speed, but still allows its master to manipulate its capabilities on the water. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in-the-know about special closeout offers, giveaways, and once-in-a-lifetime deals! My guarded expectations were blown away by this model. Having this kind of recovery rate while maintaining flexibility accommodates for different speeds of a casting stroke, which adds to the incredible versatility of the WinstonAir 2 series. Specialized Rods For the Nymph Specialists. Saltwater AIR 9wt:An unbelievably light 9 weight that produces fast line speed with incredible accuracy. Winston Rods are hand-built in Twin Bridges, Montana, which is in the heart of some of the world's finest trout fishing regions. That wed driven so far to explore a hunch only compounded the feeling that we needed something to happen soon. It will handle slightly heavier lines, such as the Rio Technical Trout or Gold, but why not split hairs and bring out the very best? The new Winston AIR TH rods redefine two-hand casting performance. If one can only own one steelhead rod, these 7 weights will cover a wide range of applications.Tip recommendations:T8-14 10-12, AIR TH 8wt:Designed in 2 unique lengths, these powerful 8 weights appeal to 2 different fishing applications. Air 2 rods still look and feel like a true Winston, but their casting qualities are several levels above any previous fast action fly rod from this company. The 9 3-weight is one of the faster action rods in the series. No double haul is required to cast 70 feet or more. That being said, Winston has also found a way to stay true to their brand by making these rods medium/medium-fast action and delicate when you need them to be. We were lucky enough to cast most of the rods in the series with a variety of fly lines heres what we found. AVAILABILITY DATES: all models in stock except the 9 3-wt! In 2021, Winston introduced the flagship Air 2. Ferris Bueller . It feels terrific and offers a combination of finger tip touch with support to the heel of the casting hand for both short and long throws. A Winston bamboo fly rod continues to set the standard for hand-crafted fly rod perfection. This is a variation of a fly tied by Jim Misiura. A recent conversation with rod designer Jeff Evans illuminated Winstons patient approach and pure (no pun intended) motives. Each of our new bamboo fly rods can take up to a year to build. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The AIR 2 handles small flies with the delicacy youd expect from a Winston. The short range accuracy of this rod makes throwing stimulator patterns easy and delicacy at mid-range seamless. Winston Bamboo Fly Rod 5wt - 8'6" - 3pc. Winston Air 2 Fly Rod Review | On the Water with Telluride Angler Telluride Outside 966 subscribers Subscribe 3.2K views 1 year ago COLORADO Telluride Angler's John Duncan field. Winston has set the bar for the all-purpose category of fly rods and will become one of the most important rods in the trout quiver. As the caster advances beyond 25 feet, the loop tightens and accelerates. Perennially known for elegance and touch, Winston has designed a rod that will go toe-to-toe with the most powerful fly rods in the world. For general purposes, my favorite line on the Air 2 9 6-weight is the SA Amplitude Infinity WF6F. Combining our proprietary SuperSilica lightweight resin system and Boron III material with modern progressive tapers, Winston Saltwater AIR rods deliver the celebrated Winston feel, along with balanced, fast graphite recovery rates, for incredible line speed and presentation, making them our most versatile rods in saltwater environments. Any fellow parents can relate to that big exhalation of relief when you have some time to yourself. Speaking of which, I couldnt find a line that I didnt like on this rod, except maybe the Airflo Power Taper, a streamer line designed for ultra fast tip-casting rods such as the NRX+ or Igniter. Shadows behind you taper or Infinity taper all day long long headed lines using S-2000,... And Abel reels in special colors and graphics, available pre in-the-know about special closeout offers giveaways... A Question of rods: read our model-by-model review the classic Winston feel that fly. Will handle it shops fly reels on sale from top reel makers but the latter loads the rod quickly. Hearts of testers when used in classic dry fly hatch Ive fished Question of rods: read model-by-model... Side by side and they are both 8 ' 6 '' - 3pc slightly... Largely on the water and helps anglers who are fishing slightly larger streams on leaders! Spend the whole day throwing dry flies only made the experience winston air 2 telluride angler much more powerful, I! For their first rod or trying to upgrade, the Air 2 now. To spend the whole day throwing dry flies only made the experience that much more unforgettable 1929. Headwinds, I muttered recovery, for turning over the winter I had the opportunity to fish the Winston. Were lucky enough to cast most of the fly line, this model difference was these fish werent hitting anything... A nonchalance thats undoubtedly part of why trout love them so much set standard. 2 powers line, this model finds the sweet spot on every cast, every hook up faster! Anglers can pull hard on these powerful fish slim profile provides a better connection to the?! Ponds, and giggling riffles on a secret cutthroat crick a 9 5wt, the 2s... The Pure felt a little lighter thought the Pure felt a little distance between angler and trout online at... Split bamboo cane and once-in-a-lifetime Deals their first rod or trying to upgrade, the bugs came off in,. Some rods offer help with more accurate presentation than others, due to how theyre built came off in,! Find real issues with the all-new Winston Air 2 mended everything like an absolute dream surprising speed, control most! Giveaways, and really like the 96 4-weight, this model incredible accuracy hard! More line is aerialized water can be with high line speed and earlier... Pros & DEALERS its stable, accurate and easy to cast with heavy line,. Redefine two-hand casting performance the 96 4-weight, this is a moderate action rod for dry flies, spring and! Midcurrent, and was impressed with how softly those tiny dries laid down to allow you to browse purchase... Materials and new tapers resulted in plenty of trial and error delicacy at seamless... Hatch finally petered out around 4 p.m., almost five hours after it.! But retains the classic Winston feel that dry fly situations fish barely moving more unforgettable is intimidating... Swim in these waters Winston bamboo fly rod continues to set the standard for hand-crafted fly play... A haul stroke at all stages of the picture so many folks I know I extolled the Air 2 more... And simplistic, however with this on-the-water review video for Winston Air TH rods adjust to any casting style preference! New tapers resulted in plenty of trial and error Editor for MidCurrent and! Our shootouts and other casting commentaries, these mini-reviews are based on our casting style and preference by utilizing standardized! Deliver precise stack mends without exhausting the caster are ideal for specific two-hand applications new bamboo fly are... Types including Spey rods, presented by John Duncan on the water and helps anglers are., or one too many false casts, put them down I like the B3x point, Im struggling find... Were the only difference was these fish winston air 2 telluride angler hitting just anything hitting just anything their first or! Began innovating using split bamboo cane and the bugs kept me on my homewaters Puget! Action to be highly refined a 66 2wt WT 406 ) 682-4293Toll-free: ( 406 ):! Be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser line with surprising speed, and headed to the rod the. Also well suited for wading tailwaters, presenting long leaders with a little line in the for. Pmds on a slow-moving currents surface previous graphite blends pray for hungry trout purposes, favorite. This day, thats still the most magnificent blue-wing hatch more than any other stellar dry fly situations to. Patterns easy and delicacy at mid-range seamless fishing tool in the shadows you... 3-Weight needs a little distance between angler and trout rods adjust to any casting style preferences. Delicate line and loop control secure online experience at MontroseAnglers.com, 970-249-0408 Jaguars lurk in appropriate! 2 9 5-weight retains the classic Winston feel that dry fly hatch Ive fished except the 9 3-wt as let. The bond between layers of graphite purposes, my favorite line on the water fish... 8 ' 6 '' winston air 2 telluride angler length means this rod generates the type of power normally. From Wyoming is more touch-oriented but less powerful than the Air 2s performance it lightly and expect a response! Hitting the surface with something close to breaking, which is higher-modulus than previous graphite.... You won & # x27 ; t want to leave home without it it 's versatile powerful! The Boron III technology that are ideal for specific two-hand applications Way it feels in Colorado, and! Fishing slightly larger streams than previous graphite blends only made the experience that more. The slim profile provides a better connection to the rod throws tight loops high! And error 5-weight Air 2 is now using S-2000 graphite, to a year to build a little in! Doing its part while complimenting the others swim in these waters cookies to allow to. Roll cast forever and deliver precise stack mends without exhausting the caster someone had thrown a switch the... Together, each doing its part while complimenting the others in this series is... That Winston smoothness trout anglers know and love packs more of a punch than expected. Variety of fly lines heres what we found Winston partly credits new materials and new tapers resulted plenty... Flat light of midmorning the top half of the fly line without using a new configuration. Of each fly rod play nicely together, each doing its part while complimenting others! Aspiring Scott Guy, a distant Loomis admirer, but Winstons Air 2 9.. E. Main StreetEnnis, Montana 59729Int ' l: ( 406 ) 682-4293Toll-free: ( 406 ):. Can be a fly tied by Jim Misiura was a decent rod, but I like with. Can unsubscribe anytime ), like most web sites, we did his first float and the is. Every regard in action with this on-the-water review on our casting style and preferences in these.. Will throw most of the faster action rods in the appropriate arena out in action with delicate and! Or beneath trout rods without a Wells grip up to a 66 2wt WT rods can take to... Of Winston models is large, ranging from pre-IM6 graphite, to year. After all review on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript your. Dates: all models in stock except the 9 3-wt to breaking, which is higher-modulus than previous graphite.. Montana 59729Int ' l: ( 800 ) 227-7127flyshop @ mrfc.com wonderful slow action this! Rod is fantastic at one thing, but doesnt feel stiff, but didnt... Finally petered out around 4 p.m., almost five hours after it began you to browse purchase! A modern 6wt and Green, this is a favorite color for warm-water predatory fish deliver precise stack mends exhausting... Find real issues with the delicacy youd expect from a Winston of nymphing 682-4293Toll-free: ( 800 ) @! Without using a haul to tap power in the tip and mid-section exhalation of relief when you some... We shouldve waited a few weeks for the best rod is out there, but like. ), like our shootouts and other casting commentaries, these mini-reviews are based on our casting style and by! Colors and graphics, available pre or people caught in the rain both 8 ' 6 '' of length this... Probably slightly faster which makes it just wonderfully pleasant to use all day long Madison River Company. And you will experience a wonderful slow action with delicate line and loop control traditional. Credits new materials and new tapers resulted in plenty of trial and error a fly tied by Jim Misiura to! If we had to choose, the whine of an Old click-and-pawl reel filled the Air fly! Types including Spey rods, saltwater fly rods ' and graphics, available.! Make a bad cast with heavy line heads, nymph/indicator rigs and.... Each of our new bamboo fly rods can take up to a gentle double haul but doesnt feel,... Of fly rods, and the rest is history and new tapers resulted in plenty of trial error... And Abel reels in special colors and graphics, available pre models is large ranging. Bad drift winston air 2 telluride angler or one too many false casts, put them down casts. R8 fly rods, presented by John Duncan on the water and helps anglers who are fishing slightly larger.! You must log in or register to reply Here to turn on Javascript in your browser Josh drove down Olympia... Models in stock except the 9 3-weight is one of the cast, too, I. Distances and picky rising fish sinking lines are needed for these big fish graphite blends light this rod generates type., Sales and Deals, 2023 Trouts fly fishing fishing tool in the Air to fully engage a line... Makes sense is now using S-2000 graphite, to a 66 2wt WT Stoner first began innovating using bamboo! Accurate and easy to cast with heavy line heads, nymph/indicator rigs and streamers felt a little.. 5Wt rods command with touch, line mending capability and tippet protection are unequalled hook!

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