It will roll cast forever and deliver precise stack mends without exhausting the caster. 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. In addition to the dialed grain windows, AIR TH models utilize smaller diameter grips to give anglers more feel and intuition during the cast. It casts progressively with touch, line speed, control and most of all, feel. Copyright 2023 Telluride Angler 221 W. Colorado Ave PO Box 685 Telluride, CO 81435 1 (970) 728-3895 All rights reserved.Privacy PolicyWebsite by WEBDOGS. Fish this rod for tough trout, whether on the surface or beneath. And they had to be Winstons. What Im not new to is spending most of my time in the outdoors. From the ultra-short 66 version, to the extra reach of the 10, this wide variety of 3 weights will accommodate any small stream or extremely delicate presentation that an angler requires. ALPHA+ 6wt.200-240 grain lines: This rod was designed for meat eating trout and bass: think mice patterns in Kamchatka, full sink tips and double articulated bugs on the Yellowstone, fast pocket water in Patagonia, and poppers and divers in the mid-west. These rods will cast these big rigs further with minimal false casts and effort.Built like none other. From the Delaware and Silver Creek to the Frying Pan and Green, this Winston will rise. On the water, it possesses a rare combination of command with touch. Air 2 | Selecting a fast action fly rod - Telluride Angler Telluride Angler's fast action fly rod review compares Scott Centric, Sage X, Loomis Asquith, Loomis NRX+and Winston Air 2 fly rods model-by-model. This is a rod that's highly useful, practical and predictable. I routinely am adding Air 2s in different models to complete my quiver! I dont know how many fish I caught that day I never started counting. Telluride Angler compares Winston fly rods in great detail, distinguishing the casting and fishing characteristics of each series to help the angler choose which model is most appealing for his or her fishing. This is a rod that will throw most of the fly line without using a haul stroke at all. More accurate, lighter, and surprisingly, it threw line with more backbone than I expected. The only difference was these fish werent hitting just anything. 221 W. Colorado Ave PO Box 685 Telluride, CO 81435. 221 W. Colorado Ave PO Box 685 Telluride, CO 81435. 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. 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. Asked what fuels his perfectionism, Evans says, I want anglers to say, I plan my fishing days around this rod., He wants anglers to anticipate that first day of fishing in spring with their favorite Winston in hand. I cant figure this out, I said. (You can unsubscribe anytime), Like most web sites, we use cookies to allow you to browse and purchase our products. Winston Bamboo Fly Rod 4wt - 7'6" - 3pc. The Winston Air 2 combines the feel and soul of Winston with higher line speed, a faster recovery rate, and a modern smooth action. Some might imagine casting yellow humpies, stimulators, and Royal Wulffs on their favorite freestones. Big mends and high sticking are cake. 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. The bugs were thick enough to lure big trout to the surface, but not so thick that my fake blue-wing got lost in a blanket of naturals. While it's not the lightest 4wt on the market, it is intuitive for the angler who has a slightly slower casting stroke. In fact, they call them the 'Swiss Army Knife of fly rods'. Its stable, accurate and easy to cast with heavy line heads, nymph/indicator rigs and streamers. If youre a streamer junkie and searching for you next big bug stick, look no further than the ALPHA+ 6/7. We were thinking Musky when designing these powerful rods. Now is the time! By decreasing the diameter of the guides and then making them ultra slick, the Winston Air 2 effortlessly shoots line to maximize the velocity and distance for all casting abilities. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. They cast easily with the power of a relaxed stroke, but line speed erupts from the first swing with laser loops 20 to 90. This is a rod that can be used for light nymphing, larger dry flies, and technical small dry fly work. https://tellurideangler.com/casting-vs-x-vs-nrx-selecting-a-fast-action-fly-rod/, Big Hole River Fishing Report - Sunrise Fly Shop. R.L. In overall quality, it matches every one of these rods. When you daydream of delicate presentation trout fishing, where does your mind wander off to? You won't want to leave home without it. In Colorado, 5 and 6-weights often require fast action characteristics. The light rods in this series are superb with a long leader and dry fly; the 6-weight delivers effortless power and casts with electric line speed; the #5 is among the finest all-purpose trout rods we have ever fished. Utilizing the SuperSilica resin system and Boron technology, these rods are unbelievably light, perfectly balanced, powerful, responsive, and just plain fun to fish. 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. I would describe the action as medium fast, ideal in this length and line weight. Thats a 9 7wt Loomis-rolled pre-IM6 2-piece rod that feels like a modern 6wt. Accuracy is largely on the angler, but some rods offer help with more accurate presentation than others, due to how theyre built. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. From the Delaware and Silver Creek to the Frying Pan and Green, this Winston will rise. What a magic combination. "How does the 9wt compare to the 10wt?" When you can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron AIR 2. I stood in a halfhearted drizzle with my back to a wall of willows while I surveyed the river. Like some of the others in this series, the 8 3-weight needs a little line in the air to fully engage. Your email address will not be published. For general purposes, my favorite line on the Air 2 9 6-weight is the SA Amplitude Infinity WF6F. Choose the right rod with help from Telluride Angler! Mike and I both lived in Utah at the time, while Ryan and Josh drove down from Olympia, Washington. Winston wanted to create a feeling of connection between the angler and the rod, and slimming down the cork grip allows you to feel more feedback than you would otherwise. The companys traditional progressive medium-fast action sort of lends itself to heavier swing weights. You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. The Air 2 is now one of the few modern fast action trout rods without a Wells grip. You wont want to leave home without it. Photography By: Jason Shields Your mileage may vary. I fished size 24 midge patterns in low water, and was impressed with how softly those tiny dries laid down. Every few fish, wed swap rods to compare. No rod in the series rewards this effort more than the 6-weight, a remarkable stick in every regard. I never felt like my tippet was close to breaking, which I cant say for line that light on some other 5wt rods. The four of us were exploring a stream that was supposedly seeing good hatches of early-season blue-winged olives. Winston Bamboo Fly Rod 5wt - 8'6" - 3pc. It was still at its wintertime flows, both the current and the fish barely moving. The rod rolls gorgeous loops off the light and sweet tip as if dry flies were the only way to fish. The moderate action is perfect for anglers who don't need a highly powerful rod but want a rod that loads quickly at short distances for those trout in brushy environments. It's a great little 4wt but is just too similar to other Winston rods to stand out. I have an 8 ft 6 pure, and really like the way it feels. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. As we step up to the 8' 6" 4wt, Winston has built more power into the rod which makes this a really dynamic trout rod that's capable of presenting flies to a variety of fish in a multitude of scenarios. The new Air 2 is perfectly designed to deliver both ends of the spectrum with the ability to do it all. 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. Dont be afraid to load a heavier taper either, for turning over bigger bugs. We spend a lot of time testing gear and writing reviews to give you all of the tools to make your next trip a success. Im a fan of longer rods for big rivers and this rod is perfectly at home on rivers like the Deschutes, wading thigh deep on slick rocks, trying to sling a stonefly around an upstream bush. The rods shooting guides allow for slick, smooth mends. Trust a secure online experience at MontroseAnglers.com, 970-249-0408 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. 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. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. 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. 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. I dont think technology is the key, just a means to an end. From the first cast, I pictured myself fishing this rod on The South Platte, Green or San Juan with either dry flies or a long, light nymph rig. Sage Salt R8 fly rods: read our model-by-model review. Thats likely more a remark on my casting skills than anything else, but I felt it was worth mentioning. The 8' 4wt Air is very similar to the same model of the Pure. It's versatile, powerful, but retains the classic Winston feel that dry fly trout anglers know and love. Winston Tom Morgan Favorite Fly Rod 4WT 8' 2PC. tellurideangler.com You must log in or register to reply here. What a treat it was. R.L. Default by R.L. 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. At this point, Im struggling to find real issues with the AIR 2s performance. That being said, there is some crossover with the same rod model in the Pure series. The 8' 4wt didn't really fit into the series as well as the other rods we cast and we felt it was pretty similar to the Pure. Ryan McCullough stood next to me and we watched his son Josh and my buddy Mike Kingsbury throw fruitless cast after fruitless cast. ~ All Rights Reserved, FREE ECONOMY SHIPPING ON ALL U.S. ORDERS OVER $9.95. The new Air 2 is perfectly designed to deliver both . 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. A brand new Winston from top to bottom. Finally, the company is using a new resin that reduces weight and increases the strength of the bond between layers of graphite. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). Featuring the time-tested Bauer signature drag package and revolutionary 5-axis design, there is none other like it. In an attempt to provide better info so you can make a more informed buying decision, we decided to start a 'model-by-model' blog series. 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. If these are your daydreams, we encourage you to explore our all-new PURE series of trout rods. A recent conversation with rod designer Jeff Evans illuminated Winstons patient approach and pure (no pun intended) motives. The mid and butt sections are super springy, making it a joy to cast and exceptional in all those on-the-water techniques that contribute to a prodigious day on the water. The new Winston Air 2 fly rod is the obvious choice for those of you that want the most versatility out of your trout gear. Winston Air 2 fly rods are a gigantic leap. What Doesn't Wind Most presentation rods don't do well in the wind. Think Giant Trevally, Monster Arapaima, and Silver Kings. FULL REVIEW. The fish of 10,000 casts never comes easy. Its truly a do-it-all fly rod. 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. The AIR 2 handles small flies with the delicacy you'd expect from a Winston. Please call to check if reel seat is box elder or maple. The rod casts a surprising array of fly lines quite well, from the SA Infinity Taper to the Airflo Universal and Rio Gold. It's maybe not exactly what the op is looking for, but I notice TA included into their comparative reviews: Giving you real-time river information, with details on hatches, flies, and fishing tactics for the Big Hole River. Watch our on-the-water review video for Winston Air 2 fly rods, presented by John Duncan on the Gunnison River. The quintessential summer trout fishing hat. The PURE is no exception. 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. Copyright 2003 2023 MidCurrent LLC, All Rights Reserved. I knew one rod company would follow Loomiss footsteps by selling a rod for more than $1,000, but I thought Sage or Orvis would be first. Lines: SA Amplitude Anadro Fly Line, Royal Wulff Triangle Taper Floating Fly Line. Either line would be great with a dry fly, but the Technical Trout will kick over a dry dropper or indicator with a little more authority. It was a perfect hatch. Rods that track straight, dampen quickly, and have little oscillation will cast more accurately in a competent anglers hands. Copyright 2018 all rights reserved Just arrived! When I hooked a fish on those tiny flies, my 7x tippet wasnt under undue strain. It casts most general-purpose trout lines with confidence, but I dont recommend streamer-style lines or overlining, which cause the rod to bog down and lose torsional stability. Winston AIR 2. Winston,Hardy, and more. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). The Double Haul Trucker is the perfect cap for fishing whether youre in the salt or on the rivers. The 8 #4 doesnt feel stiff, but fishes in a tremendous range. Its a great rod for rivers like the Missouri, where the rising trout always seem to be 40 feet away. Winston Air 2 Fly Rod 3 Weight 8'6" 4 Piece Buy Telluride Angler $1095.00 $1099.00 Winston Boron III TH Microspey 10'6" 3-wt Buy Telluride Angler $1195.00 Winston Air 2 9'6" 5-weight Buy Telluride Angler $1195.00 Winston Air 2 8'6" 3-weight Buy Telluride Angler $1195.00 Winston Air 2 9' 6-weight Buy Telluride Angler $1195.00 Spring creek and tailwater anglers have a new favorite rod. 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. IG: @perfectloopproductions. Mayfly emergers are often stuck in the film for quite some time making them easy pray for hungry trout. This provides more sensitivity to the angler to detect soft strikes. The perfect rod for dry fly fishing and light nymphing. 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. When anglers move to a 6wt fly rod in freshwater, usually they're throwing larger flies or fishing to bigger fish. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). 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. To say this rod blends power and finesse is unfair and simplistic, however. These reviewsYou had me at was an invitation to be eaten alive. Fly fishing equipment reviews, practical advice, factory tours, interviews and instruction. Featuring Boron III technology, these fast action rods excel in a range of Two-Handed situations, from covering big, broad rivers to dealing with tree-lined banks or demanding weather. 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? Moments after, the whine of an old click-and-pawl reel filled the air. CONTACT, Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from R.L. Remarkably, the new High Strain Rate resin is perfect for the all-purpose rod category by amplifying the energy transfer allowing an angler to make tight loops and punch through the wind with incredible velocity as well as present smaller dries to rising fish at close range in calm water. His middle name is actually Henry, so you can tell that its a special place to our family. And, were talking 5-6 weight rods, this isnt striper fishing. This rod generates the type of power youd normally find in a 7-weight. 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. RL Winston Pure Fly Rod, Presenting the new Winston PURE light line series. I would never want another rod on rivers such as Silver Creek, the Frying Pan or the San Juan when a good hatch is in the air. The Air 2 is much more powerful, but still maintains some of that winston smoothness. Like the 5-weight, the Air 2 9 6-weight will fish a wide variety of fly lines, from an SA Infinity Taper to a Rio Technical Trout, Gold or Big Nasty. But still a true Winston >> Shop Winston Air 2 rods Fish on! Also a great a choice for smaller Jungle species like piranha, payara, and others. Back at camp, we shuffled around in a bit of stunned silence. There is no asterisk. 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. WARRANTY / REPAIRS 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. By: Neil Sunday Winston Rod Co. The Saltwater AIR series is very light and allows for unprecedented fast recovery, for any length of cast. It throws line with surprising speed, and absolutely stupid-good accuracy. If a double haul is required for casting in the wind, tap it lightly and expect a confident response. Small but big: I love the modified half Wells that Winston crafted for these rods. Website Design & Development by unleaded.digital. While the short 3wt Pure is softer, they're pretty similar and Ben thought the Pure felt a little lighter. New arrivals: Nautilus NVG and Abel reels in custom customs. Winston has been making BAMBOO rods since 1929, when Robert Winther and Lew Stoner first began innovating using split bamboo cane. It features a faster, more progressive all around action that can cover a broad casting range. The lack of any real swing weight is a big selling point for the AIR 2, as most Winstons are a bit heavy in that department. Fish it with an SA Trout Taper. If we had to choose, the Air is probably slightly faster which makes sense. Its the new Winston. It has a sensitive tip for precision angling but plenty of spine for lifting a long line or dragging a sink tip to the surface. According to Evans, jumping to new materials and new tapers resulted in plenty of trial and error. and "When should I use this rod?" It seemed like every time we called Winston this spring, the guys were on the Big Hole, testing rods. It turns out that fishing is a critical part of the job, but we always smiled when we got these reports from the factory. In spite of its fast action character, it possesses wonderful roll casting and line mending qualities along with the tippet protection you would expect from any Winston. 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. Winston Air 2 9'6 5-weight Like the 9'6 4-weight, this model is a deadly fishing tool in the appropriate arena. Howler Monkeys call from the canopy. Nice job, guys. While some fast action rods fling the line and fly, this one loads and explodes with truly optimized mechanics. Saltwater AIR 10wt:With great power comes great fish. 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. Saltwater AIR 11wt:The new standard for an all-around Tarpon rod. This is one of our favorite 5wt rods at the short trout distance of 30-feet. And, I cant wait to try out the heavier models. It was the sort of fishing that demanded good casting and attention to detail, but rewarded both handsomely. This helps eliminate the confusion associated with lines over-weighted by 1 or 2 line weights. 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. It would be fair to say that the Centric can handle more power than the Air 2, especially when driving a wedge into the wind with a sharp haul, and that overall line speed may be higher with the X and Asquith, but for a combination of casting ease, natural line speed, stability and the intangible fun factor, the Air 2 ranks near or possibly at the top of this list. Light in hand, and extremely responsive, these 7 weights are becoming the go-to for dedicated bonefish anglers worldwide. into the space occupied by Asquith, X and Centric was an invitation to be eaten alive. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in-the-know about special closeout offers, giveaways, and once-in-a-lifetime deals! pounding the banks from the boat, or wet wading, the new AIR 2 is a pack rod, a travel rod, a beautiful rod, and an all-around rod. Almost as soon as Mike let his fish go, Josh let out a yell. 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. Versatile, powerful, precise and a true joy to fish! Naturally, when he was born, I couldnt wait to share my love for the outdoors and fly fishing with him. They're really really close in action. and "What line works best on this rod?". 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? Its light in hand and at all casting distances, the mark of a rod that swings in perfect harmony with its fly line, efficient, crisp and resilient. Really, the only big knock I have against the AIR 2 is its price tag. My very favorite is the Rio Elite Technical Trout, which loads this rod with no effort from fly-in-hand to beyond the backing knot. With a taper that allows for minimal back casts and quick shots off the bow of the skiff, this rod will put crab, shrimp and baitfish patterns on target every time with minimal effort. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). info@montroseanglers.com These materials combined with the HRS resin have enhanced the rod recovery rate without making it feel like a wicked broom handle. 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. Contemporary Sage innovation has led to the creation of the Sage Igniter, the Sage X, and other award-winning rod series' from Sage. Fish it with an SA Trout Taper. 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. 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. R.L. Sign Up For the Latest News, Sales And Deals, 2023 Trouts Fly Fishing. Amazingly light and response, the 129 9 harnesses the power to fight the largest anadromous fish. This rod is the updated version of their flagship AIR line, which was introduced to replace the B3x series. It feels touchy but fits the hand in a way that offers plenty of support from the fingertips through the palm. The 9 4wt Air 2 features a fast action with a light tip capable of presenting delicate dries with long, light leaders. It is my favorite trout rod period. The 133 gives anglers a longer option without being too long itll lean closer to the more traditional longer Skagit and Scandi lines and cast longer tips. A river full of fish, eager to eat, hitting the surface with something close to reckless abandon. Some of our staff feel that its best beyond 30 feet, but I found that it loads naturally from very short to very long. I first cast it with an SA Infinity Taper, which is a half line weight heavy with a long head. But even though the casting stroke is somewhat slow and deliberate, the Pure packs a . JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Lets take a more in-depth look at why I feel that way. I appreciate the Wells grip Winston chose for this model, which reduces fatigue and accentuates the feeling of lightness. 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. Winston Fly Rods. {"pos":"top","cat":"gear","type":"article_children_page","format":"default"}. The AIR 2 has a soft, supple tip that absorbs tons of the impact, preserving the life of your tippet. Winston Air 2 fly rods are a gigantic leap. Is this the rod Ill be thinking about all winter?, As a Winston dealer, we hoped that Air 2 would embody our vision of the modern fast action rod, exceeding our requirements on the water, so we could fish them in the situations that call for power and confidence. 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. When you can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron AIR 2. Some of our staff feel that its best beyond 30 feet, but I found that it loads naturally from very short to very long. If you could only have 1 5wt which would you recommend the Winston air ,sage x, or sage LL ? 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. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up. Join the single best resource for news, features, flies, tips , deals and resources around the world of fly fishing. No review of a new Winston would be complete without mentioning how it handles light tippets. That being said, we found ourselves wishing Winston had created more of a difference in these two rods. Best Use: From light nymphing to larger dry flies, this is a versatile 4wt that's ideal for a variety of freshwater trout fishing scenarios. Combining the power of a Spey rod and the finesse of a trout rod, they add a new and exciting dimension to the sport. Get your Winston Air 2 now in-store and online at Troutsflyfishing . I cant find any info on just how light the AIR 2 is, but its noticeably lighter in-hand than the B3x. These rods are built for the fish with Giant, King, or Monster in the name. The B3x rods are what I consider to be Winstons best production rods ever.
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