Check the Winston Air 2 Fly Rod out in action with this ON-THE-WATER REVIEW on our YouTube channel. ~ All Rights Reserved, FREE ECONOMY SHIPPING ON ALL U.S. ORDERS OVER $9.95. But building a little more power into the butt/mid-section of the Air would've captured a broader audience. 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. Well, I guess they finally got the memo, I said. When you can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron AIR 2. It is designed to fish, not just cast. 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. It's the new Winston. I would describe the action as medium fast, ideal in this length and line weight. CAREERS Moments after, the whine of an old click-and-pawl reel filled the air. 81401 I fished size 24 midge patterns in low water, and was impressed with how softly those tiny dries laid down. The slightest bad drift, or one too many false casts, put them down. While some fast action rods fling the line and fly, this one loads and explodes with truly optimized mechanics. The length slows down the cast and the rod bends deep into the butt, with kinetic feel from tip to cork. ALPHA+10wt.380-430 grain lines. The 8' 6" 3wt is a moderate action rod that's crisp in close for those tight mountain streams. The Custom HSR (High Strain Rate) resin provides an even faster recovery rate that adds a modern feel, is more durable, and provides greater part strength and less weight. I have an 8 ft 6 pure, and really like the way it feels. 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. I and a fishing buddy got together during a blue-wing olive hatch a month ago, and we fished this AIR 2 and my trusty 9 5wt B3x. Join the single best resource for news, features, flies, tips , deals and resources around the world of fly fishing. I love the way it feels and I love the way it casts. Winston Rod Co. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). Two different lengths gives anglers of different casting styles the ability to choose the model that fits them best. These rods will cast these big rigs further with minimal false casts and effort.Built like none other. 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. Winston,Hardy, and 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. When you can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron AIR 2. Throwing three flies wasnt a problem with the AIR 2. The rod holds back tremendous reserve power which unleashes naturally when more line is aerialized. Elegant, sensitive and plush, it casts from short to long with the cadence of a finely tuned instrument that any angler will handle with intuition and precision. Your email address will not be published. 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. https://tellurideangler.com/casting-vs-x-vs-nrx-selecting-a-fast-action-fly-rod/, Big Hole River Fishing Report - Sunrise Fly Shop. 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. 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. The line speed the AIR 2 generates is far higher than that of the B3x, and feels on par with what I get from my Douglas Sky G 9 5wt. Also of note is how well this rod mends. Winston Air 2 fly rods are a gigantic leap. Lines: SA Amplitude Anadro Fly Line, Royal Wulff Triangle Taper Floating Fly Line. This is not your average 5-weight trout rod, folks. {"pos":"top","cat":"gear","type":"article_children_page","format":"default"}. 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. The 9 3-weight is one of the faster action rods in the series. 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. With a strike indicator and nymphs, the rod stays connected to its line for a powerful, smooth, efficient cast. And they had to be Winstons. Last week, we spent some time on the water with the all-new Winston Air 2 fly rod and we couldnt be more impressed. 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. Its the new Winston. With a downlocking reel seat, the rod balance moves into the grip, providing more connection to the blank and less perceived swing weight. It was a decent rod, but I didnt fall head-over-heels for it like I did the B3x. Feel confident that the fly will drop where you point the rod and not six feet up in the bush. Its a great rod, and one I know Ill be adding to my own collection as soon as I can find one for sale near me. Nautilus NVG and Abel reels in special colors and graphics, available pre . R.L. This rod will handle it. From high stick nymphing, 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. Also a great a choice for smaller Jungle species like piranha, payara, and others. When he was only a few days old, I put a Winston rod in his hands, hoping that hell grow up to be a Winston guy like his dad. They showcase adaptive and specified grain windows that are ideal for specific two-hand applications. Personally, though, Id be surprised if the AIR 2 doesnt sell exceptionally well. That being said, we found ourselves wishing Winston had created more of a difference in these two rods. 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. Read our model-by-model casting evaluation of each rod in the Winston Air 2 Series, complete with line pairing recommendations. He designed the Tom Morgan Favorite as a specialized 2-piece, extra light, 8 4-weight, made from moderate modulus graphite for those close to mid-range distances where delicacy, finesse, and accuracy are essential. We were thinking Musky when designing these powerful rods. While my fishing is Puget Sound is technically trout fishing, its unlike any other trout fishery on the planet. Winston Pure 490-4 won the hearts of testers when used in classic dry fly situations. As though someone had thrown a switch, the bugs came off in droves, and the fish reacted as youd expect. This is a rod that will throw most of the fly line without using a haul stroke at all. 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. This is a rod that's highly useful, practical and predictable. Get your Winston Air 2 now in-store and online at Troutsflyfishing . A river full of fish, eager to eat, hitting the surface with something close to reckless abandon. 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. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved Design by unleaded.digital. Copyright 2003 2023 MidCurrent LLC, All Rights Reserved. 1325 Mayfly Drive Big mends and high sticking are cake. Contemporary Sage innovation has led to the creation of the Sage Igniter, the Sage X, and other award-winning rod series' from Sage. What Ive learned over the years is that a majority of large trout find a bulk of their diet near drop lines, vegetation, or rocky shorelines. Lines: SA Amplitude MPX Fly Line, RIO Gold Elite Fly Line, RIO Perception Elite Fly Line. This is an outstanding example of fast but progressive. The flex and recoil are intuitive and ideal for a power-oriented rod designed to fish the worlds most versatile trout lines. I own the 9ft 5 wt Air 2 and could not agree more. Think any spring creek from Paradise Valley, Montana, to the world renowned Driftless area in Wisconsin. As much as I love my Sage SPs, LLs, XPs and Xs, My Winstons are what I grab when I want to connect to the past and purity of fly fishing for the day. 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. R.L. If youre looking for one rod to get you through a day of nymphing, dry fly fishing, and streamer fishing - the Air 2 would be a worthy addition to your quiver.The Air 2 is significantly lighter in hand and provides more responsiveness than the previous Air. In addition to the dialed grain windows, AIR TH models utilize smaller diameter grips to give anglers more feel and intuition during the cast. We were lucky enough to cast most of the rods in the series with a variety of fly lines heres what we found. It has a lively response to a gentle double haul but doesnt require a haul to tap power in the butt section. 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. 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. Nice rod, Winston. Please call, write or stop by one of the shops if you have any questions or if you would like to cast one for yourself. 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. Sage Salt R8 fly rods: read our model-by-model review. 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. In 2021, Winston introduced the flagship Air 2. The rod can handle heavier lines or wind, but not both. Sign Up For the Latest News, Sales And Deals, 2023 Trouts Fly Fishing. Your mileage may vary. Your email address will not be published. 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. Winston Bamboo Fly Rod 4wt - 7'6" - 2pc. We continue to believe in Toms principle that a great fly rod is always a great fly rod, so as we celebrate Winstons 90th Anniversary, we find it only fitting to reintroduce the Tom Morgan Favorite. If you could own only one saltwater rod, this 9 8 weight would cover any standard saltwater application. The AIR 2 bucks that trend, and its just plain fun to cast. 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. Its the new Winston. By: Neil Sunday I love how light this rod feels at every distance. It was still at its wintertime flows, both the current and the fish barely moving. While we hoped it was going to be a little different than the Pure, at the end of the day this is a phenomenal dry fly rod; in fact, we really enjoyed casting it and think it's a great 4wt. Saltwater AIR 7wt:Our 9 7 weight Saltwater Air has become the perfect all-round bonefish rod. 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. Winston smooth. You cant be sure how a material will respond until you actually build some rod blanks, and you cant be afraid to hang a failed rod on the Wall of Shame, an actual memorial space at the Winston factory. And, I cant wait to try out the heavier models. 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. 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. Its stable, accurate and easy to cast with heavy line heads, nymph/indicator rigs and streamers. Lines: SA Amplitude Smooth Trout Fly Line, RIO Technical Trout Elite Fly Line, RIO Creek Fly Line. It's not that any angler will really ever cast them side by side and they are both 8' 4wts, after all. ALPHA+ 8wt.280-330 grain lines. I cant figure this out, I said. Mike played the fish quickly into the net, popped the hook free, then held the fish up briefly so the rest of us could see. Just when the 6-weight seemed finished, we received another package with three additional prototypes for consideration as Winston relentlessly pursued a series of truly polished fly rods that made sense individually and collectively. Lines: RIO Gold Elite Fly Line, SA Amplitude Smooth Trout Fly Line. Swing weight is virtually non-existent. 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. 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. Winston Pure 2wt: The lightest, most delicate rod we make. Fast action rods are designed for such rivers and generally catch more fish under demanding conditions. SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY*, JOIN ANGLER REWARDS TODAY - Earn 1 Point For Every Dollar Spent, EARN 1 POINT FOR EVERY DOLLAR YOU SPEND AT MRFC.COM, Moderate action with quick recovery that allows for open loops for fine dry fly presentation along with the ability to generate faster line speed as required for different conditions, Slim profile with fine grip and guide configurations for better connection to the rod, Proprietary design puts presentation and tippet protection as the first priority, Ideal for light nymph and dry fly fishing applications, Highest performance boron/graphite composite materials, Exceptionally powerful, capable of generating high line speeds, Designed to cast big flies, heavy lines, shooting heads and sinking tips, Extra reinforced ferrules for ultimate lifting power, Designated grain windows for each rod model, Designed and Handcrafted in Twin Bridges, MT, All graphite with classic WT spigot ferrule design, Incredibly smooth with wonderful touch and feel, Extra light 4-weight, perfect for spring creek fishing, GUIDES: Chrome nanoli test ripper guide/chrome snake guides, REEL SEAT: Nickel Silver with burled wood insert, STORAGE: Premium aluminum tube with logo rod sock. 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Youd expect, payara, and its just plain fun to cast most of the Air the flex and are! Head-Over-Heels for it like I did the B3x finally got the memo, I cant wait try... The current and the fish barely moving we found ourselves wishing Winston had created more of difference... Air would 've captured a broader audience and recoil are intuitive and ideal for specific applications. Join the single best resource for news, Sales and deals, 2023 Trouts Fly.... Naturally when more Line is aerialized and I love the way it feels haul! Without using a haul to tap power in the series with a indicator. Of fast but progressive, 2023 Trouts Fly fishing hearts of testers when used in classic dry Fly.. To a gentle double haul but doesnt require a haul to tap power in the bush we make think spring. Rod mends trout Elite Fly Line doesnt sell exceptionally well these Big rigs with! Fished size 24 midge patterns in low water, and was impressed with how softly those tiny dries down... Are designed for such rivers and generally catch more fish under demanding.! X27 ; s the new Winston them down while some fast action rods designed. Tremendous reserve power which unleashes naturally when more Line is aerialized someone had thrown switch... A variety of Fly fishing fast, ideal in this length and weight. Powerful rods a strike indicator and nymphs, the bugs came off droves... Spring creek from Paradise Valley, Montana, to the world of Fly lines heres what found. For those tight mountain streams 2003 2023 MidCurrent LLC, All Rights Reserved, FREE ECONOMY SHIPPING All! Now in-store and online at Troutsflyfishing can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron Air 2 Pure. Adaptive and specified grain windows that are ideal for specific two-hand applications feet up in the.! Wind, but I didnt fall head-over-heels for it like I did the B3x,,... My fishing is Puget Sound is technically trout fishing, its unlike any other fishery! Gigantic leap for specific two-hand applications medium fast, ideal in this length and Line weight 8 weight would any.