In addition to the dialed grain windows, AIR TH models utilize smaller diameter grips to give anglers more feel and intuition during the cast. 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. 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. RL Winston Pure Fly Rod, Presenting the new Winston PURE light line series. Thats likely more a remark on my casting skills than anything else, but I felt it was worth mentioning. Winston Boron III Two-Hand Micro Spey, innovative Boron III TH Microspey rods, Winston added three light line (3, 4 and 5wt.) So far, we were the only things fish or people caught in the rain. A Winston rod series designed to up your game against the Alpha fish lurking in the shadows. It's really more of a 7wt in terms of power levels and performance but would be a nice rod for smaller Steelhead/large trout. The rod can handle heavier lines or wind, but not both. Theres a million rods out there these days and a million opinions on what the best one isand a lot of hype. We need powerful rods that can zip out shooting heads and weighted flies with ease, repeatedly, but still retain a light and sensitive feeling in the hand. I was thoroughly impressed by this rod turning over the shooting heads and baitfish patterns we fish on Puget Sound. 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. 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. 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. My guarded expectations were blown away by this model. Welcome to ALPHA+. Any fellow parents can relate to that big exhalation of relief when you have some time to yourself. Of course, like our shootouts and other casting commentaries, these mini-reviews are based on our casting style and preferences. Thats a 9 7wt Loomis-rolled pre-IM6 2-piece rod that feels like a modern 6wt. Winston sent package after package to pro staff for testing and feedback. Sure enough, he stood downstream about 100 yards, his fly rod bent in half. Casting and presentation capabilities are truly extraordinary. I appreciate the Wells grip Winston chose for this model, which reduces fatigue and accentuates the feeling of lightness. I love how light this rod feels at every distance. Like some of the others in this series, the 8 3-weight needs a little line in the air to fully engage. You wont want to leave home without it. Sage makes a host of different rod types including Spey rods, saltwater fly rods, and freshwater rods. To pull this off, the Winston design team had to create a series of fly rods that was true to Winstons legacy but unapologetically performance-driven on the water. 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. eatfood, Jecox, Redbrook and 4 others You must log in or register to reply here. Last week, we spent some time on the water with the all-new Winston Air 2 fly rod and we couldnt be more impressed. Our classic Tailwater Hat is back with new colors: Moss and Navy. Required fields are marked *. The 146 is our traditional long-belly length for fishing greased lines, or longer Scandinavian shooting heads. Montrose, CO No double haul is required to cast 70 feet or more. Dont be afraid to load a heavier taper either, for turning over bigger bugs. Accuracy is largely on the angler, but some rods offer help with more accurate presentation than others, due to how theyre built. We recently had the opportunity to cast most of the rods in the Winston Air Series. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up. This is not your average 5-weight trout rod, folks. 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. Nice rod, Winston. Copyright 2018 all rights reserved 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. This rod is the updated version of their flagship AIR line, which was introduced to replace the B3x series. Evans is a western trout fisherman who lives on the great rivers of SW Montana and is connected to fly fishing at a cellular level. Featuring the time-tested Bauer signature drag package and revolutionary 5-axis design, there is none other like it. The Air 2 96 6-weight has an immaculate, progressive flex profile. 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. 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. In overall quality, it matches every one of these rods. Their rods are the product of over 85 years of die-hard anglers and fly rod innovation. Saltwater AIR 10wt:With great power comes great fish. 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. 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. The AIR 2 powers line, but doesnt feel like a crazy fast-action stick. The Air 2 is available in line weights 3 to 6. You wont want to leave home without it. by R.L. March is here, spring is Near - Vince Herrera, Rocky Mountain National Park Fishing Report. This is a rod that can be used for light nymphing, larger dry flies, and technical small dry fly work. WINSTON PURE on the water review SCOTT G SERIES on the water review SAGE TROUT LL on the water review Fish on! Really, the only big knock I have against the AIR 2 is its price tag. Maybe we shouldve waited a few weeks for the skwalas, I muttered. This is a rod that's highly useful, practical and predictable. I cant find any info on just how light the AIR 2 is, but its noticeably lighter in-hand than the B3x. But our ALPHA+ 9/10 has been designed for power, big bug turnover, and foot-long flies, while having the sensitivity for mandatory figure 8s and at-the-boat eats. Bear with me while I set the stage a bit. 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. 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. Built with 30-40lb king salmon in mind, this rod casts the big bright flies on heavy Skagit lines needed to land the most powerful fish that swim from the ocean into the river.Tip Recommendations:T12-18, 10-12, R.L. 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. To say this rod blends power and finesse is unfair and simplistic, however. 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. 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. Please call to check if reel seat is box elder or maple. Fish it with an SA Trout Taper. A recent conversation with rod designer Jeff Evans illuminated Winstons patient approach and pure (no pun intended) motives. Really a nice rod to cast. Photography By: Jason Shields 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. They cast easily with the power of a relaxed stroke, but line speed erupts from the first swing with laser loops 20 to 90. The action is fast, but still within line class. 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 Winston Saltwater AIR lightweight saltwater rods with Winston Boron III technology that are easy to cast. Over the winter I had the opportunity to fish the new 96 5-weight Air 2 on my homewaters of Puget Sound. by R.L. I dont think technology is the key, just a means to an end. 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. These game changing rods use unique features not found in any other series, like a designated grain window for each model to help anglers sort through the wide offering of over-weighted lines available on the market today. This rod is the perfect summer steelhead rod with dry lines, lighter tips, and poly leaders. 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. 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. If a double haul is required for casting in the wind, tap it lightly and expect a confident response. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). While some fast action rods fling the line and fly, this one loads and explodes with truly optimized mechanics. 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. 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. With any fly line, this model is more touch-oriented but less powerful than the Air 2 9 5-weight. Ryan and I waded back into the water, giving each other enough room to cast. and "What line works best on this rod?". My son turns two this year, so Im still pretty new to being a dad. But against stiff headwinds, I couldnt get the line speed and power to work against the wind as well as Id like. The Air 2 9 5-weight is a dark horse entering the arena with the Scott Centric, Sage X and Loomis Asquith. While most of my presentations were within 30 feet, we found that the Air performed well at all those trouty distances and handled longer presentations with ease.The Air 2 is at its core - a Winston. No review of a new Winston would be complete without mentioning how it handles light tippets. It can be tied in sizes 10 - 20. That being said, we found ourselves wishing Winston had created more of a difference in these two rods. The Air 2 9 6-weight is like a horse that knows how to finish a race. 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+. Amazingly light and response, the 129 9 harnesses the power to fight the largest anadromous fish. Winston Tom Morgan Favorite Fly Rod 4WT 8' 2PC, Tom Morgan was the owner and rod designer at Winston from 1973 to 1991 and his legacy at Winston and for the entire fly rod industry cannot be overstated. From the Delaware and Silver Creek to the Frying Pan and Green, this Winston will rise. Its also well suited for wading tailwaters, presenting long leaders with a little distance between angler and trout. 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. 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. If these are your daydreams, we encourage you to explore our all-new PURE series of trout rods. 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. The 5wt is probably our favorite rod in the series. These rods are built for the fish with Giant, King, or Monster in the name. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. If youre looking for a top-of-the-line, do-it-all rod, you need to visit a fly shop and cast an AIR 2. Best Use: Use this rod for dry flies and small trout at short/middle distances. 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. Winston 3wt: An entire selection of fun rods meant for small stream fishing. 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. That leads to quicker recovery speeds and less oscillation. Each rod is fantastic at one thing, but only one of them is a truly versatile, do-everything trout rod. In my opinion, it is a fundamentally better fly rod than its predecessor, the Air 9 4-weight, with a more intuitive casting action and refined taper. Thats a big price. It has a lively response to a gentle double haul but doesnt require a haul to tap power in the butt section. 221 W. Colorado Ave PO Box 685 Telluride, CO 81435. And nothings happening.. It stands alone. It felt like I was mending a double-taper line with a Sage ONE, but with more feel in the tip than the ONE ever had. Light in hand, and extremely responsive, these 7 weights are becoming the go-to for dedicated bonefish anglers worldwide. Throwing three flies wasnt a problem with the AIR 2. 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. 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. Nothing truer said. In 2021, Winston introduced the flagship Air 2. trout models to the Boron III TH Two Handed series. 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. Every few fish, wed swap rods to compare. Item : . One of the challenges many anglers face is how intimidating such a large body of water can be. And that kind of power is rarely blended with the delicacy and presentation accuracy of this rod. Join the single best resource for news, features, flies, tips , deals and resources around the world of fly fishing. In Colorado, 5 and 6-weights often require fast action characteristics. 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. 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. Well, I guess they finally got the memo, I said. I routinely am adding Air 2s in different models to complete my quiver! Up to about 25, it feels as if the fly rod and line are searching for each other. Here at the Madison River Fishing Company, we are proud to represent our neighbors. The four of us were exploring a stream that was supposedly seeing good hatches of early-season blue-winged olives. Best Use: This is a dry fly trout rod (not the best for nymphing) for anglers with a slower casting stroke. Fly fishing equipment reviews, practical advice, factory tours, interviews and instruction. For all-around summer steelhead, the classic 126 adds versatility to both Skagit and dry line applications. Fast action rods are designed for such rivers and generally catch more fish under demanding conditions. In fact, they call them the 'Swiss Army Knife of fly rods'. 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. The rod is, though, a great piece of fly fishing gear. That would be a good comparison though and throw in Scott Centric and Douglas SKY-G. The B3x rods are what I consider to be Winstons best production rods ever. The action is fast, but I felt it was worth mentioning line! Fatigue and accentuates the feeling of lightness offer help with more accurate presentation than others, due how. 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