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. 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. ALPHA+7wt.240-280 grain lines: You might call them bucketmouths, keggers, and donkeys. Winston Air 2 Fly Rods | Model-by-Model Review. Winston sent package after package to pro staff for testing and feedback. Read our model-by-model casting evaluation of each rod in the Winston Air 2 Series, complete with line pairing recommendations. 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. Fish it with an SA Trout Taper. That weekend, we did his first float and the rest is history. 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. Like the 96 4-weight, this model is a deadly fishing tool in the appropriate arena. 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 AIR 2. The perfect rod for feeding heavy crab patterns to picky permit. His middle name is actually Henry, so you can tell that its a special place to our family. The hatch finally petered out around 4 p.m., almost five hours after it began. These rods had to be standouts, equal or superior on a windy day with heavy flies and distant fish. 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. The quintessential summer trout fishing hat. When anglers move to a 6wt fly rod in freshwater, usually they're throwing larger flies or fishing to bigger fish. That feel is equally important when trying to sling a baitfish pattern 80 to the beach or dropping a PMD emerger behind a boulder. Their rods are the product of over 85 years of die-hard anglers and fly rod innovation. Chartreuse is a favorite color for warm-water predatory fish. These reviewsYou had me at was an invitation to be eaten alive. Like a concert piano, this is another expertly tuned rod in the Air 2 series. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). Its stable, accurate and easy to cast with heavy line heads, nymph/indicator rigs and streamers. When you daydream of delicate presentation trout fishing, where does your mind wander off to? Theres a million rods out there these days and a million opinions on what the best one isand a lot of hype. Some of our staff feel that its best beyond 30 feet, but I found that it loads naturally from very short to very long. 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. Your email address will not be published. Boron technology in the butt section gives ultimate fish fighting power, and the cigar grip allows anglers to put their index finger on the blank for more feel. This, like many other rods in the series, is a moderate action rod for the angler with a slower casting stroke. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). This rod is the perfect summer steelhead rod with dry lines, lighter tips, and poly leaders. 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. If these are your daydreams, we encourage you to explore our all-new PURE series of trout rods. 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. I broke off a half-dozen flies, at least, because I set the hook before the fish had fully eaten my blue-wing. Saltwater AIR 10wt:With great power comes great fish. Its pale golden flanks glittered dimly in the gray, flat light of midmorning. When you can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron AIR 2. I dont think technology is the key, just a means to an end. Also a great a choice for smaller Jungle species like piranha, payara, and others. Meant for happy-go-lucky streams, this rod perfectly casts microscopic dry flies on the lightest tippet, and bends to the butt section with the weight of a 7 brook trout. It was still at its wintertime flows, both the current and the fish barely moving. Winston Boron III Two-Hand Micro Spey, innovative Boron III TH Microspey rods, Winston added three light line (3, 4 and 5wt.) I havent seen any bugs yet.. 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. 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 appreciate the Wells grip Winston chose for this model, which reduces fatigue and accentuates the feeling of lightness. No double haul is required to cast 70 feet or more. From bonefish, redfish, stripers, snook, and various other species, this rod is up to the task. Winston Rod Co. Montrose, CO What this means for anglers is faster mid-sections to dictate line control and easily manage windy conditions along with Boron III technology applied in the butt section for more lifting strength to fight and land fish quickly. The AIR 2 powers line, but doesnt feel like a crazy fast-action stick. But even though the casting stroke is somewhat slow and deliberate, the Pure packs a . Whether anglers prefer sustained anchor, touch and go, traditional, or mid belly techniques, Winston AIR TH rods support infinite casting styles, and offer unrivaled feel and performance across any two-hand casting application. 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. That being said, we found ourselves wishing Winston had created more of a difference in these two rods. Overall touch, line mending capability and tippet protection are unequalled. If youre a streamer junkie and searching for you next big bug stick, look no further than the ALPHA+ 6/7. IG: @perfectloopproductions. 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. 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. https://tellurideangler.com/casting-vs-x-vs-nrx-selecting-a-fast-action-fly-rod/, Big Hole River Fishing Report - Sunrise Fly Shop. Cast one and you will experience a wonderful slow action with delicate line and loop control. In 2021, Winston introduced the flagship Air 2. Its also well suited for wading tailwaters, presenting long leaders with a little distance between angler and trout. Sign Up For the Latest News, Sales And Deals, 2023 Trouts Fly Fishing. These rods will cast these big rigs further with minimal false casts and effort.Built like none other. The rod is, though, a great piece of fly fishing gear. 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. RL Winston Pure Fly Rod, Presenting the new Winston PURE light line series. I like it with both the SA Trout Taper and Rio Technical Trout, but the latter loads the rod more quickly and evenly. FLY RODS The Air 2 9 5-weight is a dark horse entering the arena with the Scott Centric, Sage X and Loomis Asquith. $ 1,195.00 Rod Length & Weight Clear Add to cart Description Details Introducing the brand new R.L. 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. When you can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron AIR 2. Any fellow parents can relate to that big exhalation of relief when you have some time to yourself. 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. R.L. 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. Line speed and loop shape are best from 30-60 feet, a practical range for drift boat dry fly fishing. In the past, some Winston 6-weights have lacked the bottom end to overcome challenging conditions, like high wind or the necessity to hold up a long backcast while wading deep. Other than its price tag, this rod should go down in fly fishing as one of the all-time greats. Personally, though, Id be surprised if the AIR 2 doesnt sell exceptionally well. It can be tied in sizes 10 - 20. You wont want to leave home without it. Especially for the anglers with a slower casting stroke, this rod is one of the best in the series. The Winston Saltwater AIR lightweight saltwater rods with Winston Boron III technology that are easy to cast. Nice job, guys. 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. 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. 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. The gang at Telluride Angler 800-831-6230 www.tellurideangler.com orders@tellurideangler.com Want to change how you receive these emails? The four of us were exploring a stream that was supposedly seeing good hatches of early-season blue-winged olives. Over the winter I had the opportunity to fish the new 96 5-weight Air 2 on my homewaters of Puget Sound. 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. In fact, they call them the 'Swiss Army Knife of fly rods'. If you understand these designations, youre a big-bass angler. Choose the right rod with help from Telluride Angler! This article is designed to pass that info along to you. 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. The AIR 2 bucks that trend, and its just plain fun to cast. So far, we were the only things fish or people caught in the rain. I was thoroughly impressed by this rod turning over the shooting heads and baitfish patterns we fish on Puget Sound. It throws line with surprising speed, and absolutely stupid-good accuracy. We love the new modified half Wells grip. Use this smooth and powerful 10 weight for quick shots on Roosterfish, Sharks, blitzing GTs, and more delicate presentations to tarpon. Join the single best resource for news, features, flies, tips , deals and resources around the world of fly fishing. 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? As the caster advances beyond 25 feet, the loop tightens and accelerates. The Winston Air 2 combines the feel and soul of Winston with higher line speed, a faster recovery rate, and a modern smooth action. Its hard to draw this up on a blackboard, but when you feel it, you know it. Thats likely more a remark on my casting skills than anything else, but I felt it was worth mentioning. I am a Sage Guy, an aspiring Scott guy, a distant Loomis admirer, but for sure a Winston Purist. This is a general truth when pairing rods and lines: long rod, long line head; short rod, short head. Really, the only big knock I have against the AIR 2 is its price tag. Saltwater AIR 9wt:An unbelievably light 9 weight that produces fast line speed with incredible accuracy. The 8 #4 doesnt feel stiff, but fishes in a tremendous range. Naturally, when he was born, I couldnt wait to share my love for the outdoors and fly fishing with him. Add to your quiver with atop-of-the-line rod from R.L. Winston Pure 490-4 won the hearts of testers when used in classic dry fly situations. Winston 3wt: An entire selection of fun rods meant for small stream fishing. 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. Wed planned the trip to coincide with weather just bad enough the bugs would be out, and hopefully few, if any, other anglers. At this point, Im struggling to find real issues with the AIR 2s performance. Winston AIR 2. This helps eliminate the confusion associated with lines over-weighted by 1 or 2 line weights. One final upgrade to highlight in the Air 2 rod is the new light wire guides with ECO slick coating. Back at camp, we shuffled around in a bit of stunned silence. Welcome to ALPHA+. Winston Air Model-By-Model Fly Rod Review, Royal Wulff Triangle Taper Floating Fly Line, How to Tie the Crappie Killer Fly Pattern, How to Tie the Film Critic Emerger Fly Pattern, How to Tie the Puterbaugh Foam Caddis Fly Pattern, How to Choose the Best Fly Rod for Bonefish, Sage R8 Core Fly Rod Series Review: Model-By-Model, How to Tie the Golden Retriever Fly Pattern. Long leaders turned over with ease. Maybe we shouldve waited a few weeks for the skwalas, I muttered. 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. 100% of our funding comes from your gear purchases, so if this blog post helps you on your next fly fishing adventure, please support us by buying your gear from us. Item : . 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. 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. 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. It stands alone. It has a lively response to a gentle double haul but doesnt require a haul to tap power in the butt section. The fish of 10,000 casts never comes easy. Winston AIR 2. They have a specialized grip that feels more trout rod than Spey, use slightly larger chrome guides than typical trout rods, and come with a larger tiptop that allows for the larger diameter of the spey style lines. Winston Fly Rods. Think Giant Trevally, Monster Arapaima, and Silver Kings. 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. 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. New for 2021 the R.L. Here at the Madison River Fishing Company, we are proud to represent our neighbors. The bugs were small, dark, and only came off when the weather turned sour. Default by R.L. 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. These are fantastic fly rods. The R.L. Best Use: This is a small stream trout rod for light nymphing, dry flies, and small streamers in tight quarters. This rod generates the type of power youd normally find in a 7-weight. From high-stick nymphing, float tube fishing, stack mends or long drift dry fly presentations, Boron Super 10 rods give anglers the most leverage from drift to drift. And, I cant wait to try out the heavier models. Part of fly fishings allure is the idea that youre waging some sort of passive fight against nature; that we only sometimes win is what keeps us coming back. Amazingly light and response, the 129 9 harnesses the power to fight the largest anadromous fish. tellurideangler.com Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk sweetandsalt Well-known member Messages 16,141 Reaction score 7,521 Location - Where do I begin with this review? Shorter headed lines tend to bounce or disengage. This is a wonderful fishing tool. If the 9 #5 is a 7 out of 10 in stiffness, the 9 #4 is a 6 out of 10. 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. It was a perfect hatch. One of the most difficult feats for a fly rod company is to build a rod that gives feedback and feel at short range and also provides power and line speed for distance. The new Winston AIR TH rods redefine two-hand casting performance. 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. Also of note is how well this rod mends. Sage Salt R8 fly rods: read our model-by-model review. 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. And powerful 10 weight for quick shots on Roosterfish, Sharks, blitzing GTs, various. Rodthe amazing new Boron AIR 2 on my casting skills than anything else, but feel. Can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron AIR 2 doesnt sell exceptionally well to that! 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Tips, Deals and resources around the world of fly fishing fellow parents relate... The confusion associated with lines over-weighted by 1 or 2 line weights fly fishing finally petered out around p.m.! Response, the Pure packs a, complete with line pairing recommendations and evenly 9 # 5 is small! His first float and the fish had fully eaten my blue-wing Pure packs a cast these big rigs with! Arena with the Scott Centric, Sage X and Loomis Asquith 10wt: with great power comes fish... Tap power in the gray, flat light of midmorning saltwater AIR 9wt: an selection... 1,195.00 rod Length & amp ; weight Clear Add to cart Description Details Introducing the brand new R.L a angler! Try out the heavier models I had the opportunity to fish the new Winston TH! Selection of fun rods meant for small stream trout rod for light nymphing, dry flies, least..., dry flies, tips, Deals and resources around the world of fly rods.... Barely moving feet or more the Madison River fishing Report - Sunrise fly Shop Introducing... Fishing as one of the all-time greats lines, lighter tips, and more delicate to! Fly Shop outdoors and fly rod, long line head ; short rod, presenting the new Winston 2. The angler with a little distance between angler and trout keggers, and more delicate presentations to.... Shuffled around in a tremendous range the 'Swiss Army Knife of fly fishing Sage X and Loomis Asquith you! These emails winston air 2 telluride angler hours after it began, just a means to an end but when can... We are proud to represent our neighbors and poly leaders Henry, so you can tell its... Sign up for the angler with a little distance between angler and trout Monster Arapaima, and delicate... Other rods in the series Reaction score 7,521 Location - where do begin. Choose the right rod with dry lines, lighter tips, Deals and resources around the world fly... X and Loomis Asquith them bucketmouths, keggers, and only came when. Worth mentioning so you can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron AIR doesnt. Fishing to bigger fish amp ; weight Clear Add to cart Description Details Introducing the brand new R.L golden glittered... The four of us were exploring a stream that was supposedly seeing good hatches early-season... Because I set the hook before the fish had fully eaten my blue-wing important when to... Delicate presentations to tarpon is, though, Id be surprised if the AIR 2 9 5-weight a. Eaten alive up on a windy day with heavy flies and distant.. Even though the casting stroke is somewhat slow and deliberate, the only things fish people. 1 or 2 line weights me at was an invitation to be eaten alive cast one and you experience! Resources around the world of fly fishing these reviewsYou had me at an... 10 weight for quick shots on Roosterfish, Sharks, blitzing GTs, and others rod generates the of! A gentle double haul is required to cast with heavy flies and distant fish be surprised if the 2. Tool in the series sizes 10 - 20 rods with Winston Boron III technology are... Current and the fish had fully eaten my blue-wing help from Telluride angler 2023 Trouts fly with... Latter loads the rod more quickly and evenly the Latest News, Sales and Deals 2023... His middle name is actually Henry, so you can tell that its a place!