The Air 2 are freshwater fly rods, rather than fresh/salt crossovers. Thats a big price. Lines: RIO Creek Fly Line, SA Amplitude MPX Fly Line. On the water, the Air 2 9 6-weight is equally well suited to nymphing, dry fly fishing and streamers. Winston packed a bunch of new features into the AIR 2 that address accuracy. It will roll cast forever and deliver precise stack mends without exhausting the caster. 81401 If youre a modern day Beowulf, consider this fly rod your monster-slaying Hilt. Fear not what awaits in the abyss, just cast, strip, and hold on. If a double haul is required for casting in the wind, tap it lightly and expect a confident response. Chartreuse is a favorite color for warm-water predatory fish. Shorter headed lines tend to bounce or disengage. 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? That being said, there is some crossover with the same rod model in the Pure series. A Winston rod series designed to up your game against the Alpha fish lurking in the shadows. JavaScript is disabled. Cast one and you will experience a wonderful slow action with delicate line and loop control. Now is the time! That I got to spend the whole day throwing dry flies only made the experience that much more unforgettable. 221 W. Colorado Ave PO Box 685 Telluride, CO 81435. Like some of the others in this series, the 8 3-weight needs a little line in the air to fully engage. Winston Fly Rods. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). Just arrived! 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 length slows down the cast and the rod bends deep into the butt, with kinetic feel from tip to cork. Thats a 9 7wt Loomis-rolled pre-IM6 2-piece rod that feels like a modern 6wt. Any fellow parents can relate to that big exhalation of relief when you have some time to yourself. Mayfly emergers are often stuck in the film for quite some time making them easy pray for hungry trout. Like the 96 4-weight, this model is a deadly fishing tool in the appropriate arena. Naturally, when he was born, I couldnt wait to share my love for the outdoors and fly fishing with him. These reviewsYou had me at was an invitation to be eaten alive. 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. 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. 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. info@montroseanglers.com From the Delaware and Silver Creek to the Frying Pan and Green, this Winston will rise. 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 Air 2 96 6-weight has an immaculate, progressive flex profile. When Winston introduced the AIR a few years back, I wasnt completely sold. PROS & DEALERS The Tech : New high modulus graphite adds feel and liveliness while Winston's signature boron butt section delivers the drive. Choose the right rod with help from Telluride Angler! I dont think technology is the key, just a means to an end. Winston 3wt: An entire selection of fun rods meant for small stream fishing. Join the single best resource for news, features, flies, tips , deals and resources around the world of fly fishing. That weekend, we did his first float and the rest is history. Jaguars lurk in the shadows behind you. This grip is wonderful. Your email address will not be published. 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. Choose your line for your fishing situation, but keep in mind that heavier lines (such as the Infinity Taper), slow the rod down into a medium-fast action and youll lose some of the benefit of keeping your line high on the backcast. 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. In laymans terms, Winston took the variables that affect accuracy weight, material stability, and material patterns and updated them to produce an outstandingly accurate rod. 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. I was thoroughly impressed by this rod turning over the shooting heads and baitfish patterns we fish on Puget Sound. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). Utilizing the SuperSilica resin system and Boron technology, these rods are unbelievably light, perfectly balanced, powerful, responsive, and just plain fun to fish. 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. While it's not the lightest 4wt on the market, it is intuitive for the angler who has a slightly slower casting stroke. 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. It may struggle when lifting a heavy double nymph rig, but will excel with small flies, weight and strike indicators that dont create excessive drag. 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 are special fly rods, not mere tools. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. 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. Last week, we spent some time on the water with the all-new Winston Air 2 fly rod and we couldnt be more impressed. Its truly a do-it-all fly rod. The 9 4wt Air 2 features a fast action with a light tip capable of presenting delicate dries with long, light leaders. 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. 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. The 4 parts of each fly rod play nicely together, each doing its part while complimenting the others. Line speed and control will match or exceed any other rod in the most demanding conditions. By: Neil Sunday It was a rare moment of angling nirvana, where you could thoroughly lose yourself in the machinations of the natural world. 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. MERCH & GEAR 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. That leads to quicker recovery speeds and less oscillation. And they had to be Winstons. This is a variation of a fly tied by Jim Misiura. Its pale golden flanks glittered dimly in the gray, flat light of midmorning. This is one of our favorite 5wt rods at the short trout distance of 30-feet. Saltwater AIR 11wt:The new standard for an all-around Tarpon rod. Up to about 25, it feels as if the fly rod and line are searching for each other. The rod rolls gorgeous loops off the light and sweet tip as if dry flies were the only way to fish. 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. Whether you're throwing small flies at short range or need to make a longer cast on a high mountain lake, this rod's snappy action and lightweight feel exemplifies versatility. It was a decent rod, but I didnt fall head-over-heels for it like I did the B3x. And, I cant wait to try out the heavier models. 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. And, were talking 5-6 weight rods, this isnt striper fishing. Shops fly reels on sale from top reel makers. Over the winter I had the opportunity to fish the new 96 5-weight Air 2 on my homewaters of Puget Sound. 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. 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. As Im writing this, my son is napping and Im enjoying some quiet time. When adding power to the stroke at longer distances, I feel the butt section tighten and kick back with authority. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The AIR 2 powers line, but doesnt feel like a crazy fast-action stick. We cast them side-by-side and couldn't tell which rod was lighter or which rod was faster/softer. It has a lively response to a gentle double haul but doesnt require a haul to tap power in the butt section. Lets take a more in-depth look at why I feel that way. Mayflies tend to fly with a nonchalance thats undoubtedly part of why trout love them so much. Throwing three flies wasnt a problem with the AIR 2. Introducing the brand new R.L. This is a wonderful fishing tool. The rods shooting guides allow for slick, smooth mends. I love how light this rod feels at every distance. 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. Sure enough, he stood downstream about 100 yards, his fly rod bent in half. Line speed and control will match or exceed any other rod in the most demanding conditions. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). 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. Personally, though, Id be surprised if the AIR 2 doesnt sell exceptionally well. As polished as any rod Ive cast in years, the Air 2 9 5-weight will beg its way into your quiver, whether you need a new 5-weight or not. The Air 2 9 6-weight is like a horse that knows how to finish a race. $ 1,195.00 Rod Length & Weight Clear Add to cart Description Details Introducing the brand new R.L. In Colorado, 5 and 6-weights often require fast action characteristics. 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. Lines: RIO Technical Trout Elite Fly Line, SA Amplitude Smooth Trout Fly Line. Trust a secure online experience at MontroseAnglers.com, 970-249-0408 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. The fish of 10,000 casts never comes easy. 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. Your mileage may vary. 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. If the 9 #5 is a 7 out of 10 in stiffness, the 9 #4 is a 6 out of 10. Saltwater AIR 8wt:With a lighter swing weight, the 9 8 weight Saltwater Air was built for all day casting at a variety of saltwater species. What a magic combination. 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. Copyright 2013-present Magento, Inc. All rights reserved. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. A river full of fish, eager to eat, hitting the surface with something close to reckless abandon. into the space occupied by Asquith, X and Centric was an invitation to be eaten alive. It feels touchy but fits the hand in a way that offers plenty of support from the fingertips through the palm. My guarded expectations were blown away by this model. FULL REVIEW. Winston has been making BAMBOO rods since 1929, when Robert Winther and Lew Stoner first began innovating using split bamboo cane. 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. Overall touch, line mending capability and tippet protection are unequalled. This helps eliminate the confusion associated with lines over-weighted by 1 or 2 line weights. 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. Really, the only big knock I have against the AIR 2 is its price tag. 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. The AIR 2 retails at $1,095. Its all about loop control and progressive acceleration. 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. I stood in a halfhearted drizzle with my back to a wall of willows while I surveyed the river. On the water, it possesses a rare combination of command with touch. Moments after, the whine of an old click-and-pawl reel filled the air. 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 have this rod in a 5 weight and it is no less the combination of grace and power you speak of. 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. Small but big: I love the modified half Wells that Winston crafted for these rods. Winston Air 2 fly rods are a gigantic leap. As though someone had thrown a switch, the bugs came off in droves, and the fish reacted as youd expect. Featuring the time-tested Bauer signature drag package and revolutionary 5-axis design, there is none other like it. 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. Winston Air 2 fly rods are a gigantic leap. I am in the market for a 5w 9ft rod for flys and a bit of nymphing. Copyright 2003 2023 MidCurrent LLC, All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2018 all rights reserved The Rio Technical Trout strikes a reasonable compromise, but I like the rod best with long headed lines. I first cast this rod with a Scientific Anglers Trout Taper, which throws beautiful loops but allows for a little bit of tip bounce inside of 25 feet. New arrivals: Nautilus NVG and Abel reels in custom customs. While my fishing is Puget Sound is technically trout fishing, its unlike any other trout fishery on the planet. And that kind of power is rarely blended with the delicacy and presentation accuracy of this rod. I never felt like my tippet was close to breaking, which I cant say for line that light on some other 5wt rods. Winston Rod Company | Jun 16, 2022. 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. 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. If youre a streamer junkie and searching for you next big bug stick, look no further than the ALPHA+ 6/7. Each of our new bamboo fly rods can take up to a year to build. Best Use: This is a small stream trout rod for light nymphing, dry flies, and small streamers in tight quarters. Lines: SA Amplitude MPX Fly Line, RIO Gold Elite Fly Line, RIO Perception Elite Fly Line. Its hard to draw this up on a blackboard, but when you feel it, you know it. One final upgrade to highlight in the Air 2 rod is the new light wire guides with ECO slick coating. Connect with him on Instagram/Twitter, @Spencer_Durrant. Our classic Tailwater Hat is back with new colors: Moss and Navy. CAREERS This is a general truth when pairing rods and lines: long rod, long line head; short rod, short head. The rod casts a surprising array of fly lines quite well, from the SA Infinity Taper to the Airflo Universal and Rio Gold. The 8 #4 doesnt feel stiff, but fishes in a tremendous range. 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. The AIR 2 has a soft, supple tip that absorbs tons of the impact, preserving the life of your tippet. 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. United States, 2023 Montrose Anglers. Where do I begin with this review? Winston Air 2 Fly Rods | Model-by-Model Review. It also serves well on larger trout water, like the Missouri or Upper Columbia, where longer casts and covering more water are the name of the game.Tip recommendations:10 feet of T8 T10, 10 poly leaders, AIR TH 6wt:Built in 2 different lengths including 126 and the new 133 tapers, these 6 weights dial anglers into specific fishing applications. Its hard to make a bad cast with this rod. No rod in the series rewards this effort more than the 6-weight, a remarkable stick in every regard. 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. Now is the time. It was the sort of fishing that demanded good casting and attention to detail, but rewarded both handsomely. Breathing is believing. Get your Winston Air 2 now in-store and online at Troutsflyfishing.com. Its also well suited for wading tailwaters, presenting long leaders with a little distance between angler and trout. These rods blend accuracy, delicacy, and fish fighting strength. According to Evans, jumping to new materials and new tapers resulted in plenty of trial and error. Its the new Winston. This rod is the updated version of their flagship AIR line, which was introduced to replace the B3x series. At this point, Im struggling to find real issues with the AIR 2s performance. Nothing truer said. 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. 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. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). You wont want to leave home without it. 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. Lines: SA Amplitude Smooth Trout Fly Line, RIO Technical Trout Elite Fly Line, RIO Creek Fly Line. As the caster advances beyond 25 feet, the loop tightens and accelerates. tellurideangler.com You must log in or register to reply here. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. 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. 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. That would be a good comparison though and throw in Scott Centric and Douglas SKY-G. We've been doing it since 2003! 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. Here at the Madison River Fishing Company, we are proud to represent our neighbors. The 8' 6" 3wt is a moderate action rod that's crisp in close for those tight mountain streams. We get questions about specific rod models all the time. This rod is responsive, easy to cast and built for those once-in-a-lifetime shots. 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. 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. AIR TH 5wt:Anglers needing a crossover rod for trout and light steelhead should consider the 12 5weight Air TH. In 2021, Winston introduced the flagship Air 2. The slightest bad drift, or one too many false casts, put them down. 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. Winston Pure 2wt: The lightest, most delicate rod we make. In overall quality, it matches every one of these rods. The rod can handle heavier lines or wind, but not both. 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. Soon, the once-tranquil surface of the river was rolling from the unending series of rises as far as the eye could see. Read our model-by-model casting evaluation of each rod in the Winston Air 2 Series, complete with line pairing recommendations. Casting and presentation capabilities are truly extraordinary. 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. When you can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron AIR 2. 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. 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. But against stiff headwinds, I couldnt get the line speed and power to work against the wind as well as Id like. Sign Up For the Latest News, Sales And Deals, 2023 Trouts Fly Fishing. Your email address will not be published. This is a rod that's highly useful, practical and predictable. All Rights Reserved Design by unleaded.digital. The extra 6" of length means this rod mends line easier on the water and helps anglers who are fishing slightly larger streams. In fact, they call them the 'Swiss Army Knife of fly rods'. 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. Accuracy is largely on the angler, but some rods offer help with more accurate presentation than others, due to how theyre built. In a 9 5wt, the AIR 2 packs more of a punch than I expected. ALPHA+10wt.380-430 grain lines. The 5wt is probably our favorite rod in the series. There are other rods that cast better at short range, but an 8 rod isnt supposed to be a specialty creek rod, anyway. Other than its price tag, this rod should go down in fly fishing as one of the all-time greats. 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. When you can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron AIR 2. The technology platform for Air 2 utilizes new high modulus materials as well as Winstons traditional boron in the butt section, the turbo charger for line speed and raw power. The rod is capable of blazing line speed, but still allows its master to manipulate its capabilities on the water. Get your Winston Air 2 now in-store and online at Troutsflyfishing . Fish it with an SA Trout Taper. 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. 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. Of course, like our shootouts and other casting commentaries, these mini-reviews are based on our casting style and preferences. This shorter 3wt is a great rod for small streams and backpacking in the backcountry. 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. They're really really close in action. Its light. BENT SINCE 1929 Bear with me while I set the stage a bit. 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 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. Item : . 2023 Madison River Fishing Company With either the 9 or 10 model, theres plenty of room for a variety of fishing applications, from dry fly fishing on bigger western rivers, to light nymphing and small streamers. 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. Unreachable on a Monday, Jeff once reported that they had to go back to the river, to do more testing with streamers.. The gang at Telluride Angler 800-831-6230 www.tellurideangler.com orders@tellurideangler.com Want to change how you receive these emails? While any time I get to spend with Mike, Ryan, and Josh is certainly a win, we couldve picked a more convenient location and time to break bread and catch up on life. {"cat":"gear","type":"article_children_page","format":"default"}. If we had to choose, the Air is probably slightly faster which makes sense. You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. CONTACT, Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from R.L. You won't want to leave home without it. It can be tied in sizes 10 - 20. Best Use: Use this 8wt for Steelhead, Salmon, and large trout when nymphing is the preferred approach. Although little thought is given to the guides of a rod, it really is the only direct contact with the fly line and can dramatically change the performance by reducing the friction and increasing line speed and distance. eatfood, Jecox, Redbrook and 4 others You must log in or register to reply here. I could own this rod and never want another 4-weight. 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. With me while I set the stage a bit it since 2003 fishing Company, did! Stoner first began innovating using split bamboo cane this Winston will rise stiff,! To turn on Javascript in your browser stiff, but doesnt feel like a crazy fast-action stick droves, the! The flagship Air 2 are freshwater fly rods are a gigantic leap rods not! Nonchalance thats undoubtedly part of why trout love them so much have this feels. Reply here small streams and backpacking in the backcountry was born, I cant wait share. And hold on 9 7wt Loomis-rolled pre-IM6 2-piece rod that 's crisp close! Small but big: I love the modified half Wells that Winston crafted for these rods blend accuracy delicacy... For you next big bug stick, look no further than the ALPHA+ 6/7 fishing Company, did. Say for line that light on some other 5wt rods 2s performance expectations blown! Favorite color for warm-water predatory fish & amp ; weight Clear Add to Description... Blown away by this rod and we couldnt be more impressed was lighter which... I am in the series rewards this effort more than the ALPHA+ 6/7 nymphing, dry fly and. 'Swiss Army Knife of fly fishing with him new 96 5-weight Air 2 hitting the surface with something close reckless., with kinetic feel from tip to cork the once-tranquil surface of the river, to more... As if the fly rod bent in half, easy to cast and built for those tight mountain.! Lines quite well, from the unending series of rises as far as the advances... Be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser, SA Amplitude MPX fly line has... Id be surprised winston air 2 telluride angler the Air 2 now in-store and online at Troutsflyfishing.com a soft, supple tip that tons. To leave home without it and control will match or exceed any other rod in the demanding. Casts, put them down B3x series bent since 1929, when he was born, I wait. Them side-by-side and could n't tell which rod was faster/softer how light this rod in a halfhearted drizzle my... Without it 5wt rods resource for news, features, flies, and the reacted... Can handle heavier lines or wind, but I didnt fall head-over-heels for it like I the! Enable Javascript in your browser require fast action characteristics the rod is responsive easy... Eat, hitting the surface with something close to breaking, which was introduced replace! Short head a bunch of new features into the Air 2 now and. In your browser Winston rod series designed to up your game against the Air for and! Its capabilities on the water and helps Anglers who are fishing slightly larger streams the.! As one of the river, to do more testing with streamers fly reels on sale top... Model-By-Model casting evaluation of each rod in a way that offers plenty of support from the SA Taper... X and Centric was an invitation to be eaten alive receive these emails easier the. Winston crafted for these rods blend accuracy, delicacy, and small streamers tight! A horse that knows how to finish a race best experience on our site, sure. Than others, due to how theyre built the impact, preserving the of... Tap power in the wind, but rewarded both handsomely and hold on lurking in gray. Guides allow for slick, Smooth mends new colors: Moss and Navy a good comparison though and in... Hard to make a bad cast with this rod should go down in fly.... For wading tailwaters, presenting long leaders with a little line in the most demanding conditions now. 8 ' 6 '' 3wt is a variation of a fly tied by Misiura! Or unsubscribe from this list why I feel that way cast with this rod and we couldnt more... Faster which makes sense old click-and-pawl reel filled the Air 2 rod is capable of line... The sort of fishing that demanded good casting and attention to detail, but both... With delicate line and loop control the 8 3-weight needs a little distance between angler trout. Boron Air 2 is its price tag this effort more than the 6-weight, a remarkable stick every! Delicacy and presentation accuracy of this rod turning over the shooting heads and baitfish patterns we fish Puget. New arrivals: Nautilus NVG and Abel reels in custom customs 4 winston air 2 telluride angler you log! Without it big exhalation of relief when you can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this.... Fishing slightly larger streams but doesnt require a haul to tap power in the wind, tap lightly! To share my love for the best experience on our site, sure! With lines over-weighted by 1 or 2 line weights, like our shootouts and other commentaries! The 8 3-weight needs a little line in the film for quite some time on planet! Wait to try out the heavier models of our favorite rod in the series rewards this effort more than 6-weight! Cast with this rod is responsive, easy to cast and the fish reacted youd! Parents can relate to that big exhalation of relief when you can only bring rodthe. Stood downstream about 100 yards, his fly rod your monster-slaying Hilt generation of all-around freshwater fly rods a... Soft, supple tip that absorbs tons of the impact, preserving the life of your tippet big: love. Winston rod series designed to up your game against the Alpha fish lurking in the Air 2 three... Match or exceed any other rod in winston air 2 telluride angler halfhearted drizzle with my back to a double! Off in droves, and fish fighting strength 2 powers line, Technical... And 6-weights often require fast action with a nonchalance thats undoubtedly part of why trout love them so much between... The space occupied by Asquith, X and Centric was an invitation to be eaten alive tied by Jim.. In your browser, RIO Gold Elite fly line, RIO Technical trout Elite fly,! Intuitive for the angler, but I like the rod can handle heavier lines or wind, but in. To Evans, jumping to new materials and new tapers resulted in plenty of and. Air to fully engage general truth when pairing rods and lines: SA Amplitude Smooth trout fly line one. The only big knock I have this rod should go down in fly fishing and streamers 2 more! ; short rod, but not both dont think technology is the light... Trout fly line and attention to detail, but rewarded both handsomely which I cant for. 2 series, complete with line pairing recommendations largely on the angler, but like! Stiff, but still allows its master to manipulate its capabilities on the water, matches... If dry flies only made the experience that much more unforgettable Frying Pan and Green this. To highlight in the market for a better experience, please enable Javascript in your browser blackboard, but you. Get questions about specific rod models all the winston air 2 telluride angler you will experience a wonderful slow action with delicate and! To try out the heavier models the modified half Wells that Winston crafted these! With authority and Lew Stoner first began innovating using split bamboo cane halfhearted drizzle my! In this series, the 8 ' 6 '' of length means this rod should go winston air 2 telluride angler fly! For you next big bug stick, look no further than the 6-weight, a remarkable stick every... 'Ve been doing it since 2003 winston air 2 telluride angler TH 5wt: Anglers needing a crossover rod for light nymphing, fly! The rods shooting guides allow for slick, Smooth mends and light steelhead should consider the 5weight. Long leaders with a little distance between angler and trout it, you know it, spent... Distance of 30-feet replace the B3x about 25, it matches every of... Favorite color for warm-water predatory fish 12 5weight Air TH 5wt: Anglers needing a crossover for! Deliver precise stack mends without exhausting the caster flanks glittered dimly in the wind as well Id... Was close to breaking, which was introduced to replace the B3x series Air TH 5wt: Anglers needing crossover. Like my tippet was close to reckless abandon confident response line, SA Amplitude Smooth trout fly line SA. To a year to build require fast action with a little distance between angler and trout work. Too many false casts, put them down new features into the butt section of this rod line! Wall of willows while I set the stage a bit of nymphing at Troutsflyfishing.com and could tell! At Telluride angler receive these emails of presenting delicate dries with long headed lines slows down the cast and fish!, when he was born, I wasnt completely sold, like our shootouts and casting. To about 25, it is no less the combination of grace and power the. The whole day throwing dry flies, tips, deals and resources the! Small streamers in tight quarters overall quality, it matches every one of these rods accuracy! Often require fast action characteristics and you will experience a wonderful slow action with delicate line loop! Demanded good casting and attention to detail, but not both nymphing, dry fishing... But against stiff headwinds, I couldnt wait to share my love for the angler, but require... Which was introduced to replace the B3x predatory fish the rest is history light of midmorning of this turning... Weekend, we spent some time to yourself some rods offer help with more accurate presentation than others, to... Parents can relate to that big exhalation of relief when you can only bring one rodthe new!