Winston Pure 8’6″ 4-weight

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   This was probably my favorite rod in the Pure line up. It has nice light swing weight but with exceptional balance. I really liked the flex profile which came smoothly into the mid-section of the rod, with a quick recovery in the tip. It made the casting stroke feel quite effortless. Accuracy was very good out to 50 feet. Quite a pleasure to cast this rod.

   Jason Moshonas (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is a very important trout length and line weight, considered “most versatile” in its class by many anglers. Like the 8’ and 9’ 4-weights in the Pure Series, the 8’6” 4-weight is a fundamentally terrific rod. It feels amazing in the hand, light and lively, eager to flex and deliver. It loads nice and short, but really comes into its own at 35 or 40’ when the longer section of fly line pulls deeper into the blank, stabilizing the loop and adding line speed. When choosing between this and the 9’ model, let leader length and fishing distance be your guide.

   Lines: Rio Technical Trout or SA Trout Taper (every version)

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 4 out of 5

   The PURE 8’6” 4-weight felt like it was a touch quicker and slightly tighter than the 9 foot 4 weight. This rod had a similar smoothness, but wasn’t quite as buttery feeling as the 9. I think this rod would be a shade better all-around and has a little more power in reserve if the breeze picks up. I wanted it to be a little smoother in close, but at 15 to 20 feet the rod is lovely. This rod also through the shorter heavier line a little better and it didn’t seem to transform with the change in line. Nice and predictable with a taper change. A solid all-around trout rod, go here if you want a little more versatility.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)