Winston Air 2 Max 8’6″ 8-weight

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   If the rest of the 8’6” models turn out like this one, Winston will really have something special.  Parker and I both loved it.  The length successfully imparts the desired sense of lightness in hand, low swing weight and an efficient casting stroke.  What really impresses me is the action of the rod.  The taper feels springy and lively with a Rio Elite Bonefish.  The rod “casts itself” in a way also found in the 11-weight in this series.  Casting loops are tight, line speed very high, accuracy intuitive and effortless.  The range is shorter than the 9-footer, but it’s a better rod up to about 60 feet.  Outstanding.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   This rod is simply incredible. It brings a whole new meaning to the term “lightweight.” It swings like a 6wt in hand yet still fishes very high in the 8wt line class. The shortened blank does several things for the angler. It helps keep your loop lower and inherently performs better in the wind than a traditional 9′ saltwater rod. It also cuts down the physical weight of the rod and gives you superior lifting power. This is the perfect rod for mangrove fishing from a skiff or panga, whether you’re chasing snook in Florida or baby tarpon in Mexico. The rod itself is stiff enough to fish a heavier line and larger flies, but it still has excellent feel and incredible accuracy. I’ve taken this rod on several saltwater trips to various locations and it’s landed bonefish, trigger fish, snook, smaller trevally, and baby tarpon. This would also make for an awesome freshwater streamer rod targeting bass, pike, and the largest of trout. This rod gets a 10 out of 10 from me and will come with me on every saltwater trip for years to come. My favorite all-around line on this rod is the SA Amplitude Bonefish Plus WF8F but it can handle a very wide range of both saltwater lines and freshwater lines.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)