Winston Air 2 Max 9′ 8-weight

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   As a flagship model, this rod achieves the goals of the Air 2 Max series quite well. It’s an even-loading rod, but favors distance, power and slightly heavy fly lines. Aggressive casters will immediately like this rod, but less experienced anglers may have trouble casting short. This is a rod with high top end performance capability, but like a racehorse, the jockey must “ask the question.” With a Rio Elite Bonefish line, it casts with as much distance and stability as any 8-weight on the market. A Rio Redfish taper and the SA Bonefish Plus are better choices for many anglers, especially for wade fishing where short and mid-distance casting is anticipated.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   The 9’ 8wt AIR 2 MAX is an incredibly smooth casting 8wt that will be equally happy on the flats as it will be in freshwater for large anadromous fish. It is very stable and has the ability to lift lots of line off the water and shoot it back out. As you might expect from Winston, the 9’ 8wt is an absolute sweetheart of a caster at all distances. It forms a nice natural loop in close and also has the lower end power to drive tight loops on the longest of casts. Similar to other rods in the AIR 2 MAX lineup, the 9’ 8wt is nice and light in hand and is a rod that you can throw all day without much fatigue. I’ve cast several different lines on this rod and have yet to find one that I don’t enjoy. If you plan on doing more technical saltwater fishing and prefer a stiffer feel the Rio Elite Bonefish WF8F is a great option. If you want a line that will load easier in close consider the SA Amplitude Smooth Bonefish Plus WF8F. This line slows the rod down ever so slightly and really engages the classic Winston feel. The 9’ 8wt also has the ability to handle slightly heavier lines like the Rio Premier Redfish WF8F. Given how many different fly line tapers this rod can handle, this is truly a well-rounded 8wt that can handle any saltwater application you throw at it.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)