Winston Pure 9′ 5-weight

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is my second favorite PURE rod, to the 9 foot #4. These rods are very close in action, but the 5-weight is noticeably a more all-around rod. I could see this 5-weight being a go-to trout rod for a whole lot of anglers. The action is easy, while remaining broad. Long and short casts were accomplished with equal ease. The rod threw open and tight loops equally well and it had that same buttery sweet action and casting profile. It is not a fast action rod, but it is not what I would call a slow action rod either. This rod is in the same league as the GLoomis NRX LP 905 and the Scott G Series 905. It is superb to do everything a 5-weight should do for the angler. Both the SA Trout taper and the Rio Gold WF5F were excellent matches. Like the 4-weight, I had to be reminded that someone else needed a turn to cast this rod.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   Many anglers will choose a faster action rod for their 9’ 5-weight, but those seeking a dry fly-style rod have found their mark. Like the 9’ 4-weight, this model is finely tuned. Super light in the hand, it swings with balance and precision regardless of line length. It could be pushed to fish deep nymphs or a streamer, but at heart, this is a dry fly rod for the legendary rivers that call for a 5-weight: Henry’s Fork, Silver Creek, Green, South Fork Snake, Delaware and others of the ilk. Like the 9’ 4-weight, the strength of this rod is throwing dry fly loops from short to long. The rod prefers an SA Trout Taper or Rio Technical Trout, but will handle a wider range of lines than other Pure models. The Rio Perception is a good choice for dry-dropper fishing and the Rio Trout LT fishes great with extra-long leaders. Avoid the SA Amplitude Infinity Taper and other lines that fish high in their weight class.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 4 out of 5

   I liked the feel of this rod in the close and mid distances. Longer distance casts required more effort with some decrease in accuracy. I’m not sure if this would be my go to “all around” 5 wt. but would like to get it out on the water for further testing.

   Jason Moshonas (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   I had the pleasure of casting this fine fly rod the other day and was very pleased. I tend to lean more towards medium action fly rods so I was excited to get my hands on the 9′ 5wt PURE. The rod didn’t disappoint at all. It casts wonderfully in close and surprisingly great at distance. The feel of the rod left me with a smile for a long time after putting it down. This is a wonderful option for someone looking for a true “all-around” 5wt. I cast this with the SA Trout taper and I personally wouldn’t ever put another line on there, it pairs very well. This rod is another sweetheart from the Winston crew.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)