Winston Air 2

The second generation of AIR single-handed rods uncompromisingly builds on the success of its predecessor and impressively represents Winston's 90-year tradition.

AIR 2 fly rods from Winston can do (almost) everything: present tiny dry flies for shy trout in shallow water, cast a heavy streamer to the distant shore in windy conditions, deploy the entire line in a stable loop and make fast, precise casts at close range. Whether nymph fishing, bank fishing from a boat or wading, the new AIR 2 cuts a first-class figure. If you need to choose a rod with which you are prepared for (almost) all eventualities on the fishing water, then the Boron AIR 2 is the ideal choice for you.

In our opinion, the innovations compared to the first AIR models, designed for freshwater fishing for trout, grayling, etc., are impressive! Improvements include:

• A new taper design that offers a faster, progressive all-round action. Extremely light yet powerful!
• Introducing S-2000, a next generation high modulus graphite material for faster recovery speed and suppleness.
• New Boron configuration for improved power and energy transfer.
• New cigar handle in Winston design for even more feeling when throwing
• The custom HSR (High Strain Rate) resin offers an even faster recovery speed that provides a modern feel, is more durable and offers higher part strength with less weight.
• The new Light Wire Shooting Snake Guides have a smaller profile with new ECO-Slick coating and a Round Helix geometry that reduces line friction and provides greater energy, accuracy and distance management.

Like the AIR 1, the AIR 2 also impresses with its very low physical weight and impresses with its very low 'swing weight' right from the first throw. You can immediately tell that these rods were lovingly handcrafted for fishing and not just for throwing on the meadow. Because the sensitive blank charges optimally even over short distances and you don't need a miracle of distance to experience the high recovery speed of the AIR 2 and the gentle flow of energy into the flying line. You receive complete and immediate feedback from the blank across all throwing distances, which ultimately results in a precise and sensitive presentation. And that's exactly what it often comes down to in practice! In direct comparison with its predecessor, the action has become a little faster and livelier, which we personally really like.

The workmanship of the AIR 2 is - as usual from Winston - beyond all doubt. Each model has an elegant cigar handle with cork of the very best quality. Uplocking reel seat made of nickel silver and spacers made of burl wood match the elegant finish of the slim blank in Winston green perfectly. We like the new, slightly smaller rings even better. As usual, each AIR 2 is delivered in a handmade fabric case and a high-quality carbon fiber rod tube.

We look forward to many hours on the water with the revised AIR rod series and can warmly recommend it to the most demanding fly fishermen. A piece of rod building art in a class of its own!

Details:

• Medium to fast, progressive action
• New taper design (slightly faster than previous models)
• New high modulus graphite material (S2000)
• New HSR resin (High Strain Rate)
• Faster reset speed than its predecessor
• 4 parts
• Light Wire Shooting Snake Guides
• Light wire hard chrome ECO Slick coating on the rings
• Uplocking reel seat made of nickel silver with studded wood insert
• Cigar handle made from premium cork
• Delivered in a premium graphite rod tube with logo rod sock
• Handmade in Twin Bridges/Montana (USA)