Meet the R.L. Winston All-Star Team

We've always been huge supporters of R.L. Winston rods. There's just something about the green rods. They are one of few American rod manufacturers that is known for a very specific "feel". Historically speaking, if an avid angler were to cast a Winston blindfolded, they'd know it's a Winston.

That said, the Winston rods of today have taken a dramatic departure from their builds of the past. And this is a very positive thing for the brand and anglers, alike. Here's the current rundown of their single hand rods and their uses.

PURE 2

The original PURE was a dedicated medium-action dry fly rod. And a very fun one at that, but due to its softer action, it had its limitations in wind or with loftier flies. The PURE 2 is a substantial performance upgrade from its predecessor. Winston changed the material of the blank and stiffened up the butt sections. They were able to retain the feel and precision, but added some additional power to combat wind.

PURE 2 is still a tack-driving dry fly rod, but this version gives you the flexibility to do a whole lot more than the original. It's been an incredibly popular addition to their lineup.

AIR 2 Freshwater

AIR 2 is Winston's flagship all-purpose rod. As the name implies, they are extremely light in hand. They are deadly accurate and have enough low-end power to deal with heavier rigs and wind.

This series was initially launched in 3-6 weight configurations including 9'6" rods in 4-6 weight. In 2025, they answered the call of bigger game anglers and added a 9'6" 7 and 8 weight to the lineup. Single-hand steelhead and salmon anglers rejoice! The addition of the 7 and 8 rounded out the series quite nicely.

AIR 2 REACH

New in 2025, the AIR 2 REACH answers the call of stillwater anglers and dedicated nymphers. This one is available in three 10 footers: 4, 5, and 6 weight. Call the 4 and 5 ideal for most bigger water trout applications and the 6 perfect for XXL trout or small summer steelhead.

These rods have plenty of backbone to lift long and heavy indicator rigs, and the 10' length lends well to excellent line management. If nymphing is the name of your game, this rod series hit the bullseye.

AIR 2 MAX - Salt & Big Game Freshwater

To put it simply, Winston absolutely nailed it with the AIR 2 MAX. This is unequivocally the best series of fast-action saltwater rods, and big game freshwater rods, that Winston has ever built. They are notably light in hand and that holds true all the way up to the 12 weight.

What makes the AIR 2 MAX really stand out is its ability to cast a wide array of lines very well. For example, the 890 delivers a standard true-to-grain weight bonefish line with authority, including in close, which is so important. That said, if you're more into the much heavier "universal" flats lines out there, it loves those, too.

This flexibility in a fast rod allows anglers to adapt their line choice to specific fishing conditions as opposed to being stuck with one best option for everything. The AIR 2 MAX is offered in 9 foot sizes from 6-12 weight and 8'6" versions in 6-9 weight.

AIR 2 TROUT 5-PIECE

The AIR 2 TROUT 5-PIECE brings Winston's AIR 2 feel into a more travel-ready trout rod. These rods are built for anglers who want a serious Winston trout rod that packs down smaller for travel, backpacking, road trips, boats, carry-ons, and tight storage situations.

They are not simply convenience rods. The goal is still classic Winston feel, smooth loading, accuracy, and real fishing performance, just in a more packable design. For anglers who travel often or want one rod that can stay ready for the next trip, this series fills a very useful spot in the Winston lineup.

Which Winston Rod Should You Choose?

Winston Rod Series	Best Fit
PURE 2	Technical dry fly fishing, spring creeks, tailwaters, and anglers who value feel and presentation.
AIR 2 Freshwater	All-purpose freshwater fishing, trout, dry-droppers, nymphs, light streamers, and versatile rod needs.
AIR 2 REACH	Stillwater, dedicated nymphing, long drifts, mending, and extended line control.
AIR 2 MAX	Saltwater, big-game freshwater, windy conditions, larger flies, and fast-action power.
AIR 2 TROUT 5-PIECE	Travel trout fishing, packability, road trips, backpacking, and anglers who want a compact Winston rod.

Feel the Difference, Shop R.L. Winston Fly Rods

Winston rods have always had a loyal following because they offer something that is hard to describe until you cast one. The modern lineup still carries that unmistakable green-rod character, but with more power, more range, and more application-specific tools than ever before.

Whether you're looking for a technical dry fly rod, an all-around freshwater workhorse, a 10-foot nymphing and stillwater tool, a serious saltwater rod, or a travel-ready trout setup, there is a Winston single hand rod built for the job.

- Gorge Fly Shop Team