Review: Winston Air 2 Reach – Line Control and Flexibility

Extra length - a real advantage on the water

At 10 feet, the Air 2 Reach is deliberately designed to be slightly longer than classic all-round fly rods. And it is precisely this extra length that makes a huge difference on the water. Whether it's when you're mending, water casting or holding the line in the air in a controlled manner, the extra reach immediately gives you noticeably more control.

This pays off particularly when nymph fishing or on larger rivers. Drift corrections can be made more cleanly, the line lifts off the water more easily and the presentation remains controlled and calm even with complex current patterns.

New blank, familiar feel

The centrepiece of the Air 2 Reach is the new S2000 carbon blank that Winston uses for this series. In combination with new resins, the result is a blank that is extremely light, but at the same time resilient and powerful. The lower rod section in particular delivers plenty of power - ideal for heavy nymph rigs, streamers or powerful casts with multi-tip line systems.

Despite this power, the action remains clearly progressive, as is typical for Winston. The rod loads evenly, conveys a continuous feel and remains pleasantly controllable. The fast tip nevertheless provides lively feedback and enables clean, fast hooking - even with fine bites, for example when nymph fishing with a mono rig.

Versatility instead of a niche

Even if the name "Reach" initially sounds like a nymph rod, the Air 2 Reach is much more than a specialised tool. Thanks to the power in the blank, it is extremely versatile - and this is exactly what makes it so exciting for anyone who likes to fish using different methods.

• Streamer fishing with compact lines or single-handed shooting heads
• Fishing with voluminous bite indicators
• Modern Euro nymph fishing with a mono rig
• Stillwater fishing and wherever casting distance plays a role

The rod takes it all in its stride and always remains comfortable to fish. It opens up a wide range of applications, especially for salmonid fans who are targeting larger fish.

Features & technical highlights at a glance

The Air 2 Reach combines modern material technology with classic Winston construction. Here is a compact summary of the most important features:

• 10 foot length for noticeably more reach and line control (tenders, water casts, line management)
• Progressive action with fast tip for precise casts and clean, fast hook-ups
• New S2000 carbon blank (Winston) for low weight and high power reserves
• New resin/adhesive technology (High Strain Rate) for high resilience and low weight
• Lots of power in the lower rod section - ideal for heavy rigs, streamers and voluminous bite indicators
• Fighting butt for more control during the fight and a comfortable counterweight
• Full wells handle made from high-quality Korkers in the classic Winston style
• Flawless components: High-end equipment, flawlessly finished - in the typical Winston look
• Universally applicable: Still water, river, streamer, Euro Nymph, mono rig, indicator fishing

Workmanship & design - Winston as you know it

There are no surprises when it comes to the rod's construction - in the best sense of the word. The Air 2 Reach is immaculately finished, with high-quality components from the aluminium screw-in reel seat to the fighting butt and the slim full wells handle made from the best Korkers. The best of the best has been used here in terms of components.

Visually, it fits seamlessly into the Winston family: classic Winston green, subtle decorative wraps, timeless design. A look that has worked for over 20 years and is still an absolute eye-catcher today - both on the water and at home in the rod stand.

Our conclusion

For us, the Winston Air 2 Reach is one of those rods that you don't want to put down after the first few casts. The extra length is a huge advantage when it comes to line control - whether it's for casting, water casting or holding the line in the air in a controlled manner. This extra control doesn't feel like "a little" on the water, it feels like "a lot".

What also impresses us is that the action remains progressive, typical of Winston, and therefore pleasantly harmonious. At the same time, the rod is lively thanks to the fast tip. Fine bites, especially when nymph fishing, can be quickly recognised and cleanly acknowledged. And despite its 10-foot length, the Air 2 Reach does not appear bulky - on the contrary: it remains surprisingly universal because the blank has so much power and responsiveness while still being lightweight.

Whether streamer fishing with compact lines or single-handed shooting heads, fishing with voluminous bite indicators or modern nymph fishing with a mono rig: the rod is simply fun. Anyone who loves salmonids and expects to catch larger fish should definitely take a closer look at the Air 2 Reach.