Winston Pure 2 Fly Rod Review Model by Model - A Refined Delicacy
The Winston Pure 2 fly rod series is absolutely gorgeous and these are truly gems for light trout applications, particularly focused on dry flies. Medium-action rods are becoming more popular again these days. They excel at close-range scenarios where bigger, heavier, faster rods would be useless and often cumbersome. Presentation is everything and these rods were designed around that core concept.
There are all-new sizes compared with the previous generation of Pure rods. The new 8'3" length for the 4wt and 5wt is particularly great and I have been using those quite a bit in testing. I know some of you want to hear about the 2wt but I am focusing first on the sizes likely to get the most interest. I have a little over 2 hours of testing time on the 8'3" rods which is quite a bit, and as always with my reviews I will be adding plenty of fly line comparisons with each of these rods as soon as I have extra time to do more testing.
Presentation is everything and these rods were designed around that core concept.
Winston focused on every little detail to make sure these rods have all the special characteristics you could want from light, medium-action fly rods. The only real competition for these rods would be the Scott G Series, Thomas & Thomas Paradigm, and the Sage Trout LL series. Strong contenders but as many other reviewers and forum-dwellers have pointed out, the Pure series is differentiated enough to make it a worthwhile separate purchase from the others, especially in a different size. Can't really have too much of a good thing, or too many fly rods, right?
We will have the full breakdown model-by-model with some comments soon!
*This is an outline for now as we are still reviewing each model, so the overview here is just the description from Winston:
The PURE 2 Models: All-Around Medium-Action Trout Models
9’ 4 weight PURE 2
The most versatile technical tailwater rod in the group, the 9’ 4 weight is ready to turn over long leaders to snobby tailwater fish. It has backbone for double dries and light droppers, but truly showcases the classic Winston action for longer presenta- tions.
8’3” 5 weight PURE 2
An incredible choice for smaller tailwaters. For us, the Beaverhead River has heavy flows, and short casts that tuck caddis and sallies under willows and faster pockets bring success. This rod is ready for those quick shots and pinpoint accuracy in tighter situations.
9’ 5 weight PURE 2
The 9’ 5 weight is the ideal big-water rod in the entire line-up. With a slower action compared to our AIR 2, this 5 weight is up for longer casts, bigger flies, and amazing control in a medium-fast action format. If you’re looking for a versatile 5 weight, but prefer a paced, smooth action, this rod will cover multiple, big tailwater fishing applications.
The PURE 2 Models: Spring Creek & Small Stream Medium-Action Trout Models
SPRING CREEK & SMALL STREAM MEDIUM-ACTION TROUT MODELS
7’3” 2 weight PURE 2
When fishing small trout on tiny water, this 2 weight is the perfect choice. Delicate for trout that spook at your shadow, but just plain fun to fish, especially when a 10” brookie bends the rod to the cork.
6’9” 3 weight PURE 2
Made for those maniacs that head into the small, wooded streams of the Appalachians or willow choked creeks out West, this 3 weight is compact for the tightest of water, capable of flicks, bow and arrow, and other casts when a back-cast is tough.
7’9” 3 weight PURE 2
If you can own only one small creek rod, the 7’9” 3 weight is it. Incredibly supple with added control for slightly longer casts, you’ll want to pull out this rod for your perfect, happy days on smaller water.
7’9” 4 weight PURE 2
When accuracy is critical and delicacy is mandatory, the 7’9” 4 weight has incredible touch and feel, allowing anglers more versatility when more power is required.
8’3” 4 weight PURE 2
If you can own only one spring creek rod, the PURE 2 8’3” 4 weight is the one. Incredibly delicate with superb control, this incredible rod will become a classic. With unmatched feel, this rod will load at your shoelaces and manage longer drifts with ease.
*More info about these rods and in-depth fly line comparisons coming soon!
