Winston Air 2 Max Fly Rod

Let’s face it, Winston is generally associated with making some of the best trout rods on the market. And while that doesn’t mean that they haven’t made some top-tier salt/predator rods, it also doesn’t mean that they can’t push the envelope even further, into a whole new ballpark of ultra-high performing salt and big game rods…enter the AIR 2 Max family. Combining an assortment of award-winning components and materials with the perfect taper and a blank that focuses power exactly where you need it, the AIR 2 Max is designed for the toughest fish out there. From fussy juvenile tarpon and strong peacock bass to true pelagics, there’s a model in the AIR 2 Max family for every predatory fish, and with high-quality components like Cerecoil hard-titanium stripping guides, Recoil snake guides, a FLOR-Grade cork, and a fully anodized reel seat, Winston sets you up for success no matter how bumpy the journey gets. Winston handcrafts their AIR 2 Max out of Twin Bridges, Montana in line weights 6 through 12–in various lengths–so that you can cast flies the size of a 16-ounce beer and pull on fish that make a rottweiler seem weak. 

Blank

Graphite Blank w/ AIR 2 Technology and Boron - Providing equal parts power, precision, accuracy, and lifting strength when the battle gets vertical, Winston sets their AIR 2 Max up with a graphite blank that features their proprietary AIR 2 Tech and the Boron construction that they’re so well known for. Designed with a very fast action, this blank allows you to fish nearly any line you like while also presenting a wide range of flies–whether you’re drowning a crab with heavy lead eyes or throwing a foot-long Beast Fleye, this rod delivers them all perfectly. Combining a graphite construction in conjunction with Boron, this series of rods provides excellent durability, increased sensitivity and accuracy, solid hook-setting power, and finally, a super lightweight construction. 

Winston also gives their AIR 2 Max Rods a timeless look with its dark green blank color, accenting wraps, and handwritten insignia. 

Guides

Cerecoil Hard Titanium w/ Ceramic Inserts Stripper Guides - Some of the best stripper guides on the market, Winston outfits this series of rods with Cerecoil Hard Titanium Stripper Guides that feature a ceramic insert. This combination makes for extreme durability, corrosion resistance, and endlessly slick casting. Whether handling a tough vertical battle offshore or enduring those early-morning parking lot accidents, these guides stand up to it all. 

Recoil Snake Guides w/ Titanium Finish - An excellent addition to the AIR 2 Max Rods, Winston utilizes Recoil Snake Guides that have a titanium finish. Not only do these snake guides complement the performance of the stripper guides on this rod, but they also provide equal durability, corrosion resistance, and all of the slickness you need to hit that laid up ‘poon that’s 85’ feet away tight to the mangroves.   

Reel Seat

Lightweight Anodized Aluminum - Built to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater and tame fish from offshore giants to freshwater beasts, the AIR 2 Max features a sturdy yet lightweight anodized aluminum reel seat. This choice makes for an ultra-durable but lightweight feel that won’t compromise performance, while the double uplocking rings ensure that no battle gets the best of you. And although this rod is built around performance, it’s hard not to love the classic look of its barrel engraving and green Winston script logo–this is a rod you’ll use for decades and appreciate every single time you put it to use. 

Rod Tube

Winston knows that you’ll have your AIR 2 Max for many years to come, and to ensure that it’s always safe and sound when you’re not on the water, they’ve included a premium graphite tube and logo rod sock. Not only is this tube clean and classy, but it also protects your investment whether you’re on a tiny plane headed to a remote island or driving the sandy beaches of Montauk searching for blitzes. 

Warranty 

As of October 2023, Winston's Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee covers the AIR 2 Max Rods. This warranty applies to the original owner of the rod and it covers, at Winston’s decision, the repair of the rod or a replacement of the rod or an equivalent rod. To qualify for this warranty, the original owner must register their rod online or return a completed warranty card to R.L. Winston. The Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee does not cover things like lost rods, lost sections, intentional damage, neglect, misuse, or cosmetic damage. 

More Info

Rod Action: Very Fast action

Best for: Streamers, Poppers, and Crustaceans

Grip: Full Wells w/ Fighting Butt

1 1/2” Fighting Butt on 6-10wts, 2 1/2” Fighting Butt on 11-12wts.

Ability Level: Advanced (learn more)

Recommended Lines
Rio Outbound Short Premier Fly Line

Scientific Anglers Amplitude Grand Slam Fly Line