ICAST 2015 Coverage - Winston Fly Rods

ICAST 2015 Coverage

R.L. Winston Rod Company Shows Us Their Latest Boron Creations

Date:	8/11/15
Location:	Orlando, FL
Admission:	Buyers & Press Only
Manufacturer:	Winston
Reviewer:	Wolbugger

Introduction: The materials used in most fly rods is pretty standard. Most blanks on the market are primarily constructed of graphite, with a growing number of fiberglass offerings and a few heirloom-quality bamboo rods. Long-respected rod manufacturer R.L. Winston sets themselves apart by incorporating boron into many of their rods. Claiming that this material gives them an advantage when it comes to things like strength and weight, this year's IFTD show saw the folks at Winston roll out several new boron-infused made-in-the-USA rods.

These new premium rods boast extremely tight, clean cork.

Boron III Plus: Winston is marketing this series as one that delivers power and high line speeds. Touting the familiar “Winston Green” color scheme, these four-piece rods are outfitted with high-end components. Features on all models include premium full-wells grips, nano-lite stripping guides, snake “shooting guides,” and a graphite rod tube with sock. Freshwater/saltwater models ($855–$895) are 9-feet-long in weights 5 to 12.

Power and line speed is the name of the game here....

This series also features “Jungle” rods ($895) which feature beefed-up blanks for casting big flies and battling big fish. Rods in this special series include an 8'9” 8-weight as well as 8 and 9 weights both measuring 9-feet.

Boron III X rods are high-performance sticks.

New snake “shooting” guides feature a bit less “twist” than traditional snakes.

Boron III X: Upgraded for 2016, Boron III X rods now incorporate new snake “shooting” guides. Said to be a great all-around series, they feature a fast action and the signature Winston Green color. Other features include premium cork grips, nano-lite stripping guides, and graphite rod tube with bag. Both four and five-piece models are available, with varied models from 8 1/2 to 10-feet in length and weights ranging 3 through 8. MSRP is $825–$895.

Freshwater sizes sport exotic wood inserts and either a cigar or full-wells grip depending on the model.

Thanks to Kevin Turman for telling us about the new rods from Winston!

Conclusion: As usual, the new releases from R.L. Winston are top notch. Sure, these rods don't come cheap, but you really have to hold one to see the level of craftsmanship these rods possess. If you are like us and are very picky about your rod's finish we have to say it has never been an issue with any Winston rods we've ever experienced! Give them a look if you are ready to treat yourself to a premium fly rod.