Winston Pure 2 5WT 9'

Description

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 new PURE 2 is crafted for anglers who demand both precision and joy in the water. Building on our 95-year legacy of excellence of crafting the world's finest fly rods for trout, this rod embodies the essence of the "Pure" fly fishing experience: a deep connection to fly fishing and free from distractions. 

With our revolutionary NanoParticle graphite technology, the PURE 2 offers unparalleled lightness, strength, and sensitivity, enhancing the feel of every cast. Designed for the world’s most technical trout fisheries, from tailwaters to small streams, these rods deliver flawless dry fly presentations and protect delicate tippets with ease. From the first cast, you'll feel the magic of Winston’s purest and most sacred of rod designs.

Features

The PURE 2 uses our new versatile double-bonded NanoParticle graphite technology. This incredible material enhances both performance and presentation yet creates an unbelievably stable rod blank with exceptional feel.

Ultimately, NanoParticle technology enhances the classic Winston action and improves lightness, durability, and strength, while easily loading at typical trout fishing distances. We’re excited to introduce this incredible technology to help anglers achieve perfect performance and more enjoyment on the water.

• NanoParticle Technology forms a “double-bond” to the resin and graphite to increase stress distribution by up to 30%, creating the world’s most consistent actions and intuitive casting rods.
• NanoParticles increase a rod’s strength by 24% Has compared to standard resin, increasing fish fighting power.
• Creates thinner blank walls to transmit more feel.
  Incredible hoop strength for more stability for improved loop control and pin-point accuracy.
• NanoParticle Technology has a lower resin content, yielding lighter blanks allowing for more connection on long and short casts. 
  

Invitational Review

From the manufacturer: What specific fishing scenarios did you design this rod for, and where do you feel it truly excels in performance?
Designed for technical dry fly fishing, the Pure 2 excels at short-distance delicate casts to mid-range presentations (15ft-50ft). While it can handle longer casts, the rod performs best in the 15-50ft range—ideal for most dry fly fishing scenarios.

The action is dialed for a wider, open, controlled loop, offering enough stability to track accurately and make tough dry fly presentations. The rod has enough backbone in the bottom half to throw a tight loop off the tip section, cutting through wind when needed.

This rod features moderate-fast action: enough flex in the tip section to generate line speed, while the softer bottom half provides exceptional feel at shorter distances.

From the manufacturer: What fly line would you recommend pairing with this rod?

• SA Amplitude Smooth Standard Trout

Caster Scores:

DRY FLY COURSE - TOTAL SCORE 165.5/195

Caster Notes:

Dry Fly Course | 10’ 5x leader with Yard Indicator

• This is a nice, smooth, lightweight technical fly rod

• The smoothest, lightest, easiest casting rod yet!

• Nice feel throughout range. Easy to cast and light in hand. Meets designed parameters as specified, which is saying something. 

Yellow Dog Final Takeaway
All three casters ranked the Winston Pure 2 as the top performing fly rod in the dry fly course. The Pure 2 offers exceptional feel and effortless casting across distances, making it one of the most intuitive and enjoyable rods in its class. True to its design, it prioritizes finesse and feedback over brute strength, performing beautifully in close and with delicate presentations. An ideal choice for anglers who appreciate refined action and classic dry fly performance.