Dissed

I fish a fly rod model that was totally dissed by the "experts" back when Winston introduced it with their new flagship AIR series. The reviews began hitting the social media sites in late 2016, and by early 2017 the experts had pretty much trashed the light trout models within the newly launched Winston AIR series. Since then, I tune out what I hear and read in regard to rod reviews. Many of these so-called experts have bias due to financial conflicts. And their friends who are associated with competing rod companies certainly do sway their stated opinions as well. It can be confusing for the consumer. As a result, I try to focus on what performance factors are best for my fly fishing adventures, and trust my observations during actual fishing experiences. Especially when it comes to which rods perform best on my favorite trout streams.

Some well known professional guides who always have an opinion on which rods perform and don't, began criticizing the AIR 376, 380, and 480 models from the time Winston launched the rod series. The negative reviews caused a ripple effect through the fly fishing community with those who are easily influenced, and they in turn began parroting the so-called expert's opinions. Which is a shame, because many loyal Winston customers missed an opportunity to acquire one of these fine rods. Yes, before too long, anglers couldn't find these models on the fly shop racks. Fortunately, I managed to pick up an 376 AIR fly rod, and have experienced just how fabulous it is on my trout streams here in New Mexico, and throughout the Southwest.

I've come to believe it takes a good matter of time before anglers (consumers) begin to read unbiased truths about certain rod models. The propaganda (pro and con) eventually dissolves, and anglers begin deciding for themselves which fly rods are best for their specific trout streams. I did with my Winston AIR 376!