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Winston Air TH 6133 line recommendations

5K views 13 replies 8 participants last post by  Trident 
#1 ·
Hey all,

Just ordered this rod - looking for line recs from anyone who’s fished this rod or a similar length 6wt.

Looking at a scandi short versitip (not sure what the difference is between that line and a skagit + tip) but also looking for a general scandi line to pair it with. Seems like a lot of the big brands don’t make scandi lines in this rod’s grain window (390-420).

Thanks!
 
#3 ·
I had a chance to cast the line of new AIR TH rods. I was impressed and especially liked the 13'3" versions. The 6133-4 I thought best with a 380-400 grain Scandi. You mention the Scandi Short Versitip specifically. I too like the line package and its versatility. To achieve the right grain weight I'd suggest using the 6/7 Scandi Body at 325 grains with the #6 10' replacement tips at 65 grains. That combination will equal 390 grains and be spot on.

The #6 Scandi Short Versitip as it comes is 370 grains and in my opinion will be a little too light. Swapping out that slightly heavier 6/7 Body will be the ticket.

For Skagit I'd suggest 425-450. That should be perfect.
 
#4 ·
I’ve been having a lot of fun with this rod since last fall and have cast a number of skagit lines on it, not much for scandi though I did like the old Airflo Northwest head 6/7. I’ve settled on the Airflo 450 skagit driver with medium 3D MOW tips for streamer work, though the 420 was very nice as well, having such a beautifully progresive action I feel I get more out of the rod with the 450.
I’m anticipating the Rage 420 will be a great option for a summer line but have yet to give it a go.
A friend of mine has just received a number of Nextcast lines which I’m really looking forward to trying on it as I’m getting tired of stripping so much running line and this rod will make you strip running line as it casts faaaar!

Trident
 
#5 ·
Trident,

Please let us know once you try some of the Nextcast lines on this rod, as I’m thinking of going that route but haven’t tried any yet.

Thanks!
 
#13 ·
I know this is an old thread but the Nextcast WA45 5/6 (470 GN) is the perfect line for this rod. The floating tip that comes with the WA makes it a great line for swinging waking flies and the 15' rio replacement tips give you the option for getting the fly down. NOTE: I stop enjoying the casting when I go beyond a S6 tip. If I need to get down deeper I am throwing a skagit head.
 
#6 ·
Winston Air TH 6133

I took this rod out for a spin today, as I picked one up a few weeks ago but had not yet cast it.

The only line I had around that is close to its grain window is an Airflo Scandi 420 grain (32’ head length).

I’m quite impressed with the rod in general. Very nice feel and launched this Scandi line effortlessly. I’m generally a Burkie guy, and this rod feels a little faster action than my average Burkie (I cast the Burkie 7134 just before casting the Winston Air TH 6133) but still has a very nice feel.

I think a slightly lighter Scandi line, e.g., would like to try a 390 line if sticking with Airflo of same line type, would work better, so I agree with much of the above. Around 390-400 on a Scandi line should be the sweet spot in my relatively inexperienced hands.

Now to try a Nextcast FF55 on it. I’m thinking I’ll try a 450, but I don’t have one around so will have to order it. Will post a review once I try it.
 
#7 ·
Had a chance to get out with some more lines for this rod the other day, though it was a little breezy!
Nextcast lines all:
Winter Authority 55 in 6/7; didn’t like it with 10’ tips, but RIO replacement tips in 8wt cut to a rod length gave the line a better feel. I felt this line was a touch light so figure it would be nice for dry line work.
Zone FI @460grain; really rips on this rod and will be my new choice for wet fly, damnit, back to stripping a pile of running line!!
Fall Favorite 45 6/7; didn’t even bother to try this line with the breeze. However, I’ve cut an old 9/10 Midspey to 39’ @515grain which will be a pretty similar line to the Nextcast, will let you know how that goes.

Trident
 
#8 ·
Had a chance to mess around with this rod with a couple lines.

General impressions - faster action than I expected (not a bad thing) and crazy light in hand. The 4” bougle I paired it with balances the rod well, although it is a touch heavy. (Not an issue for me as I like the rod tip up while swinging). Effortless to cast, and very forgiving.

420 rage - I found this to be a touch heavy for the rod, but cast nicely. I have a 390 in the mail which I’ll try again. Will make a nice scandi solution for a windy day.

450 Rio skagit max - while I had slated this rod for scandi/short belly work, it absolutely loves a skagit. 23’ skagit paired with 15’ Rio tips in 7wt were a deadly combo. This rod will send it across the river, and the length allows some really nice controlled mends. Also found this setup snake rolls really nicely.

I have a bridge tributary 5/6 that I’m hoping to use in late summer and early fall, as well as a WA45 5/6 in the mail.

I’ll report back when I try out some other lines on it - still looking for a scandi compact for it.
 
#10 ·
I’ll keep updating this thread as I try more lines.

Broke out the Winston for some pre-season practice today and threw the Bridge Tributary 5/6 with a Rio tapered leader and a small wooly bugger.

This combo is a winner - very easy casting with a relaxed stroke, minimal effort resulted in reasonable distance (70-80 feet). When more power was applied the line had a tendency to plow leading me to wonder if the 4/5 (38’ 425g) may be a better fit for the rod.

Will update when I have a chance to cast the WA5/6 with some tips.
 
#11 ·
One more update - I tried the Nextcast WA45 5/6 last night for a quick session in the moderate to heavy winds. I was using a Rio Intouch 15’ 6wt replacement tip in a sink 3 and 4 feet of flouro tippet.
Initial impressions were that the line was light for the rod. I’m going to weigh it this afternoon to establish a baseline for just the body and then play around with different tip combinations.
Casting the line was good out to 90’ and I seemed to hit a wall around that distance. As I really enjoyed the bridge tributary on this rod the WA45 6/7 may approximate that load. I also found myself pulled to trying a WA55 - and am tempted to order one to try in the coming steelhead season.
 
#14 · (Edited)
[/QUOTE]
I know this is an old thread but the Nextcast WA45 5/6 (470 GN) is the perfect line for this rod. The floating tip that comes with the WA makes it a great line for swinging waking flies and the 15' rio replacement tips give you the option for getting the fly down. NOTE: I stop enjoying the casting when I go beyond a S6 tip. If I need to get down deeper I am throwing a skagit head.
Haven’t tried the winter authority, but could certainly see that being a great choice for this rod, however, did try the FF45 5/6 and liked that along with a Bridge Tributary 5/6? (Just don’t quote me on that because I’m not 100% sure) and liked it as well. After spending real time with the rod, I much prefer the Scandi compact 390 to the Rage 390 (the Rage 390 rocks on the 6126!). Also, for bigger wet fly work, the Zone F1 425 is sweet. A friend of mine put the 525 on this rod and it absolutely cranks it (go figure!)

Trident
 
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