Reviewed this week
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UMPQUA
Fly boxes
We sometimes take fly boxes for granted because they’re generally viewed as ‘simple accessories’ – but they’re not that – plenty of thought goes into their design and production. As simple as a gasket seems, it’s responsible for keeping your precious flies dry when you/your fly box take an unexpected dunk (that rubber/silicone part needs to be designed and manufactured to very tight specifications if it’s going to do its intended job).
What about the see-through lid? Will it stay see-through, or will scratch and crack easily? – or can it stand some abuse? Using the right (clear) polymer for a lid also enables you to select flies before popping the lid open – a nice option when you’re selecting flies in the rain, or wind. Will the clamp mechanism endure years of use or break down after half a season?
You get the picture.
Umpqua takes the above considerations, and many more, very seriously when crafting their fly boxes. We tested 5 models that ranged in size, silicone/foam option and magnet option. They all performed extremely well. Magnets held flies in place, both silicone and foam options held flies securely (the silicone option impressively so). Sizing is an important factor as well, fly boxes need to adapt to vest and pack parameters, and Umpqua hits that Goldilocks spot with all of their (small, medium and large) boxes. Boat boxes are also available.
The boxes are also precision made, example, the razor siping on the foam and silicone beds is consistent in depth and width. Those high quality foam and silicone beds also have a good, consistent density, so no worries about flies coming loose.
It’s clear that Umpqua designers and testers have thought through and exactingly combined all the variables before signing off to production. These boxes won’t let you down. Each item we tested offered consistent performance over an extended 150-day testing period.
Highly recommended.
ORVIS
PRO Hybrid wading boot
Hybrid wading boots are a rare find, leaving anglers to wonder: are they a smart innovation or an awkward compromise?
The Orvis PRO Hybrid wading boot presents an intriguing answer.
Design and Construction
This wading boot combines synthetic materials and durable rubber for a lightweight and rugged build. A padded collar and tongue enhance comfort around the ankle, reducing chafing during extended wear. A brilliantly designed lace-up system ensures a secure fit, minimizing the risk of blisters while providing stability for long days on the water. The boot's abrasion-resistant construction and water-resistant synthetic leather upper keep it light and enable it to perform well in wet conditions.
Traction and Stability
Optimal traction stems from the Michelin brand sole, which provides good grip on wet, rocky, and uneven terrain. The rubber compound excels in both dry and wet conditions. The hybrid sole features a felt component that offers enhanced grip on moss-covered rocks. This hybrid approach allows anglers to adapt to varying conditions, making the boot versatile for different types of wading.
Comfort and Fit
Designers had comfort in mind. The boot features cushioned midsoles that absorb shock, reducing fatigue during long wading sessions. Overall flexible construction allows natural foot movement while providing ample support. Its unisex fit and customizable lace-up system ensures a snug fit. High-quality Ortholite X25 foam insoles offer the perfect balance of density for durability, stability, and comfort.
After extensive testing, we determined that overall, the hybrid design strikes an excellent balance between performance and comfort, proving to be highly adaptable to various water conditions. Additionally, the boot’s lightweight construction and excellent fit make it ideal for long, arduous days spent in the water.
The Orvis PRO Hybrid Wading Boot proves to be a top contender in the market, offering an excellent choice for anglers seeking a versatile, durable, and well-constructed wading boot at a very reasonable price.
The boots fit true to size.
Other things we liked:
Extremely abrasion resistant
Top-tier lace up system
Innovative PU-cage construction eliminates seams in high-wear zones to improve durability
High quality 3D molded OrthoLite X25 insoles are just the right density, increasing stability and comfort
Felt sole securely accommodates optional studs
Large heel pull for easy on-and-off
High density laces for extended durability
Pricing makes these boots a very attractive purchase
Highly recommended.
RL WINSTON
PURE 2 fly rod
As much as (I think) I’d like the job, I wouldn’t want to be a fly rod designer at RL Winston. Imagine being tasked with developing the successor to the PURE fly rod?
… Best of luck, buddy!
The first-generation PURE was a standard-bearing fly rod - five stars in every conceivable category - materials, build, finish, blank calibration. In short, a pinnacle of finesse - and a joy to fish.
The PURE 2, picks up where generation one leaves off, and - thankfully - doesn’t take any misguided detours.
This tells us that the designer had the presence of mind not to “reimagine” the fly rod. It’s great when a poor product is reimagined, but that is most definitely not the case, here.
Instead, what we got is a thoughtful evolution.
The first thing we noticed is that the PURE 2 blank has a touch more zing! We thought long and hard about that word, and it just fits: that extra energy means you can fish with a little more authority.
The upper mid-section has been subtly tweaked to help you cast farther and turn over longer leaders.
The progressive flex profile allows for ultra-precise fly placement, particularly at short to medium distances. It also enables buttery-smooth casting and limits the awful bounce-back that’s common in far-too-many recent fly rod offerings. In short, the PURE 2 allows for outstanding presentation (add a double taper line to that equation and it remains unmatched).
The blank also delivers very fluid energy transfer and dampening for exceptional loop control.
Other things that this fly rod excels at:
The PURE 2’s refined taper design ensures seamless loading and a connected feel throughout the cast.
If your fishing day requires finesse-driven dry fly manipulation, the rod enables stealthy presentations - even in complex water conditions.
Converts even the subtlest takes into tactile feedback.
Lightweight build reduces fatigue - great for long, unhurried days on the water.
Balanced for use with lightweight reels - near negligible swing weight makes high-cadence casting sessions feel effortless.
We’ve said many times that the PURE 2 has soul and - to our minds – any fly rod that makes you wax poetic should be high on your list of considerations - if you’re looking for a truly special fly rod.
We ended our last PURE review by calling it our “new favorite fly rod”, but scratch that, the PURE 2 is our new favorite fly rod.
Whether you’re casting fine tippets, working micro-patterns, or hunting risers on glassy water, this rod delivers in a big, big way. The RL Winston PURE 2 isn’t just a great rod - it’s a benchmark for precision-driven freshwater fly rod design.
We tried to come up with something we didn’t like about the PURE 2 and that mission was an abject failure. The best anyone could come up with was: “I don’t like that ‘Winston green’ – even if it’s iconic.” Hey Winston! Possible to get one in sunburst orange?
Highly recommended.
Rod specifications:
Action: medium
Material: NanoParticle double-bonded graphite
Grip: Flor grade 6.5” cigar grip
Reel seat: Box Elder with Nickel Silver uplocking hardware
Guides: Chrome Nanolite stripper guide + Chrome plated light wire snake guides
Storage: Premium graphite tube & logo rod sock
Available in 2, 3, 4 and 5-weight configurations
Designed and handcrafted in Twin Bridges, Montana, USA
