Chris Dore Reviews The Airflo SuperFlo Ridge 2.0 Range
At a recent talk I asked a number of anglers what they want in a fly line, and their top three requirements were.
- They want a line that lasts
- A line that makes fly delivery easier
- Reliability
Being nonplastic there are no liquids added post-manufacture to Airflo polyurethane lines, and so no liquids to leach out with use. This means no cracking as the materials dry out. Airflo lines are known for their durability and often serve hardcore anglers, and guides for many seasons. And the new Airflo SuperFlo Ridge 2.0 range has taken things up another notch.
THE AIRFLO SUPERFLO RIDGE 2.0 FRESHWATER RANGE
With three premium performance tapers - the Power Taper, the Universal Taper, and the Tactical Taper - you can choose which line fits your fishing, your style, and your preference. The Airflo SuperFlo Ridge 2.0 Power Taper is just that. No jazzed-up, confusing name - if you want something to punch over long, backcountry leaders or bigger flies into unimaginable winds, the Power Taper is your new best friend.
I have always been a big fan of Airflo’s innovative tapers and my current favourite for all round fishing is the Tactical. It presents small dries precisely on the Mataura and will happily load my Scott Centric, and deliver backcountry patterns with accuracy and finesse. For technical, pinpoint presentations with small nymphs and dries, the Ridge 2.0 Tactical Taper is your go-to.
And for a little bit of everything when everything needs to be done well, the Universal Taper slides nicely in between.
But look, anglers on the water couldn't care less for technical marketing lingo, instead would rather hear what that new product will do for them, and how is it better than what they currently use.
Remember, it’s not the line that makes the cast, it is the angler holding the rod - but put the perfect tool in their hand and watch life become that much more enjoyable.
AIRFLO SUPERFLO & RIDGE 2.0 TECH
From the pickup, Superflo’s water-repelling coating means a very smooth, and more predictable lift off the water as the line pushes away the water tension and moves effortlessly with your rod tip. The line you get out of the box is the line you will be fishing several months from now with built-in floatation technology, not added afterwards to leach out with use as PVC lines do.
Superflo technology allows for a thinner running line and low profile Ridge 2.0 innovation showing less contact with guides makes for a longer, effortless, controllable shoot, minimising the necessity for additional false casting or longer carry in our often bush-lined surrounds. In saying this, it is still very easy to handle and supple, ensuring a more tangle-free experience.
I'm not a fan of excessive false casting, and so a line that shoots effortlessly, and accurately to distance is important to me.
SUPERFLO RIDGE 2.0 BENEFITS AS I SEE THEM?
- Increased line speed for quick shots
- Supple for smooth, accurate loops and to move about the currents with less drag, yet still more than enough stability for mending and long line pickups
- Powercore low-stretch technology keeps you in contact throughout the casting process
- and with the superior flotation properties of Superflo tech, you have a line that will last the distance, and perform down the track as it did straight out of the box
Forget what rod and reel you choose to fish. It is the fly line that determines consistency in the delivery of your fly. Treat yourself to a Superflo Ridge 2.0 this season and enjoy it for seasons to come.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Chris Dore is a battle-tested fly fishing guide with over 15 years of professional guiding experience, battling the demanding, ever-changing conditions that our New Zealand rivers throw at us.
In 2006 Chris became one of the first New Zealanders to successfully pass the internationally recognised Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructors examination and has since taught many thousands of anglers to up their skillset.
For more in person and on river fly fishing advice and upskilling why not book Chris for a day or three?