Overview

The Airlite Aspire Combo is a complete fly fishing outfit that Airlite designed with beginners in mind. It matches a 4-piece medium action Aspire rod with the Aspire reel and fly line, so there is no guesswork about whether the rod, reel and line work together. Airlite says it includes everything but a fly and waders, and Fly Fusion named it the Best Beginner Kit in its 2025 gift guide.

The Aspire reel has a die-cast aluminum frame, a maintenance-free disc drag, a large arbor spool for quicker line pickup and tool-free left or right-hand conversion. Airlite rods were designed by industry veterans Jeff Wagner and Gareth Jones. We carry all four models: an 8'6" 4 wt and 9' combos in 5, 6 and 8 wt. For another complete outfit, see the Lamson Liquid Rod & Reel Outfit.

Which Aspire Combo Should You Choose?

Small rivers and streams, lighter trout flies: R-ASPIRE-864 (8'6" 4 wt).

The all-around trout setup for rivers and lakes: R-ASPIRE-905 (9' 5 wt).

Bigger trout, heavier flies and wind on rivers and lakes: R-ASPIRE-906 (9' 6 wt).

Lakes, predator fish and salt water: R-ASPIRE-908 (9' 8 wt).

Airlite Aspire Combo Specs

Airlite Aspire Combo Models

R-ASPIRE-864 - 8'6" 4 wt

The shortest and lightest combo, with a half wells cork grip. The rod weighs 2.95 oz.

In the box: Aspire 8'6" 4 wt 4-piece medium action rod, Aspire reel spooled with backing and Airflo fly line, tapered leader and an Airlite Aspire rod and reel case.

Best for: rivers and smaller streams, smaller trout and lighter flies.

R-ASPIRE-905 - 9' 5 wt

The all-around combo, with a half wells cork grip. The rod weighs 3.2 oz.

In the box: Aspire 9' 5 wt 4-piece medium action rod, Aspire reel spooled with backing and Airflo fly line, tapered leader and an Airlite Aspire rod and reel case.

Best for: trout on rivers and lakes, a first fly rod.

R-ASPIRE-906 - 9' 6 wt

A little more power for bigger flies and wind, with a full wells cork grip. The rod weighs 3.8 oz.

In the box: Aspire 9' 6 wt 4-piece medium action rod, Aspire reel spooled with backing and Airflo fly line, tapered leader and an Airlite Aspire rod and reel case.

Best for: bigger trout, bass and windy days on rivers and lakes.

R-ASPIRE-908 - 9' 8 wt

The heavy combo, with a full wells cork grip. The rod weighs 4 oz.

In the box: Aspire 9' 8 wt 4-piece medium action rod, Aspire reel spooled with backing and Airflo fly line, tapered leader and an Airlite Aspire rod and reel case.

Best for: lakes, predator fish, bass and salt water.

Airlite Aspire Combo FAQ

Is the Aspire Combo good for beginners?

Yes. Airlite designed it with beginners in mind, with a matched rod, reel and line, so there is no guesswork about compatibility.

What do I still need?

Airlite says the combo includes everything but a fly and waders.

Can I switch the reel to right-hand retrieve?

Yes. Airlite says the Aspire reel converts between left and right-hand retrieve without tools.

Which combo should I choose?

The 9' 5 wt for most trout fishing, the 8'6" 4 wt for small rivers, the 9' 6 wt for bigger flies and wind, and the 9' 8 wt for lakes, predator fish and salt water.

What is the warranty?

Airlite covers its rods for the original owner for the natural lifespan of the product. Sections broken during regular use are replaced at Airlite's discretion for a service fee, as long as the rod is a current model. Misuse, neglect, environmental corrosion (including salt water), mold and vehicle damage are not covered. For the reel, contact Airlite customer support.