Airflo Superflo Max - A Genuine Reset in Fly Line Performance | Andrew Harding
I could show you a photo of the line on the reel (like I have…) but in all honesty it would look like any other line… but that’s where the similarities stop…
In a market crowded with incremental updates and cosmetic tweaks, Airflo has taken a very different approach with the Superflo Max. This is not a “new and improved” version of an existing line, but a ground-up rethink of how a modern fly line should float, feel, and last. After fishing it extensively, it’s clear that Superflo Max represents what many anglers will come to think of as “the new Airflo”. I have been putting the line through its paces on my local Hutt River this past 4 weeks. The Hutt, with its clear flows and educated browns punishes sloppy presentations, she’s a cruel mistress and one of the toughest fisheries in Aotearoa… but I’m impressed.
At the heart of Superflo Max is a completely rebuilt polyurethane (PU) platform paired with microsphere flotation technology. Unlike traditional PVC lines that rely on “gassing” (trapping bubbles in the coating) - Superflo Max embeds hollow glass microspheres directly into the line. The result is immediately noticeable on the water. The line floats exceptionally high and, more importantly, does so consistently. Sitting proud on the surface through the most boisterous white-water heads a river can muster, don’t seem to phase it, the tip popping back to the surface almost instantly when sucked under, a reassuring trait when fishing nymphs.
This high floatability is not dependent on surface coatings that wear away over time. Instead, buoyancy is built into the line’s structure, meaning performance remains stable in cold mornings and warmer afternoons. For New Zealand conditions, where a single day can span a wide temperature range, this matters a lot!
Durability is another area where Superflo Max separates itself from the pack. The microspheres create a reinforced internal structure, improving core bonding and eliminating the delamination issues that have plagued some fly lines over the years. After repeated days on the river, the line shows no signs of cracking, drying out, or surface degradation. This inspires confidence, particularly for anglers who fish hard and expect their gear to last more than a season.
However, one of the most impressive on-water traits is its memory – or rather, the lack of it! Even in cool water, the line comes off the reel straight and ready to fish. There’s no reliance on overly stretchy cores to mask coils, so sensitivity and hook-setting power remains intact. Mending is clean, controlled, and predictable, which again pays dividends on spooky Hutt River browns where drag-free drifts are non-negotiable.
Shootability is equally strong. The line feels genuinely slick in hand, with reduced friction translating into longer, easier casts and smoother line control. That slickness doesn’t disappear as the day warms, a common failing of many PVC lines.
Add to this an all-temperature PU formulation and a strong sustainability story - PVC-free construction and embedded additives that don’t leach into waterways - the Superflo Max becomes more than just a high-performance line. It’s the new benchmark in my eyes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrew Harding is a die hard fly fisherman that spends more time on the water than most of us do at work. Check out some of his amazing fly fishing film work over on his Youtube channel.