For discontinued rod models: if ECHO no longer has parts to fix your rod, they will replace the rod with its equivalent new model. Personally, I’ve found the action difficult to define because I throw so many different types and sizes of flies, but whatever it is, I like it. Fenwick Fly Rods carry a legacy dating of strong rods dating all the way to the 1950s. Echo Trip Fly Rods - 8 Piece. You might not be Rogue Two, but the sentiment will be the same the first time you cast the ECHO Base. It only weighs 2.9 ounces and offers soft, slow action. It punches above its class in nearly every category. Echo built this rod with attention to detail and made sure to make it highly functional and enjoyable despite the low cost. SKU: N/A Categories: Echo Fly Rods, Fly Rods Tags: Base, Echo, Fly Rods, Series. My hopes for the country’s future took the steepest of nosedives. Today, all stocks of... Hardy’s brand name has long been synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. The Echo Base Fly Rod is low on whistles and bells but high on a serviceable and inexpensive fly rod. It’s like getting the user-friendliness of a slow-action rod with the power of medium-fast action. Echo Gecko Fly Rod. Echo Base Fly Rod // Complete Setup. Around 70 feet, it’ll get harder, but you can pull it off if you focus well. Twenty-inch largemouth, 17-inch smallies, 18-inch spotted bass, two-foot gar, 8-pound freshwater drum, channel catfish long as my forearm— all have succumbed to the BASE. $99.99 The ECHO BASE I own is a workhorse of a rod that I’ve put through the paces for various species of warm water fish for nearly four years. Regardless, it’s a strong all-rounder, and that’s what matters most for a good impression in an Echo Base fly rod review. I’ve logged several four- to six-hour fishing trips, crammed full of blind casting with the BASE in hand, and never thought twice about the weight. Maximum casting distance is 65-70 feet for me, and in pursuit of bass, bowfin, gar and drum, pinpoint accuracy at those distances is rarely needed. You might not be Rogue Two, but the sentiment will be the same the first time you cast the ECHO Base. If you want better reach and a stronger rod, a Fenwicks Eagle is a suitable alternative to the Echo Base. Hurricane Maria killed mangroves months after the storm, Loud and Clear: 77% Think Pebble Mine is a Bad Idea, Making steelhead 'the fish of a hundred casts'. Now, it’s a bit tricky to find close competitors to compare in an Echo Base fly rod review because of its distinct price point. It has a few qualities worth pointing out, so we’ll tackle (no pun intended) one at a time. Another crucial piece of information for an Echo Base fly rod review is that it’s only a rod without any extras. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and excellent customer service. The grass carp was, perhaps, the ultimate test. At this price range, you may be expecting something heavy and unwieldy or something that feels like a soggy noodle. Product description The Echo Base Fly Rod Outfits feature the New Echo Base Fly Rod, Ross Eddy 7|8 Fly Reel, Rio Mainstream Trout Fly Line, Backing, and Tapered Leader that … Item location: Sabattus, Maine, United States. Echo also makes single-handed saltwater fly rods. This series is an uber-fast rod with a fast tip that encourages easy loading at short distances and incredible power at long distances. Perhaps you’ve tried skimping on fishing gear and ended up with an off-brand rod that hardly worked and instead wasted what could have been a great weekend of fishing. Faster action generally means better range but worse comfort and handling. While it’s not the lightest option on the market, it’s not bad for the price and performance level. We’ve scoured the web for stats and opinions to provide a nuanced picture of the Echo Base. It may not have an impressive maximum distance compared to many higher-quality rods, but there’s always a tradeoff. Durable, no-nonsense construction ensures years of fishing pleasure without having to touch your inheritance. These are the kinds of compromises it takes to bring the cost down. Echo Traverse Fly Rod Outfits. You’ll notice this when you use large poppers, bunny strips, or heavy clousers. The Echo Base is a smooth casting, powerful, medium-fast action fly rod that is perfect for targeting trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, steelhead, general saltwater fishing and more! The speed just isn’t there when you use heavier flies, which makes casting less consistent. Echo Fly Fishing specializes in high-quality fly fishing rods and other equipment. by Johnny Carrol Sain - Monday, Jul 29th, 2019. ECHO debuted the BASE at this year's IFTD show in Orlando, where more than a bit of buzz was flying from those that took the BASE for a whirl on the casting pond — including more than a few jokes suggesting that ECHO had slapped the BASE logo on a different, pricier, more "premium" rod, passing it off as a sub-$100 phenom. It consists of impact-resistant resin and aluminum, which means it can withstand those unpredictable days at the river. Well, a soft tip helps to make casting easier by letting you feel the rod load more. Regular price $169.99 View. But one thing that did not happen was me finding a better fly rod for the price for my local smallmouth bass or pretty much anything else I want to tackle. The large arbor fly reel is already loaded with fly line, backing and leader. Anglers use 5-weight fly rods not just for trout, but also for bass, bluegills, perch, whitefish, carp and even catfish! However, since many competitors offer entry-level rods for between $ and $$$, it’s worth looking into what merits the price difference. ​An Echo Base fly rod review isn’t complete without a closer look at the action. I don’t worry about dainty presentations because none of the fish species I pursue really care about them. $99.99 - $114.99) (No reviews yet) Write a Review Write a Review × Echo Echo Base Fly Rod. It’s nowhere near glass levels of softness, but it is a languid, very liquid feel. Part of the information comes from a comparison of professional reviews. The Base is Echo’s lowest-priced fly rod at under $100. My hopes for the country’s future took the steepest of nosedives. Progressive actions allow anglers of all skill levels to fish effectively in varying conditions. Designed with a sweet, versatile medium fast action and as a 4 piece fly rod for easy travel and packing. While it also costs about twice as much as an Echo Base, it’s still very affordable. Whether you need a simple trout rod, something to learn new ways on, or a trusty backup, we can recommend an Echo Base. Therefore, a thorough Echo Base fly rod review is necessary. However, it is a well-balanced and versatile one. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. At close and medium distances, there’s nothing worth pointing out. Details about Echo Base Fly Rod See original listing. As for me, in a comparison with their rods, I could not tell that more dollars spent would equate to making me a better fly caster. Plus, the drag is strong enough for those heavy fish. Fenwick AETOS Fly Rod Review: Helping You Reel in the Biggest Catch, Crawdad Fishing: Your Trusty Creek Master Guide. For beginners, in particular, this is a well-suited candidate to develop your fly fishing skills. Therefore, we figured some comparisons would be a good complement to a comprehensive Echo Base fly rod review. It features chrome guides, an anodized reel seat and two grip options. Let’s find out. The graphite BASE is a deep ocean blue accented with black and silver wraps. The rod generates loads of power from its fast-action blank and allows anglers to attack any saltwater scenario with confidence and ease. The LIFT is built on the shoulders of our extremely popular ECHO Base series with updated actions to suit a wider range of casting styles. Echo Base Fly Rods are an amazing value and very nice casting rods. Or maybe you simply want to look around before you make your mind. A lot has happened over the last four years: I finally finished my college degree (after a 20 year hiatus). If you want a reel and line, there’s a kit for sale from the manufacturer. ECHO Fly Reel Warranty and Service Policy. You can find the rods in weights of three to eight pounds. Rating Required. No, I am not referring to the Rebel's stronghold on Hoth (also called Echo Base) which was featured in The Empire Strikes Back. It punches above its class in nearly every category. Price: $269.99 More Details. Fishing rod action refers to how the rod flexes and handles. Echo Base Rod Review I recently bought an Echo Base. Durable, no-nonsense construction ensures years of fishing pleasure without having to touch your inheritance. Echo fly rods have always impressed us, and you get a great bang for your buck that still has a lifetime warranty! So, it’s pretty similar to the Echo Base. However, a big brand-name rod this affordable may raise some questions. The BASE is a surprisingly accurate rod out to about 50 feet and even a bit beyond. But after a quick call to ECHO, a new tip was on the way and I was back in the water with it in less than two weeks. ​​​​​​​​​It’s worth pointing out that our Echo Base fly rod review draws review data from a wide pool of sources. I became a grandparent — twice. Progressive actions allow anglers of all skill levels to fish effectively in varying conditions. It performed it's best in tight quarters, but could also lay out a surprising amount of line for a sub-8 ft rod. But Tim knows that you do need the right fly rod. From the soft tip to the cork handle, they’ve actually considered the feel of the rod, which makes it stand out from generic options. Also, the vibrations caused by jerky casting motions throw off the accuracy somewhat. The rod has a simple base made of quality graphite technologies to give you a rod that you can use for different fishing environments. After all, it is an entry-level rod. If you damage the rod in a wild fishing accident, you can get it repaired or replaced for a small fee. While it may not have the most impressive maximum range, it’s by no means terrible at longer distances. It’ll be hard for competitors to beat the price-to-value ratio. Therefore, it already stands out from the cheap fly rods offered by major retailers without a significant price difference. Everything plus the kitchen sink. Now, let’s get back to the rod itself. The Echo Base has been around for a year or so now, and has been one of our best-selling rods. Who hasn’t struggled with the choice between affordability and quality? Echo Base Fly Rod: Condition: New. Echo believes in the durability and performance of their rods and provides a lifetime warranty when you buy an Echo Base. In fewer words, the quality is impressive. Although this may not be ideal for seasoned anglers who crave superb power, it’s a significant benefit if you’re less experienced. Weighing in between 3.1 and 4.5 ounces, long hours of angling shouldn’t cause any notable fatigue. Even at distances of around 50 feet, you can easily cast nice loops. The main difference is that it’s a fast-action rod. However, it’s not too far from its siblings in the next price class. The Echo Fly Fishing Rod Reel Base Kit just may be the best fly fishing combo under $200. Echo Base Fly Rod (590-4) Half Wells: 9ft: 5: Black: Medium-Fast: 4.5 oz. The dumbbell weight cracked the tip. Echo Base Fly Rods. The Base reels are perfect for beginning anglers or seasoned veterans alike. While it’s possible to cast beyond 70 feet with decent accuracy, results can be a bit unpredictable. Echo Base Kit. Fly shops are part of the heart and soul of fly fishing, and we are committed to supporting them for the priceless resource they are. However, it’s more medium than fast, which makes it beginner-friendly. ​A basic understanding of the rod and its purpose is essential before we dive in, especially if you’re new to fly fishing. Regarding the range, the versatility factor holds true. Redington Crosswater Fly Rod Outfit // Complete Setup. Like Echo, they offer a budget-friendly fly rod. If you’re new to fly fishing, this is a solid choice that provides everything you need to start, other than flies and tippet. It’s not a spool thrower, not in my hands anyway. Also, it has a soft-to-stiff action profile, which makes it easy to cast but makes it prone to shocking when you cast at long distances. Some rods have a better range while others are superior in close quarters. Pretty much anything I’ve tied on, the BASE has handled from size 10 nymphs for spooky panfish to 2/0 hollow flies. He’s not only a previous single-hand distance casting world champion, but he also understands the principles of fly rod design and that distance isn’t everything. You may be wondering: What does the soft tip do? In short, the Echo base is an all-rounder. Price: $99.99 More Details. Many anglers wonder how to fillet salmon. It reaches further and retains more accuracy at long distances. 3 Facts About The Sport And How To Get Involved. It has a pretty soft flex, but it should be able to wrangle big fish without any problems. ECHO says the BASE is a medium-fast action rod. You can learn a lot about a rod in that amount of time. If you are not familiar with their rods… However, it’s not in the same league as other Echo fly rods. Plus, it’s also a suitable rod if you simply want to diversify your quiver and try different ways of fly fishing. Altogether, this provides a balanced insight into the rod’s quality and performance. The Echo Base Fly Rod is the perfect rod to get you going or to back you up. If you want a well-rounded quiver for various purposes, filling in the gaps with Echo Base rods is a simple solution. ​All in all, there’s very little to complain about or wish for. I’ve got some buddies who dig the finer things in life, including expensive fly rods. Ease of use has taken priority over maximum performance and accuracy, which is understandable. My 9-foot 6-weight weighs in at 3.9 oz. I won’t throw out the brands they own, but when I put the BASE in their hands, they were shocked that a sub-$100 rod could compete—fiercely—with their rods costing five to seven times more. ECHO’s BASE is the penultimate everyman’s fly rod. Modern rods with medium-fast action tend to have a stiff feel that makes it harder for beginners to understand how to load the rod. When a well-renowned brand drops an affordable alternative, that’s wonderful. If you’ve got kids of a certain age, you’ve likely viewed the Pixar flick Ratatouille, in which the lead protagonist, Remy—a rat—is inspired by Chef Gusteau’s proclamation that “anyone can cook.” It is possible that no other company more tightly follows the vision of its leader than ECHO fly rods follows Tim Rajeff, who proclaims that anyone can fly fish. Ended: Nov 11, 2020. You don’t need years of practice, and you certainly don’t need wads of money. They’re all entry-level rods that cost less than $200, but they vary in distinct ways. 5-weight fly rods are the most popular and versatile of all fly rods for freshwater anglers. It gives you easy, accurate casting. Select options. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. This kit … The rod was paired well with the Echo Base reel (though the reel leaves much to be desired) and SA GPX WF3 line. Regardless, it’s a high-value deal. I’ve abused this rod—beat the crap out of it, actually—from falls on slick rocks, to clambering up bluffs with it in hand, to traipsing down brushy deer trails hoping not to snap it, to asking way too much of it on big fish. Years of Fly Fishing Enjoyment Few rods out there offer the bang-for-buck value of the ECHO LIFT. However, it’s not quite as affordable. The EPR helps tighten fly line loops and increase line speed to cut through any saltwater conditions. Smooth is a good word for it. The Echo Base fly rod casts like a fly rod that costs a lot more money. Price: $114.99 More Details Buy. Oh … So, this could be your top choice if you weren’t too impressed by the Echo Base fly rod review but want an affordable fly fishing outfit. However, longer distances may give you some trouble, especially with heavier flies. And I did it with accuracy. Other than that, the two are comparable. The Echo Base fly rod and reel kit is a fly fishing package that includes: A four piece Echo Base graphite fly rod in one of 4 line weight sizes: 4wt, 5wt, 6wt, or 8wt. Being an entry-level rod by design, an Echo Base is an excellent choice for a beginner or casual fisher. Echo Base Fly Rod Echo. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. On the lighter stuff, sure, I’d call it medium-fast with a lean more toward the medium. Have the fundamentals of fly casting changed over time? The manufacturer calls it a medium-fast action rod, which implies that it’s relatively stiff. Regular price $169.99 View. 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