Echo Fly Fishing has been making superb, affordable fly rods for over 11 years. Founded by Tim Rajeff, champion caster and fishing expert, the company’s ethos is to create superior products that are accessible to every fly angler.
They’re a bunch of fishing nerds who channel all their experience and knowledge into making better products, including rods, reels, and fly lines.
Tim Rajeff still plays an active role in every aspect of the business, ensuring the Echo fly rods are of the best quality and design.
Image | Product | Details | |
---|---|---|---|
Best SaltwaterEcho Prime |
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Best for BeginnersEcho Base |
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Best for Euro NymphingEcho Shadow X |
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Best FiberglassEcho B.A.G |
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Best Two-HandedEcho Full Spey |
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Best Combo KitEcho Base Kit |
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Every rod comes with a lifetime warranty for the original owner and free shipping online. Whether you’re looking for your first fly rod or a specialty rod, Echo’s got it all.
Contents
ToggleEcho Fly Rods – Saltwater
If you’re looking for a sturdy, saltwater specific fly rod, Echo has a few excellent models to choose from.
Prime
Prime Specs:
Line Weight: 9 – 12 | Length: 8ft |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: Full Wells w/Fighting Butt |
Rod Weight: 4.32 – 5.05oz | Rod Tube: Sturdy rod tube |
Color: Grey | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Original Owner Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
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Key Features
- Graphite Blank
- Aluminum Reel Seat
- Solid Titanium Stripping Guide w/ SiC Rings
Description
The Prime is the flagship saltwater rod for Echo, specially designed to meet the angler’s needs out on the flats. Combining feel, accuracy, and power, every aspect is carefully balanced to create the optimal saltwater fly rod.
But sometimes, even a fast action rod isn’t enough. If you want super-fast casts or aim to hit those long-distance targets, you’ll need the Echo EPR. It performs equally well for short and long casts and has the strength to haul in massive saltwater fish.
Echo also has a couple of excellent salt water fly rods at affordable prices. You can choose from the Boost Salt, which is a high-modulus graphite rod with a crisp, fast action that almost rivals the Echo EPR. It breaks down into four pieces for easy travel and comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s a great rod for achieving precise presentations with very few false casts, especially at long distances.
If you’re really on a budget, the ION XL is the rod for you. Coming in at under $200, it’s affordable and excellent value for money. With a medium-fast action, it loads easily for smooth casts and delicate presentations.
The Echo Trip are 8-piece backpacking fly rods with a medium-fast action. It’s equipped with stainless ceramic stripper guides, a black anodized reel seat, and a sturdy rod case and sock. The Echo is super compact and lightweight, making it the obvious choice to take in a backpack or your carry-on bag.
Freshwater/Trout Rods
Stillwater Specs:
Line Weight: 5 – 7 | Length: 10ft |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: Full Wells w/Fighting Butt |
Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: Rod sock & Fiberglass case |
Color: Gray | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Original Owner Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Lago Specs:
Line Weight: 5 – 7 | Length: 10ft |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: Full Wells w/Fighting Butt |
Rod Weight: 3.9 – 4.4oz | Rod Tube: Rod sock & Fiberglass case |
Color: Medium-Fast | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Original Owner Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Dry Fly Rod Specs:
Line Weight: 2 – 6 | Length: 9ft |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: Full-Wells |
Rod Weight: 2.9 – 3.3oz | Rod Tube: Fabric-covered rod tube |
Color: Moss Green | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: 4 |
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Trout Specs:
Line Weight: 4 – 5 | Length: 8 – 9ft |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: Cigar |
Rod Weight: 2.65 – 3.14oz | Rod Tube: – |
Color: Satin Black | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Original Owner Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Base Specs:
Line Weight: 4 – 8 | Length: 8 – 9 |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: – |
Rod Weight: 3.4 – 4.5oz | Rod Tube: Fabric-covered rod |
Color: Blue | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Echo Fly Rod Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Description
If you’re looking for a top fly rod with a superb fly line for freshwater, Echo has some great rods available!
The Stillwater is the perfect rod for lake fishing. Designed specifically for stillwater fly fishing, it has a medium-fast action, a matte finish so you don’t spook the fish, and a unique cork handle design. If the price of the Stillwater is too high for you at this time, check out the Echo Lago instead. Another great rod for fishing on lakes, it’s a workhorse rod that won’t let you down.
If you’re all about dry fishing on small streams and rivers, the Echo Dry fly rod is the rod for you. Available in 2-6 weights, it’s the ideal rod for delicate presentations of your favorite dry flies (but it can handle streamers and nymphs, too!)
The Echo Trout is the most versatile rod for trout in any kind of water, with any sort of fly, at any time. Lightweight and with a specially crafted handle for extra comfort, each model has its own unique action.
The Base is a great beginner rod, while the Gecko is suited to kids and teens just getting started. Both these rods have a low price, making them accessible. If you have a bit more to spend, there’s the mid-range medium-fast Carbon XL by Rajeff and his team, and the fast-action freshwater version of the Boost fly rods.
Euro Nymphing Rods
Echo Shadow X Specs:
Line Weight: 2 – 3 | Length: 10 – 11ft |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: Reversed Half-Wells |
Rod Weight: 2.6 – 3.5oz | Rod Tube: Durable Rod Case |
Color: Black | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Echo Fly Rod Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
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Shadow II Specs:
Line Weight: 2 – 4 | Length: 10ft |
Action: Fast | Handle: Reversed Half-Wells |
Rod Weight: 2.8 – 3.2oz | Rod Tube: Black Fabric-Covered Rod Tube |
Color: Grey | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Echo Fly Rod Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Carbon XL Specs:
Line Weight: 2 – 6 | Length: |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: |
Rod Weight: 2.7 – 3.7oz | Rod Tube: |
Color: Brown | Sections: |
Warranty: Echo Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: |
Overall Score
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Description
If you’re into Euro Nymph fishing, you’ll be pleased to hear that Echo has three specialty nymphing rods to choose between. As with all Echo products, these rods range from low-mid price points, meaning that there’s something for everyone.
The most expensive Euro nymph fly rod by Echo is the Shadow X. It’s a significant improvement upon the Shadow II, as the Echo team of designers worked hard to make it lighter with an impressively low swing weight. It’s also got a faster fishing action, better sensitivity, and a quick blank recovery.
That’s not to say that it’s not worth checking out the Shadow II, which in itself is a fantastic rod for nymphing. Created by the winning team of Pete Erickson and Tim Rajeff, it’s versatile, high-quality, and ideal for fly fishing dry flies.
The Carbon XL is the cheapest Euro nymphing rod by Echo, and it makes a great all-rounder nymphing rod for amateur fly fishers. It’s specially designed for chasing trout and will suit every fishing situation.
Fiberglass Rods
B.A.G Quickshot Specs:
Line Weight: 5 – 9 | Length: 8ft |
Action: Fast | Handle: Full Wells w/Fighting Butt |
Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: Unique Fiberglass Tube |
Color: Blue | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Echo Fly Rod Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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River Glass Specs:
Line Weight: 2 – 5 | Length: 6 – 8 |
Action: – | Handle: – |
Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: Unique Fiberglass Tube |
Color: Glacier | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Echo Fly Rod Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Description
The Echo Bad Ass Glass or the B.A.G Quickshot is unique among other fiberglass fly rods: It has a fast glass action and is suitable for big gamefish, something rare to find among glass fly rods. On the other hand, the River Glass is a fiberglass rod with a classic feel and slower action, enhanced by modern improvements. All the glass Echo fly rods are made by hand to the highest quality and will impress.
Kits and Combos
Base Kit Specs:
Line Weight: 4 – 8 | Length: 8 – 9 |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: – |
Rod Weight: 3.4 – 4.5oz | Rod Tube: Fabric-covered rod |
Color: Blue | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Echo Fly Rod Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Traverse Kit Specs:
Line Weight: 8 | Length: 9ft |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: Full Wells w/Fighting Butt |
Rod Weight: 4.1oz | Rod Tube: Fabric-covered rod & reel case |
Color: Maroon | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Echo Fly Rod Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Gecko Kit
Line Weight: 5 | Length: 7.9ft |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: Full Wells w/Fighting Butt |
Rod Weight: 2.9oz | Rod Tube: – |
Color: Green | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Echo Fly Rod Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Description
You can also buy a full fishing kit or combo from Echo and Rajeff Sports. Currently, they have 3 different kits available:
- The Traverse Kit for serious anglers who want to go after salmon, steelhead, and trout
- The Base Kit, a budget option for any kind of fly angler
- The Gecko Kit for young fly fishers to learn how to cast and fish effectively
Two-Handed Rods
Full Spey Specs:
Line Weight: 6 – 8 | Length: 13ft |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: Two-Handed Spey |
Rod Weight: 6.8 – 7.2oz | Rod Tube: Fabric-Covered Rod Tube |
Color: Black | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Echo Fly Rod Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Trout Spey Specs:
Line Weight: 2 – 4 | Length: 11ft |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: – |
Rod Weight: 5 – 5.8oz | Rod Tube: Fabric-Covered Square Tube |
Color: Black | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Echo Fly Rod Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Compact Spey Specs:
Line Weight: 6 – 7 | Length: 12ft |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: Two-Handed Spey |
Rod Weight: 5.8 – 6.3oz | Rod Tube: Fabric-Covered Rod Tube |
Color: Black | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Echo Fly Rod Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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King Specs:
Line Weight: 9 | Length: 13ft |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: Two-Handed Spey |
Rod Weight: 8.2oz | Rod Tube: Fabric-Covered Rod Tube |
Color: Grey | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Echo Fly Rod Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Swing Specs:
Line Weight: 6 – 8 | Length: 11 – 13ft |
Action: Medium-Fast | Handle: Two-Handed Spey |
Rod Weight: 7.7 -9.9oz | Rod Tube: Fabric-Covered Rod Tube |
Color: Blue | Sections: 4 |
Warranty: Echo Fly Rod Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Description
The spey or switch angler will also find something for themselves among Echo’s range of fly rods. With a variety of two-handed rods created by Rajeff’s team, you’ll have your pick and be able to find the perfect spey or switch rod. You can choose between the Full Spey, Echo’s flagship, full-length spey rod, the Trout Spey, or the smaller Compact Spey.
The Echo King is about as sturdy and powerful as fly rods come, while the Echo SR is a shorter rod that combines power and sensitivity in a versatile package. The Swing is the budget spey rod in the Echo range with a low price, perfect if you’re on a budget. (Most online shops offer free shipping when you add to your cart online, too.) Check out the full range of spey and switch rods by Rajeff and the Echo team here.
Echo FAQ
Are the rods by Echo any good?
Echo rods are excellent rods made by experts, including Rajeff, and available at affordable price points. They have every sort of rod to choose from, and their rods perform well on the water!
Are rods by Echo made in the USA?
All Echo rods are designed in the US by Tim Rajeff and his team but are now made offshore. Rajeff keeps a close eye on everything to keep quality up to standards.
The Wrap Up
Tim Rajeff was inspired by his love of fishing to create the business under the parent company, Rajeff Sports. The fly rods are made with passion and expertise, but they’re not premium, expensive models, as Rajeff wants to make fly fishing more accessible.
So, if you’ve been looking for a great fly rod that won’t break the bank, a fly rod should fit the bill every time! You can choose between buying from your local dealer and shopping online. Most retailers offer free shipping when you add to cart to save you more money.
Whether you’re a beginner at fly fishing or an expert, the fly rods from Echo by Rajeff are inexpensive, reliable, accurate, and should be on anyone’s beginner fly fishing setup. Drop us a comment or an email to let us know which model you’d go for!
4 thoughts on “Echo Fly Rods Complete Lineup Reviewed in 2024”
Great run down of Echo fly rods. I am certain your recap will be very helpful, especially to beginners or skeptics who think only expensive big name rods will do the job. Some of the worst rods ever made were from Sage(RPLX), Winston (Ibis and the like) and the Cortland built Diamondbacks to name just a few and they surely cost a lot more. Again, good job.
Thanks for the kind words John!
Not made in the US, at least the Echo Trout isn’t. Nice little “made in China” sticker stuck right on the rod when I got it.
Cheers Mike. I have updated the article to reflect this!