Echo Solo Review.

I recently purchased an Echo Solo 4pc 8wt. The rod it was replacing...................had issues. I decided on the Solo for a couple of reasons. First, was price point. When researching other rods in the same dollar range, the Solo seemed more appealing. I suppose this might be because of Echo's, and Tim Rajeffs respective reputations.

So what does Echo say about this rod.

Creating a travel rod that helped more people get into the sport of fly fishing was high on Tim's priority list. Thus the ECHO SOLO Series. This series blends performance and durability into a great looking, four piece design that will turn more than the fish's head. A beautiful gloss brown blank and premium components wrapped around a forgiving Medium Fast action will help every new fly angler get the feel that will stay with them for a lifetime. We have added five new models for 2014 giving the ECHO SOLO series six trout sizes as well as three large fish models that cover salmon, steelhead and saltwater species. Awesome sticks, nothing in this price range compares.

SOLO Rods feature:

• Four piece travel design
• Half wells cork handle on the 4, 5 and 6 weight models
• Full wells cork handle with fighting butt on the 8 weight
• Carbon fiber reel seat with anodized components
• Rich brown gloss blank
• Hard chrome single foot snake guides
• Rod sock and cordura travel case
• Echo lifetime warranty

I purchased it from amazon.ca, through a vendor called Fishwest. They offer 9 rods from three to nine weight, all in 4 pc. They start at 99$. When I bought mine online it was for that, though I see they are now selling them for 129$. 

My impression on opening the tube? Pleasantly surprised. Entry level rods have come along way. The only component that immediately stood out as something somewhat less than a more expensive rod was the cork. Nothing wrong with it, but certainly not the highest grade I have ever seen. However, keep in mind what we are talking about here. Its an inexpensive build. I was expecting the components to all be of a much lower quality than they are.

Its a pleasant enough rod to look at. Obviously, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I can't say the brown blank thrills me. However, it is a better looking rod than some in my staple. Overall, I'd rate it as a pretty decent looking rod.

It cast nicely. A casting champion I am not, I do have a lot of experience though. The rod casts nicely. No issues with it whatsoever. In the time that I have had it I have nothing but positive experiences with this rod. I would called it a medium fast rod. Maybe on the faster side of the scale.

Would I purchase this rod again? Absolutely. In fact, I think I would default to this rod. Excellent bang for the buck. I have paid a lot more for rods, and got little more to show for it.

Would I recommend this rod? Highly.


First fish caught on the Solo