Echo Lift Fly Rod Review
Everyone has to start somewhere, and that somewhere can really be the difference between sticking with it and quitting. Echo Fly Fishing makes a wide range of fly rod options that suit just about every fishing scenario there is. They’ve designed the Lift to be a high quality rod with the beginner angler in mind. So for this Echo Lift fly rod review, we’ll take a look at everything about this rod and how it stacks up against the competition.
Echo Lift Background
Echo is a Pacific Northwest based company that was founded in the 90’s by champion fly caster Tim Rajeff. The company has a rod for just about every scenario with 21 different models to date.
They’ve taken user feedback from their popular Echo Base fly rod and have incorporated a more forgiving medium action into the Lift rod. The company combines great designs that are tailor made for specific scenarios and couples that with overseas manufacturing to keep costs low.
Echo Lift Specs:
Line Weight: 6 different models, 3 through 8 weight
Length: 7’6″, 8‘, and 9′
Model Reviewed: 9′, 6 weight
Weight: 3.9 oz
Color(s): Gloss Marine Green
Action: Medium
Manufactured: China
Echo Lift Fly Rod Review: Features
1. Medium action with moderate power
2. Hook Holder
3. Full Wells grip and Half wells grip options
4. Fighting butt for larger models
5. Durable graphite construction
6. Single foot stripping guide
7. Lightweight snake guides
Echo Lift Models
Echo Lift
3 wt 7’6″
Echo Lift
4 wt 8′
Echo Lift
5 wt 9′
Echo Lift
6 wt 9′
Echo Lift
7 wt 9′
Echo Lift
8 wt 9′
Echo Lift Fly Rod Review: Our Take
Most of the different fly rod offerings from Echo are dialed in for specific purposes. They have trout rods, euro nymphing rods, Musky rods, Saltwater rods, rods made for lake fishing, and everything in between.
The Echo Lift actually is a departure from this strategy by being a bit of an all-purpose rod. However at the same time, it does have a specialty – it’s a great rod for beginner fly fishermen.
Composition
To make an Echo Lift, we start with a medium action graphite blank. Then add either a half wells or full wells grip with mid-grade cork to round out the handle. Then add an anodized aluminum reel seat, a titanium stripping guide and 8 lightweight snake guides for the 9 foot models.
This 4 piece rod may not have a ton of bells and whistles, but it does offer a well-tuned design for entry level fly casters and all the functionality you’ll need to put fish in the net. The reel seat features a single screw locking mechanism and the rod is rounded out by alignment dots and a hook holder.
Also included with the rod is a nylon rod sock and a standard cordura rod tube. I also really like the dark marine green finish on the rod.
The color doesn’t come through in pictures. You really have to see it and hold it to really get it.
Performance
The thing that Echo really got right with this rod is the forgiving medium action and the moderate power. The faster action rods require more nuanced timing and are for those wanting to cast extreme distances. Whereas for beginning anglers the focus should be on having some wiggle room to figure out your cast.
The medium action is also helpful by providing more flex. That added functionality will assist when you’re got a fighting fish on the line and you have a higher risk of breaking off.
The rod has a great feel and really makes casting easy.
Looks
While the rod does offer everything a new angler needs to catch fish, there’s not a lot extra in terms of design. The dark marine green finish is a nice touch, the reel seat is solid black, and there are no other designs or artistic flair added.
And that’s ok. For a rod at this level it’s more about providing a solid and affordable option for beginning anglers. While fancy engraving, finishes, and logos do add a nice touch, they’re just not necessary for the audience this rod is trying to reach.
Value
The value that the Echo Lift provides is where it really exceeds. It comes in at a price point that won’t scare new fishermen away. It takes years of abuse, getting skunked, and pure envy to condition a fly fisherman that $1,000 isn’t too much to spend on a fly rod.
So until then, the Echo provides a solid, durable, and forgiving rod that will help an angler find his feet. Then later on he can punish his wallet with a high dollar rod.
Overall
This rod is primarily aimed at entry level fly fishermen who are looking to get their feet wet. If you want a highly functional rod without pricey bells and whistles, then the Echo Lift is for you.
There are some real garbage rods out there for stupidly low prices and frankly, a lot of new fishermen get sucked into those. The Echo Lift provides a forgiving action to really give those anglers a great head start with a rod suited to their needs.
Echo Lift Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
√Forgiving medium action
√Strong and durable graphite blank
√Alignment dots
√Good price point
! Single screw lock
Echo Lift Fly Rod Review: Ranking
| Composition | Durable graphite construction, anodized aluminum and mid grade cork grip | 6.5 / 10 |
| Performance | Forgiving medium action for new anglers | 7 / 10 |
| Looks | Fairly simple aesthetic, but the gloss marine green is a nice touch | 6 / 10 |
| Value | Great price point for new fishermen | 7 / 10 |
Overall Ranking
6.625 / 10
Echo Lift Deals
Trident Fly Fishing Product Listing
Amazon Product Listing
Accessories: Reel and Fly Line
Echo Ion Fly Reel
Rio Gold Premium Fly Line
Echo Lift Fly Rod Starter Pack
If you’ve decided to pick up the Echo Lift, or found another fly rod that suits your needs, there are some bare essentials you’re going to need to get read yot hit the water. Check out some of our suggestions below:
- Reel – You’ll need a reel that complements the rod. For this we suggest the Echo Ion Reel.
- Fly Line – For fly line we suggest Rio Gold Premium fly line.
- Leader – When it comes to leaders, we really like RIO Fleuroflex leader.
- Clothing – For wading we suggest Redington Sonic PRO Waders and Korkers Wading Boots.
- Flies – Check out this nymph collection.
Echo Lift Accessories
Fly Fishing Landing Net Wooden Frame Soft Rubber Mesh or Waterproof Nylon Mesh Trout Bass Catch and Release Net
Simms Freestone Sling Pack
Fly Fishing Tools Kit and Accessories Combo Kits, Fishing Quick Nail Knot Tying Tool, Hook Remover Forceps and Pliers, Stainless Steel Salmon and Trout Multiple Fishing Set Gear Tool Assortment
