Oh yes absolutely, Beulah as well. I think when you start looking at some of the US built rods like the Sage SONIC at $650 it makes you at least take a look at what you can get that is built domestically.
Overseas built fly rods are currently the best in the market. Douglas Sky G, Hardy Ultralite, Loop 7X, Epic G, Taylor Truth Z and Taylor Anamoly Z. I will put these rods up against any domestically built fly rods, all day.
“Stigma” is not a thing of the past, still current relative to many who believe made in USA is superior. However, what we are finding is the stigma is not accurate or correct. As you note, many overseas rids perform at of near the top of the heap. A great rod is a great rod, irrespective of where it’s made.
I don’t believe that Echo rods are more breakage prone; I believe it’s the user. Most Echo products are targeted towards entry or lesser experienced fly fishers, who aren’t used to fishing with longer (relative to casting or spinning), and a lot of tip breakage occurs. But, Joe knows that. 😊
The original Beulah Guide Series rod, which came with an extra tip, was, to me, a bit on the soft side; a great action, though, for most casters. The slightly stiffer and faster Guide Series II is a big improvement, a rod much more capable of casting for distance and in very windy conditions.
Good share, the G2 Platinum is very fast. Quite a jump in performance and finish as well. One of my fav's although I haven't shared a review yet. Need to do that still.
Love Echo, but $395 for an Echo? Starting to venture out of its niche. Joe, have you cast the Echo Prime? I haven’t seen one over here in Western WA. I have heard great things about the rod from East coast friends who regularly fish 8-10 weights. Pricey, again, for an Echo rod. Thanks for all the great videos you and Team Red’s put together!
I have yes, it's fun to cast. Dumps line quickly and loads pretty easy with most "general purpose" lines like Grand Slam type tapers. At that price, not a lot to compete with but if budget wasn't super sensitive I would consider a Beulah Opal G2. You'll get a free line with the Beulah and you can buy a spare tip for your big getaway trips. Nice insurance.
I like the idea of that 8'4 4wt they have in the Trout X lineup. Any other rods in that length I should look at? Oh, and how can I buy one of the Red's hats your wearing?
There really isn't another rod I can think of, the Trout X is a really a super caster. Regarding the hats, check 'em out here - redsflyfishing.com/collections/gloves-hats-socks-etc?page=1&rb_vendor=Shirtworks
Not sure if Red's carries the Lamson rods, but they look like the class of the field at $430. I have the 9' 4wt Purist and it's simply sensational. We don't have much use in NC for the ultra-fast action Velocity, but the medium-fast action Radius looks to be fantastic. Everyone knows that Tim Rajeff does a great, but don't overlook the Lamson Rods.
I have the Echo Trout 9ft 6 wt. it’s my go to rod on the Madison River. Echo are the best rods for the money in my opinion.
I just picked up the echo glass to a can't wait to bust it out this weekend on some small streams
I have the 4wt for dry flies. It loads well close up and can still move lots of line. I really like this rod.
Good contribution, thank you!
Echo has the best warranty service I have ever experienced. Great Company. Damn sure can't say that about Sage/Far Banks.
Glad you had a good experience.
FarBank seems to have forgotten customer service! No more Sage for this fly angler based on recent experiences with that company!
@@dsmith2601 I had a reel and a rod in to Sage for warranty. It took them 7 months to return them and I had to get my local shop involved.
Great review, lots of great information
Douglas and hardy rods are overseas rods that are top teir, so I think the overseas stigma is a thing of the past.
Oh yes absolutely, Beulah as well. I think when you start looking at some of the US built rods like the Sage SONIC at $650 it makes you at least take a look at what you can get that is built domestically.
Overseas built fly rods are currently the best in the market. Douglas Sky G, Hardy Ultralite, Loop 7X, Epic G, Taylor Truth Z and Taylor Anamoly Z. I will put these rods up against any domestically built fly rods, all day.
“Stigma” is not a thing of the past, still current relative to many who believe made in USA is superior. However, what we are finding is the stigma is not accurate or correct. As you note, many overseas rids perform at of near the top of the heap.
A great rod is a great rod, irrespective of where it’s made.
I don’t believe that Echo rods are more breakage prone; I believe it’s the user. Most Echo products are targeted towards entry or lesser experienced fly fishers, who aren’t used to fishing with longer (relative to casting or spinning), and a lot of tip breakage occurs. But, Joe knows that. 😊
The original Beulah Guide Series rod, which came with an extra tip, was, to me, a bit on the soft side; a great action, though, for most casters. The slightly stiffer and faster Guide Series II is a big improvement, a rod much more capable of casting for distance and in very windy conditions.
Good share, the G2 Platinum is very fast. Quite a jump in performance and finish as well. One of my fav's although I haven't shared a review yet. Need to do that still.
Can't wait to see the reviews on the IMX Pro V2!
Good suggestion, that's on the short list.
i asked you to review this a couple months ago, glad you finally got around to it. always appreciate your honest reviews.
The one thing I don't like about the Trout is the black tip top guide, makes it hard to see in certain light conditions for clients.
That's a very good point, now that you say that I can relate. It's super dark. Not a problem on the new model.
I'll bet they did that to minimize any chance of a flash on a bright day.
Love Echo, but $395 for an Echo? Starting to venture out of its niche.
Joe, have you cast the Echo Prime? I haven’t seen one over here in Western WA. I have heard great things about the rod from East coast friends who regularly fish 8-10 weights. Pricey, again, for an Echo rod.
Thanks for all the great videos you and Team Red’s put together!
I have yes, it's fun to cast. Dumps line quickly and loads pretty easy with most "general purpose" lines like Grand Slam type tapers. At that price, not a lot to compete with but if budget wasn't super sensitive I would consider a Beulah Opal G2. You'll get a free line with the Beulah and you can buy a spare tip for your big getaway trips. Nice insurance.
A review on the 8 foot 6 in the 4 weight SAGE R8 Core please Joe
Oh man that would be a super hopper rod, that's my next project. Good suggestion.
I like the idea of that 8'4 4wt they have in the Trout X lineup. Any other rods in that length I should look at? Oh, and how can I buy one of the Red's hats your wearing?
There really isn't another rod I can think of, the Trout X is a really a super caster. Regarding the hats, check 'em out here - redsflyfishing.com/collections/gloves-hats-socks-etc?page=1&rb_vendor=Shirtworks
Not sure if Red's carries the Lamson rods, but they look like the class of the field at $430. I have the 9' 4wt Purist and it's simply sensational. We don't have much use in NC for the ultra-fast action Velocity, but the medium-fast action Radius looks to be fantastic. Everyone knows that Tim Rajeff does a great, but don't overlook the Lamson Rods.
You know we tested them, fine rods, thinking about bringing them into the shop. Thanks for the nudge.
I cast the Radius and the Purist this past weekend; both find rods!
Every rod is delicate 🙄🙄🙄