Disclaimer:
The following review of the Echo 8wt OHS has some critiques of the rod. I've realized there are a lot of loyal OHS fans on this forum, and I'll admit the rod is an acquired taste that works great for the people who cherish it. If you disagree with my opinion and experience, then I ask that you do so respectfully. I'm happy to hear that people like their rods, and I also want to hear about their experiences and line setups. (added on 02-12-2025)
My History with the 8wt OHS:
After buying the OHS in June of 2020, I fished it until the guides started freezing later in November. After buying a switch rod, the OHS began collecting dust. That was until I moved to a place that featured smaller tannic creeks instead of the larger glacial systems I grew up on. Since last fall, this rod has caught its second wind to help me winch in steelhead and coho.
Where the Echo OHS 8wt Shines:
If there’s one thing I can give this rod, it’s a tough blank. I have beat through some hellish brush with this stick, and it refuses to break a sweat. It’s dueled with some very large coho and steelhead here in Alaska and I’ve never felt undergunned.
For fishing larger rivers, this rod is outdone by 11’ switch rods and the longer spey rods. In my findings, this rod is best for creeks and pocket water where you’re casting in a phone booth of brush and you need to horse in a steelhead from a log jam. Throw a 300 gr OPST head or overweighted nymphing line on, and you’re going to have a pleasant time in the creeks I just described. Whether you want to swing or dead drift, this rod can get your fly out there and muscle in your targeted species.
My Impressions:
If you’re looking for a fine-tuned piece of engineering that’s an extension of your arm, then this isn’t the rod for you. I’d explain this elderly rod as a battle axe that you have to negotiate with. I’ve gotten this rod to plop flies into some tight windows, but I’ve felt the repercussions at the end of the day. The other thing this rod shares in common with a battle axe is its swing weight. 4 years ago, I could show up to a river on no sleep and fuel myself with a few cheap beers held in my wading jacket. A lighter fly rod was like a quality ale, I simply hadn’t had one so I couldn’t tell you how cheap Miller Lite actually tasted or how unpleasant this rod was. Now that I’m older and wiser, I prefer quality brews and lighter fly rods.
In case you needed proof: I would often chase salmon, pound Miller Lite, and wield this mighty OHS.
What I’d Change:
Simply put, I’d stop making this rod or make an updated version if I were Echo. When the OHS first came out in 2017, it filled a huge niche. Nowadays, it’s a heavy rod (153 g on my scale) with old hardware that caters to a very select market. Just recently, the uplocking nuts on my reel seat had the linings pop loose and now they have to be sent into Echo for repair. The cork is also a little underwhelming for the mid price tier.
Does 4” Make a Difference:
At 10’4”, the Echo OHS is in a class of its own. The added length does make a larger D-loop when performing a roll cast, and it also gives the user an advantage when mending line for the perfect drift or swing. When it comes to distance, that extra 4” will also give the user more reach when overhead casting.
The drawbacks of the extra 4” is the added swing weight and reduced accuracy. This is not a rod for entry-level fisherman, especially at $500. If you’re wanting the advantages of a 10' rod without the extra 4” and swappable fighting butts, then there are a plethora of rods that are either more pleasant all day or cost half the price.
| $670 | Sage Sonic |
| $598 | Orvis Recon |
| $595 | G. Loomis IMX Pro V2 |
| $580 | Loop ZX |
| $500 | Echo OHS |
| $249 | Orvis Clearwater |
| $200 | Echo Ion XL |
Though it's a lot to fish with, this rod has gone toe-to-toe with some leviathans.
Final Words:
I know there are a lot of people who love their OHS rods, and I’m not trying to ruffle any feathers. I haven’t casted the 6wt or 7wt versions, but they’re likely more pleasant than my 8wt. In 2025, there are many better options for people and their budgets if they want that extra reach and backbone before investing in a switch rod. I would not suggest going out and spending $500 on a new 8wt OHS without doing some research or testing, but I would suggest paying around $200 for a used one. It does perform well in its chuck-n-duck niche of small brushy streams or for bombing out some line if you have the room to do so.
About the author:
I’ve been fly fishing since I took a college course on the subject at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Since then, I’ve assimilated myself with the ways of fishing the Pacific Northwest while pulling inspirations from the worldly anglers I meet. I used to have plans to become a fly fishing guide, but 2020 had a different idea. Thankfully, I’ve been able to fund my hobby through the telecommunications trade. I might not give away all my secrets, but I’m happy to share some thoughts and opinions on the internet.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T:
The writing contributions and reviews I make to this forum are just my personal opinions and experiences, no need to get nasty or take things personally if we disagree. This forum is a place to share and learn, and I just want to better myself as a fisherman and writer. If you don’t share my opinion, then I’m happy to discuss our different takes in a friendly manner. (also added on 02-12-2025)
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