Echo Stillwater Opinions?
- Thread starter krusty
- Start date
Peach
Stillwater Fanatic
I have a 10'0 5 weight Echo Lago that is supposed to specialize in stillwater fishing as well. Bought two years ago, first time fishing a 10'0 and the extra foot does help. However, I snapped the tip just below the first ferual last Spring, so bought a replacement tip from Echo diretly for $50 bucks and that just snapped this past weekend when I snagged up on some sunken brush. Snapped about halfway on the tip section. E-mailed Echo to see if can be returned as a warrenty return but I haven't heard back from them yet.
Overall - I like the Lago - but I think it is actually the extra foot that I am seeing the benefit from and not necessarily the rod itself. I am disappointed that the replacement tip section snapped so easily - first time anything like that has happened to me. So I guess I am kind of indifferent - so not much help there.
However, I am looking at the Echo Stillwater as well - but trying to see why the Echo Stillwater is any better than the Lago - what makes it different to justify $200 dollars more for the Echo Stillwater?
Peach
Overall - I like the Lago - but I think it is actually the extra foot that I am seeing the benefit from and not necessarily the rod itself. I am disappointed that the replacement tip section snapped so easily - first time anything like that has happened to me. So I guess I am kind of indifferent - so not much help there.
However, I am looking at the Echo Stillwater as well - but trying to see why the Echo Stillwater is any better than the Lago - what makes it different to justify $200 dollars more for the Echo Stillwater?
Peach
Is the Stillwater the model that offers the removable fighting butt?
I wish more rod companies would offer that option on their rods.
SF
I wish more rod companies would offer that option on their rods.
SF
Yup
I got the 10' 6wt. Because I had so many 6wt lake lines already and I prefer a bit heavier rod than most I think. I fished it last spring and in the tube this spring (this morning). I like the 10' length, I dip the back cast noticeably less often, and just helpful with the long leaders and wind mending. It's a bit big for the average stocker, but any jumbo and I'm glad for every bit of it. It's a nice casting rod for me, natural. It came with an SA amplitude from the Gorge shop, and it pairs well I feel. I would buy it again.
Yes, and weights to balance setup. Nice bag and tube as well.
Pink Nighty
Legend
Dont have the Stillwater, do have a few echo sticks though and they have yet to disappoint. I've found the customer service excellent and their rods versatile and capable.
Havent tried their glass, but intend to soon.
Havent tried their glass, but intend to soon.
Every Echo rod I have owned (and I've probably owned over a half dozen so far) has been at the very least a great value for the money and many of them have been absolutely awesome. Ion XL, BAG Quickshot, and Shadow top the list for me and have caught me a ton of fish. Base and Gecko have also been solid in their own ways. Was just thinking the other day of taking the Gecko out for panfish. Base is probably the best value in flyfishing (though it may have been replaced with the Lift?)
They may not be made in WA like Sage stuff. But Echo is based in WA and run by people who care deeply about fly fishing. I'd buy their rods any time.
Have no experience with this particular model but I've owned an awful lot of Echo rods and have never come close to being disappointed.
If there was a purchase Id have zero issue pulling the trigger on sight unseen, it would be an Echo fly rod.
If there was a purchase Id have zero issue pulling the trigger on sight unseen, it would be an Echo fly rod.
Got an Echo Stillwater 10'6'' 6 wt. last Summer and love it.
I too have the stillwater in 6 wt and love it. I really like all my Echo rods which includes a Boost Blue, Ion Xl and the Stillwater. I have found it does a lot really well. I generally use mine as an indicator set up but also will throw sinking lines with it as well depending on where I'm fishing. I don't think you can go wrong with it...
One difference is weight. The stillwater is 3.2 oz and the lago around 4.0. Can't remember exactly. So that made a big difference to me. Also the stillwaters fighting but comes off and can be replaced with the flat cap piece, and there are several weights that can go on either cap to balance your reel choice.
I'm not a strong guy, bony and 155#. A lighter balanced setup is nice when seated in a tube.
I must sound like a salesman, not trying to do that. It's just that I went through this process a year and a few months ago so I've got some recent experience buying and now using this rod to share. I have several Echo products and like them, so there was some trust buying untried. And I went with the sales persons line recommendation for the free line, which I think works best.
Peach
Stillwater Fanatic
Thanks for the responses and explanation - that makes sense. I will need to look at the Echo Stillwater model a bit more...
Had a chance to try out (see Ive's recent OLP trip report) my new Echo Stillwater 5 wt (paired with a RIO Technical Trout line). Extremely happy with its performance, quality, and will enjoy further optimizing its feel by experimenting with its variable fighting butt weight system. Great rod at a very reasonable price from the Gorge flyshop (they thrown in a large selection of flylines with the purchase as well).