Which Fly Rod

[salmo]

My son is an occasional fly fisherman. Perhaps 1-2 times a year. I want to buy him a 5 wt rod 4-5 piece. I’m committed to carbon. Hoping to spend less than $250. Should I go with the Echo or Orvis lines?

Thanks in advance. You guys are incredibly helpful.

 

[HookedOnFlies]

I started with and still use the Echo Traverse kit (9 ft 5 weight). It has done everything I've asked it to. Enjoyed it enough and I guess trusted the brand enough to branch off into the Carbon XL, Prime, 84B. Enjoyed them all.

Can't speak to Orvis. Personally the advertising claims turns me off out of the gate. Isn't fair of me to say, never casting it, but I feel like the Clearwater is overpriced for being made overseas.

 

[salmo]

I started with and still use the Echo Traverse kit (9 ft 5 weight). It has done everything I've asked it to. Enjoyed it enough and I guess trusted the brand enough to branch off into the Carbon XL, Prime, 84B. Enjoyed them all.

Can't speak to Orvis. Personally the advertising claims turns me off out of the gate. Isn't fair of me to say, never casting it, but I feel like the Clearwater is overpriced for being made overseas.

Are the Echo Rods made in the USA?

 

[HookedOnFlies]

Are the Echo Rods made in the USA?

I'm not sure if Echo rods are made in China or South Korea. I think their price points reflect it though. I haven't been disappointed with their construction or aesthetics.

 

[Swattie87]

I’ve had both Echo rods and a couple lower end Orvis rods that would roughly compete against Echo offerings price wise. The Orvis rods were nicer for the money IMO. Subjective to a degree I know, but I still own the Orvis rods, and the Echo broke in a situation it shouldn’t have, and I chose to sell and replace its warranty replacement with a Redington offering.

Redington likely is also a brand to consider, given your parameters. Good bang for buck rods, and they make a pretty good variety of actions.

Edit: If you gave me $250ish to buy a fairly standard, all purpose type 5wt, it’d come down to an Orvis Clearwater or something from Redington. (l tend to like middle of the road med/fast graphite rods for most Trout applications, FWIW. Streamer specialist rod, or WW, I tend to like fast actions.)

 

[dudemanspecial]

Are the Echo Rods made in the USA?

You will not be purchasing a new made in USA rod at your price point.
Not even double your price point will get you there, to my knowledge.

 

[HoboWithAFlyRod]

I have two Orvis Clearwaters, a 4wt and a 7wt, and I think they’re a good deal for $250. At the time I got them they had a 25 year warranty which I think is pretty strong for a rod at that price point.

 

[TimMurphy]

Dear salmo,

What about the Redington Classic trout? It's well under your price point. I seem to recall a 5-weight shootout post here on PAFF a few days ago where it fared well against rods that cost more than several cars and trucks I've owned. 😉

https://www.amazon.com/Redington-Fishing-376-4-Classic-7-Foot6/dp/B00HZ7BDMA?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂