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In a world where fly reel prices seem to climb higher every year, finding a reliable, budget-friendly option can be challenging. Fortunately, Echo has introduced the Base fly reel, one of the most affordable reel models available on the market. But don’t let the price tag fool you - this reel packs in some impressive features for an entry-level price point. In this review, we’ll cover the pros and cons of the Echo Base, including its drag system, weight, spool design, and more. Whether you're new to fly fishing or looking for a cost-effective addition to your quiver, this review will help you decide if the Echo Base is the right choice for you.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent value - solid performance with a warranty for under $50
• Offers plenty of drag strength for Trout, Bass, and Pike fishing

Cons

• Plastic construction makes it less durable if dropped
• Not the fastest line retrieval from this mid-arbor design
• Incoming sound is silent, offering no auditory feedback

Who It’s For

Featuring sufficient drag strength for most freshwater pursuits, the Echo Base is a great option for new anglers who want a cost-effective option to get into fly fishing. It’s also an affordable choice for a backup fly reel that you can keep handy in the truck or boat just in case. When you need a solid freshwater drag at the lowest price, the Echo Base fly reel is a logical choice.

Weight

At 5 ounces in the 4/5 size, the Echo Base is average in weight for a budget freshwater reel. It’s certainly on the heavier side for its size, but it balances out most trout rods just fine.

Drag

The Echo Base features an unsealed Rulon Disc Drag with about 5 pounds of maximum pressure in the 4/5 size. This is actually an impressive amount of drag strength for a $50 fly reel! 5 pounds of drag will suffice for virtually any Trout or freshwater Bass application you encounter. In addition to its strength, the drag is notably smooth. Overall, as long as you don’t plan on doing any saltwater fishing with it, the Echo Base’s drag system is a key strength of this budget fly reel.

Sound

Budget reels aren’t known for their pleasing, loud drag clicks, so it’s no surprise that the Echo Base has a lackluster sound. On the incoming retrieve, there’s no sound at all - totally silent. On the outgoing, there’s a decent click though it lacks the richness of more premium reels. Overall, it's not our favorite click, but for anglers who prefer a hushed drag the Base is a reasonable choice.

Spool & Cage Design

The mid-arbor spool on the 4/5 size Echo Base features a maximum spool diameter of 3 inches, a spool width of .96 inches, and an arbor diameter of 1.6 inches. These measurements equate to roughly 6 inches of line pickup per turn, which is about average for a mid-arbor reel, although it's rather slow compared to a larger arbor. On the plus side, you’ll get plenty of backing capacity with a 5wt fly line, around 125 yards of 20-pound dacron.

The Base’s open cage features a straightforward, ported design that reduces weight and helps your line and backing dry between uses.

Looks & Ergonomics

Aesthetically, the Echo Base is, well, basic. Compared to cheap big-box store reels, it actually looks fairly sophisticated. However, its plastic construction isn’t flawless, and you may notice slight blemishes in the finish from day one.

Ergonomically, the Base is also simple but it gets the job done. You’ll get an adequately sized handle, a smallish drag knob, and a fairly simple spool release knob. Nothing is very noteworthy here, and that might be a good thing. It’s all there, and it works just fine for most Trout or Bass fishing applications. Just be aware that since the Base is made of plastic, it could crack or chip if dropped on a rocky riverbank.

Warranty

Echo Fly Reel Warranty

Value

Price: $44.99

At $45, the Echo Base may be the best value reel on the market. While some budget reels offer larger arbors or better aluminum construction, they typically cost two to three times more than the Base. For beginners or anglers who need reasonable performance at the absolute lowest price, the Echo Base is a clear winner.

Conclusion

We love premium fly reels, but there’s something to be said for a blue-collar trout reel that gets the job done at a very reasonable price - exactly what the Echo Base offers. We applaud Echo for incorporating the solid Rulon Disc Drag which will stop most Trout or Bass in their tracks. While it may not have the quickest retrieve rate, most anglers won’t find it a hindrance on the Trout stream. Whether you're a beginner seeking your first fly reel or a seasoned angler needing an affordable backup, the Echo Base delivers solid performance and a warranty at an attainable price.

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