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The Echo Bravo LT is Echo’s premium freshwater fly reel. Not to be confused with the Bravo, Echo’s saltwater reel series, the Bravo LT is the “lightweight” version available in sizes 4wt through 9wt. This is a value reel with solid performance for its attainable price of under $120. 

Read on to learn more about the Echo Bravo LT, and find out if it’s the right choice for your first freshwater reel.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great Value for a beginner reel! You get all the important features for a starter freshwater reel.
• Reasonable performance for the price. It won’t be the best at anything, but it's fairly solid across the board.

Cons

• Heavy for its size. For comparison, the Redington Run is about an ounce lighter.
• Not the most ergonomic design, we’d love a bigger drag knob and handle.

Who It’s For

The Echo Bravo LT is a great beginner reel, offering reasonable performance where it matters most for new anglers; good arbor size, adequate drag, and an attainable price. If you’re searching for a starter reel that won’t cost a fortune, the Bravo LT should be a consideration. This would also make a good backup reel for trout anglers who want a quiver of cheap reels and spools at the ready. Additionally, its simple spool release makes it a great choice for anglers who change spools frequently.

Weight

Weighing in at 6 ounces in the 4/5 size, the Echo Bravo LT is on the heavy side compared to other entry-level freshwater reels. For comparison, the Redington Run ($120) in the 5/6 size weighs 4.8 ounces. While many beginners may not notice the extra ounce, it could be significant for those seeking the lightest budget setup.

Drag

The Bravo LT features an unsealed drag with about 2-4 pounds of maximum drag pressure. While it may not provide the force necessary to stop a Bonefish, it's not intended for such use. This is a freshwater reel designed with trout in mind, and 2-4 pounds of pressure is plenty for that application. It takes about 2.5 turns of the drag knob to go from minimum to maximum pressure, which is about perfect for dialing in the right amount of pressure without excessive searching.

Sound

The drag on the Echo Bravo LT produces a moderately audible click in the incoming and outgoing directions. Overall, we’d prefer a slightly louder click, but it’s adequate for an entry-level trout reel, and certainly better than no click at all!

Spool & Cage Design

The Bravo LT features a medium/large arbor spool that will offer beginners plenty of line retrieval for trout and other freshwater endeavors. In the 4/5 size, we measured a maximum spool diameter of 3.2 inches, a width of 0.9 inches, and an arbor diameter of 2.16 inches. These measurements equate to roughly 7.5 inches of line retrieval per turn with 100 yards of backing.

Looks & Ergonomics

Aesthetically, the Echo Bravo LT features a unique ‘propellor’ porting design on the spool and cage, which looks pretty cool. The reel is only offered in a matte black color option, which stays true to Echo’s utilitarian ethos. This is a cast aluminum reel, so be aware that it may scratch or dent more easily than anodized reels if it is dropped or abused.

Ergonomically, we like the Bravo LT’s spool release button, which makes changing spools quick and effortless. The reel’s handle is grippy and well-shaped, although it is on the small side. Similarly, the drag knob is too small, making it tough to grip when cranking down on the drag. That being said, everything is functional and will work fine for trout fishing scenarios, where adjusting the drag is uncommon.

It’s worth noting that the Bravo LT features a unique reel foot design. When viewing the reel from above, you’ll notice the reel foot is not centered on the spool. Instead, it’s centered on the entire cage, including the drag knob. We assume this keeps the reel more balanced, accommodating for the weight of the drag. This is a clever design element not found on many budget reels. Additionally, the reel foot is beveled, which allows you to wrap a leader around the foot without kinking it on any sharp edges. 

Warranty

Echo Fly Reel Warranty

Value

Price: $119.99

We see significant value in the Echo Bravo LT, which offers beginner anglers adequate performance for a great price. With features like decently quick line pickup and enough drag to take on any trout fishing escapade, the Bravo LT is a compelling entry-level reel. Sure, we’d love to see an ounce shaved off of its weight, and improved ergonomics like a bigger drag knob. But, for under $130, this is a great trout reel that’s vastly better than the small-arbor, plastic beginner reels of yesteryear. Overall, Echo has done a nice job with its premium freshwater reel, and we think it’s a great option for beginners and value-minded freshwater anglers.

Conclusion

The Echo Bravo LT is a solid entry-level freshwater reel that competes with reels like the Redington Run and the Greys Tail. Like the others, the Bravo LT doesn’t feature things like a sealed drag or an insanely strong drag, but it does everything you’d need in a basic freshwater reel. You’ll get enough stopping power for trout, reasonable line pickup, and a user-friendly spool release. Overall, the Bravo LT is a great option for first-time anglers, or for veterans who want a no-frills backup fly reel.

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