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The Ion is Echo’s mid-priced, all-purpose freshwater reel, but keep in mind that "mid-priced" for Echo still means very affordable compared to much of the fly reel market. For many freshwater anglers, the Ion represents a fantastic value. In this review, we’ll break down the Ion’s features, componentry, and on-the-water performance to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your setup. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly reel that can handle long runs and strong fish, this is one you won’t want to miss. Keep reading to learn what makes the Echo Ion one of the best value fly reels out there.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful drag system capable of putting the brakes on large freshwater fish
• Massive backing capacity = great for Salmon, Steelhead, or trophy Trout
• Surprisingly lightweight (7.8 oz) for a reel with this much capacity
  

Cons

• Manufactured overseas (may matter to anglers who prefer USA-made gear)
• Cast aluminum construction is less durable than fully machined, anodized reels
• Ergonomics could be improved
• Line slippage is a problem with the open-cage design

Who It’s For

Available in sizes 2wt to 12wt, the Echo Ion is a versatile option for everything from small-stream Trout and panfish to Largemouth Bass and even trophy Pike. It’s a true freshwater workhorse: affordable enough for beginners building their first setup, yet rugged and capable enough for experienced anglers looking for a backup or a dedicated reel for niche pursuits like Salmon or Pike trips. No matter your experience level, the Ion delivers a strong drag and generous backing capacity at a price that’s tough to beat.

Weight

The 7/9 size Ion surprised us with its impressively low weight. At just 7.8 ounces, it’s noticeably lighter than many premium big-game reels, including the Hatch Iconic (8.9 oz) and the Sage Enforcer (9.3 oz). For anglers doing a lot of blind casting - like prospecting for Bass or Pike - a lighter reel makes a real difference. The Ion pairs well with modern lightweight rods and helps reduce fatigue, keeping you casting longer and fishing more effectively throughout the day.

Drag

The drag system on the Echo Ion is surprisingly capable, delivering around 8 pounds of maximum pressure on the 7/9 size. That’s more than enough stopping power for big Pike, Musky, Bass, and even fresh-run Salmon. Naturally, the big question is whether the drag is fully sealed - and while Echo describes it as “maintenance-free,” they don’t explicitly say it’s sealed. Our best guess? It’s not. Because of that, we don’t recommend the Ion for extensive saltwater use. An occasional day on the flats is probably fine, but you’ll need to rinse it thoroughly with warm freshwater and allow it to dry completely before reassembly. Overall, it’s a solid freshwater drag system that performs well against hard-pulling fish across a wide range of scenarios.

Sound

Drag sound is a subjective feature, but we’re fans of the Ion’s high-pitched click. It’s pleasantly crisp and loud enough to be heard over ambient noise without being obnoxious. The incoming and outgoing clicks share the same tone, offering a clean, consistent sound that adds a bit of tactile feedback without overdoing it.

Spool & Cage Design

The spool and cage design is where the Echo Ion gets interesting. The 7/9 size features a massive spool - closer to a traditional 9/10 than a true 7/8 - allowing it to hold an impressive amount of backing: roughly 400 yards of 20lb dacron with a WF 8wt fly line. Here are the spool specs for the 7/9 Ion: 5.9-inch maximum diameter, 1.34-inch spool width, and a 1.98-inch arbor diameter. That translates to around 7.7 inches of line pickup per turn - pretty average for a reel in the big-game category.

What does this mean in practice? While the Ion shines in terms of drag strength and backing capacity, it’s not built for blistering line retrieval. That only matters in situations where fish move quickly toward you - think fast-running Salmon or freshwater Stripers. For most warmwater and freshwater species like Pike, Bass, or Trout, retrieval speed isn’t as critical as holding power, and the Ion handles those demands well.

The frame itself is a straightforward open-cage design—typical for overseas-built value reels. It keeps weight down, but it does open the door for potential line slippage. In fact, we’ve experienced some of that firsthand with smaller sizes like the 5wt Ion. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can be a little annoying when stripping line quickly. Overall, the frame is functional and solid for the price, but just be aware of the occasional slip-through.

Looks & Ergonomics

The Echo Ion keeps things simple in the looks department. The frame and spool are heavily ported and have a rugged, no-frills appearance, but they lack the refinement of higher-end reels. Like all Echo reels, the Ion comes in one color: matte black. This is a blue-collar reel built to fish hard—not win beauty contests—and we’re totally fine with that at this price point.

On the ergonomics side, the Ion gets the job done but leaves room for improvement. The drag knob is large with a knurled edge for grip, but it starts to screw into the frame as you crank down the tension, which can make it harder to adjust under pressure. The spool release knob, on the other hand, is solid—easy to grip and smooth to operate thanks to a simple compression o-ring system. Swapping spools on the water is quick and painless. Our biggest gripe is with the reel handle, which feels undersized for the 7/9 model. A slightly larger handle with a rubberized or knurled texture would improve grip, especially when wet. Still, the Ion is functional and thoughtfully built for its price, and we’re pointing out these details so you know exactly what to expect.

Warranty

Echo Fly Reel Warranty

Value

Price: $99.99

At just under $100, the Echo Ion delivers an impressive mix of performance and versatility. Its strong drag, massive backing capacity, and wide size range make it more capable than most reels in its class. Compared to entry-level reels like the Lamson Liquid or Redington Behemoth, the Ion holds its own with better drag tuning than the Liquid and a lighter, more balanced feel than the Behemoth in larger sizes. Yes, it has a few tradeoffs - like basic ergonomics and occasional line slippage - but those are expected at this price point. For anglers who want dependable performance without spending a fortune, the Ion remains one of the top values on the market.

Conclusion

The Echo Ion isn’t flashy, but it’s a reel that shows up and does its job well. With a powerful drag, massive backing capacity, and a size range that covers everything from panfish to Pike, it’s one of the most versatile and budget-friendly reels on the market. While it doesn’t have the polished finish or refined ergonomics of higher-end models, it makes up for it with reliability, simplicity, and surprising performance for the price. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first setup, an experienced angler building out a specialty rig, or someone who just wants a dependable backup, the Ion fits the bill. It’s not perfect - but for under $100, it doesn’t need to be. It just needs to work, and it does.

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