Echo Shadow Click Reel Review

Sometimes all you really want is simplicity. Anybody who is a fan of click pawl reels knows what I’m talking about – sometimes you want a simple reel that does the job without you having to think about it.

And for click-pawl fans who want a solid reel for a fair price: we have something for you. For this Echo Shadow Click Reel Review we’ll take a hard look at everything that makes this reel click….and pawl.

Echo Shadow Click Reel Review: Hands On

Echo Shadow Click Reel Review: Features

4. Strong aluminum allow construction

5. Large arbor spool

Echo Shadow Click Reel Models

Echo Shadow Click Reel

4 | 5 weight

Echo Base Reel Review: Our take

Click-pawl reels occupy a special space among the fly fishing community. While not the norm, the classic sound and feel bring back the classic memory of your grandpa’s fly fishing rig.  So what makes the Echo Shadow Click different?

Composition

The Echo Shadow click utilizes an aluminum allow that provide a strong, durable, and yet lightweight design. I would actually argue that the most important feature of any click pawl reel is the ability to shave off half the weight of any other reel with a disc drag system.

Part of the spool frame is adjustable so that you can keep it out of the way of your line. This enables you to conventional trout lines as well as euro nymphing lines. Now add the large arbor design and you have an incredbily versatile reel in a world where most click-pawl reels are a one-trick pony.

Performance

The feel of this reel is something to be experienced. The lightwest design means you’re thinking about casting, and not how sore your arm is. And the instant, backlash free clicker drag gives a nice amount of drag.

Lastly, there’s something about that classic click sound when a fish is peeling off line that does something magical for the whole experience.

Drag System

The click pawl drag system provides just enough drag to help out with larger fish, but not too much that you will break that light tippet. I’ve always felt that click-pawl reels are best utilized on the lower weighted rigs. And the fact that this reel comes in 2|3 and 4|5 means that Echo would agree with me.

The clicker drag is held in place by. a single screw that is accessible from inside the spool by a phillips screw driver. So while it is protected by the spool, you can easily change it from a right hand to left hand retrieve without dissecting the entire reel.

Looks

Anyone who buys a click-pawl reel is usually foregoing the convenience of a traditional disc drag reel for the experience of a classic clicker reel. So it’s safe to say that most buyers are looking for more than just the utility it provides. And for higher end click-pawl reels that also means fancy designs, laser engraving, and color options.

However Echo is focused on providing value and it not know for providing various color options and flashy design. The overall design of the spool and frame looks nice, but I wonder if there could have been a way to provide some more design options.

Value

Where this reel shines is in the value is provides. The feel and functionality is great when you consider the extremely affordable price. There are many clicker drag reels on the high end with similar feel and fancy designs that are 4 and 5 times the price of the Echo Shadow Click reel.

Overall

It’s a solid reel for a very affordable price. I like being able to see the clicker drag and the easy access, but i also like how it’s shielded inside the frame. I personally would have liked some more design options, but it isn’t necessarily a deal breaker for me.

And that’s where it’s really up to you. Are you looking for an extremely fancy reel that delivers the classic click-pawl experience? Or do you care more about functionality and price over looks?

Echo Shadow Click Reel Pros and Cons

Cons

! Would prefer more design options

Overall Ranking

6.875 / 10

Echo Shadow Click Reel Deals

Accessories: Rod and Spare Spool

Echo Shadow Click Spare Spool

Echo Shadow Click Reel Starter Pack

If you’ve decided to pick up the Echo Shadow Click, or found another reel that suits your needs, there are some bare essentials you’re going to need to get read yot hit the water. Check out some of our suggestions below:

• • Rod – You’ll need a fly rod that complements the reel. For this we suggest the Echo Carbon XL fly rod.
  • Fly Line – If you’d like to upgrade the fly line, we suggest Scientific Anglers Frequency Trout fly line
  • Waders – If you plan on wading into a stream, we suggest Orvis Men’s PRO waders.
  • Boots – If you need waders, well then you’ll probably need boots too. For this we recommend Korkers Darkhorse wading boots.
  • Wading Pack – We also recommend a good wading pack like this Orvis Sling Pack to carry your flies, hemostats, tippet, and other accessories
  • Flies – Fill your fly box with this assortment of flies from Orvis.

Echo Base Accessories

Orvis Fly Fishing Sling Pack