Maxcatch ECO Reel Review
Everybody has got to start somewhere, but how do you know where to start? With so many different fly fishing companies, each with a full line of fly reels and rods, it can be hard to know the best way to dip your toe in the water. Maxcatch has a full line of fly reel offerings, and today we’re going to talk about their entry level reel, the Maxcatch ECO. So strap in and let’s dive into the Maxcatch ECO reel review.
The Maxcatch ECO Background
Maxcatch is a newer fly fishing company started by Andrew An in 2005 and is based in China. They’ve gained a reputation as a company that is able to offer extremely affordable fly fishing products because of the fact that they’re based in China where manufacturing is so much cheaper.
The company has been rapidly expanding over the past two decades as their products have grown in popularity. Although to be fair, lately there has been a lot of pushback in the fly fishing community for companies that manufacture their products overseas – let alone companies that do everything overseas.
Whether or not that matters in your decision is completely up to you. But judging from the company’s sales and rapid expansion, they’re providing a lot of value for many anglers.
Maxcatch ECO Specs:
Line Weight: Three models:
- 3 | 4 weight
- 5 | 6 weight
- 7 | 8 weight
Model Reviewed: 5 | 6 weight
Arbor Size: 2.95″, 3.35”, and 3.74″
Weight: 4.97 oz, 5.64 oz, and 6.6 oz
Color(s): Black, Silver, Brown Trout print, Rainbow Trout print, and Brook Trout print
Drag System: Teflon disc drag
Maxcatch ECO Reel Review: Hands On
Maxcatch ECO Reel Review: Features
1. Pre-loaded with backing, fly line, and leader
2. Teflon disc drag
3. Large arbor for increased line retrieval
4. Durable aluminum construction
5. Extremely affordable
6. Large adjustable drag knob
Maxcatch ECO Reel Models
3 | 4 weight
5 | 6 weight
7 | 8 weight
Maxcatch ECO Reel Review: Our take
Every fly fishing company has an entry level offering. Those rods and reels are the on-ramp to the world of fly fishing, and choosing the right setup could mean the difference between initial success or utter failure.
Composition
The Maxcatch ECO comes in at an extremely affordable price even when compared to other company’s entry level offerings. Most of those reels designs are made from composite plastic, whereas the ECO is made from solid aluminum.
The Maxcatch website states that the reel is CNC machined, but the model I review had metal burs, loose tolerances, and other elements that indicate a die-cast construction. Perhaps it’s a hybrid process with some CNC machined elements and other die-cast elements.
I can’t account for the inconsistency between the CNC claim on the Maxcatch website and the facts that I encountered when I got my hands on the reel. [If a representative from Maxcatch sees this and wants to clarify, please use the contact form on the website and I would be happy to update the review with any pertinent information]
While the reel does feature lightweight aluminum construction, the design is a bit heavier than most reels in the same range. But again, the ultra-lightweight designs usually cost orders of magnitude more than the ECO.
Performance
The included fly line wasn’t of the highest quality and didn’t have a great taper, but to be fair, the entire reel costs less than most fly lines. However I was able to cast moderate distances and get the fly line to turn over ok.
Is it the best fly line? No. But it’s very functional and should be good enough for a new fly angler who is just learning.
Drag System
The reel features a Teflon disc drag. The drag is unsealed so you probably want to keep it away from saltwater. And to be fair, I’m not aware of any entry level reel that offers a sealed drag so this is par for the course.
While I do like the large drag adjustment knob, there aren’t many different degrees of resistance to choose from. The resistance goes from high to extremely low with a very small turn.
Looks
One of the areas where the Maxcatch ECO excels is in the looks. The open Y frame design with ported holes is on par with other designs on the market.
The color options include Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout prints. These options provide a nice aesthetic that isn’t usually present with most entry level reel options. It really is a nice touch that I like.
Value
Probably the most significant selling point of the Maxcatch ECO is the price, and the value that it provides for that price. The fact that it has an aluminum frame (regardless of whether it’s machined or die cast) for half the price of other plastic reels is some sort of manufacturing miracle.
The fact that it comes pre-loaded with backing, fly line, and leader means this is a package that will get a new angler up and running in no time.
Overall
This reel occupies a very important space in the fly fishing world. Most people who start fly fishing are used to buying $20 spin fishing rigs from walmart. The idea of spending $500 on just a reel is usually something that new fly anglers are ready to tackle.
But at the same time, a new fly fisherman needs something that can perform to the point that he can actually catch fish, get excited, and maybe eventually get that expensive reel.
Nobody buys a Ferrari for their first car. You start with something affordable, functional, and with the features you actually need, and then move up from there. The Maxcatch ECO reel is exactly that. It’s a great first step for any new angler that will perform adequately, and can be the bridge to bigger and better things down the road.
Maxcatch ECO Reel Pros and Cons
Pros
√Durable aluminum construction
√Pre-loaded with backing, fly line, and leader
√Teflon disc drag
√Extremely low price
Cons
! Drag is unsealed
! Components and performance on par with price
Maxcatch ECO Reel Review: Ranking
| Looks | Good looking frame and great trout print options | 6.5 / 10 |
| Composition | Durable aluminum construction, teflon drag, large arbor, moderate weight | 6 / 10 |
| Performance | Little granularity in the drag adjustment, a little heavier than most reels in the same class, but does offer sufficient functionality given it’s an entry level reel | 6 / 10 |
| Value | Extremely low price compared to other reels in the same class | 7 / 10 |
Overall Ranking
6.375 / 10
Maxcatch ECO Reel Deals
Amazon Product Listing
Accessories: Rod and Fly Line
Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
RIO Mainstream Trout Fly Line
Maxcatch ECO Starter Pack
If you’ve decided to pick up the Maxcatch ECO, 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 Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod.
- Fly Line – If you’d like to upgrade the fly line, we suggest Rio Mainstream Trout fly line.
- Waders and Boots – If you plan on wading into a stream, we suggest Orvis Men’s PRO waders and 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.
Maxcatch ECO Accessories
PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net
Tacky Daypack Fly Box
Loon Essentials Kit
