Echo Ion XL Fly Rod Review

This year Echo has taken one of its work horse rods and made it better... Like a lot better. The new ION XL replaces its old ION model with a new look and strong back bone in a lighter rod. The old Ion was a good rod, but it was heavy, and while it was a work horse and a great price, it lacked feel. Last year at our annual fly shop summit, I made two cast with the new one in the parking lot. I looked at Brandon Prince, our Echo representative, and I couldn't even recognize it as the Ion series.

The Upgrade

The new ION XL still has the strong back bone in a medium-fast to fast action, depending on what size rod it is. The rod is powerful, can easily be used as a saltwater rod when it needs to. It comes in two rod lengths: nine-foot and 10-foot.

Line weight range from six weight to 10 weight. The eight weight and nine weight have the power to pull a largemouth out of most places. The 10 weight will handle those toothy Tiger Muskies at Curlew lake with no problem.

The new ION XL is a lighter fly rod then its predecessor by 20% and you can feel it immediately if you are familiar with the original Ion. With the new technology available now, Echo has made this rod a lot better.

Instead of the old flat grey color that they had used on the old style, the new style comes in a black rod color with bluish grey wrap and silver trim. All rods weights come with a fighting butt for the extra power when handling the bigger fish.

Our Verdict on the Echo Ion

Some of our lake anglers use it in the 6 weight when using small chironomids under a strike indicator or throwing large streamers for the Lahontan cutthroats. I have used it on the Methow River for streamer fishing and it handles the chunky streamers with ease.

Price on the ION XL is easy on the budget and you won’t have sticker shock when you pick one up. Like all ECHO rods, it comes with their great warranty. Stop by the shop and check it out or buy it online.