Overview

The Echo Carbon XL is a well-rounded trout rod designed for anglers of every skill level and casting style. Its moderate action handles everything from dry flies to nymphing and light streamers without ever feeling heavy or sluggish, and Echo built it for anglers who want one modestly priced rod that can get any freshwater job done.

The blank is finished in a dark rosewood brown with matching thread wraps, set off by a cork grip, an anodized aluminum uplocking reel seat with a carbon insert and an integrated hook keeper. The 7'3", 7'6" and 8'4" models use Echo's smaller grip shape and the three 9' models a fuller grip. Every model is 4-piece and comes in a fabric-covered Carbon XL rod case. We carry all six models Echo makes, from a 7'3" 2 wt to a 9' 6 wt.

Which Carbon XL Should You Choose?

The smallest flies and the most delicate presentations: ECHOCBXL273 (7'3" 2 wt).

Dry flies on small streams: ECHOCBXL376 (7'6" 3 wt).

A dry fly rod with more range, that also fishes for panfish: ECHOCBXL484 (8'4" 4 wt).

Dries and light nymphing with extra line control: ECHOCBXL490 (9' 4 wt).

One rod for streams and lakes, dries and nymphs: ECHOCBXL590 (9' 5 wt).

Hoppers, big dries, moderate streamers and nymph rigs: ECHOCBXL690 (9' 6 wt).

Echo Carbon XL Specs

Echo Carbon XL Models

ECHOCBXL273 - 7'3" 2 wt

The lightest Carbon XL, for the smallest flies and the most delicate presentations.

Best for: tiny flies, delicate presentations, small streams.

Line pairing: A 2 wt floating line, double taper or a short weight-forward taper for soft, close casts. We recommend the SA Amplitude Textured Double Taper (DT2F) or the SA Mastery Double Taper (DT2F).

ECHOCBXL376 - 7'6" 3 wt

Small stream dry flies are this rod's bread and butter.

Best for: small stream dry fly fishing.

Line pairing: A 3 wt floating creek or double-taper line that loads the rod at short range. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Creek Trout (WF3F) or the SA Amplitude Textured Double Taper (DT3F).

ECHOCBXL484 - 8'4" 4 wt

A dry fly rod with a little more of everything, so it handles a wider range of trout fishing. It also doubles as a very good panfish rod.

Best for: dry flies on varied trout water, panfish.

Line pairing: A 4 wt weight-forward or double-taper floating line. We recommend the SA Amplitude Textured Double Taper (DT4F) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Creek Trout (WF4F).

ECHOCBXL490 - 9' 4 wt

A light trout rod with extra length for line control, for dry flies and light nymphing.

Best for: dry flies, light nymphing, mending on bigger water.

Line pairing: A 4 wt weight-forward floating trout line. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Trout Expert (WF4F) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity (WF4F).

ECHOCBXL590 - 9' 5 wt

Echo calls the 9' 5 wt its most versatile freshwater trout rod: dries, nymphs, small streams and lakes, the Swiss Army knife of the series.

Best for: all-around trout fishing on streams and lakes.

Line pairing: A 5 wt weight-forward floating trout line. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity (WF5F) or the SA Amplitude Textured Infinity (WF5F).

ECHOCBXL690 - 9' 6 wt

For when you need more power for larger flies and bigger fish: hoppers, large caddis, stimulators, moderate streamers and nymph rigs.

Best for: hoppers, big dries, moderate streamers, nymph rigs.

Line pairing: A 6 wt weight-forward floating line. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity (WF6F) or the SA Amplitude Textured Trout Expert (WF6F).

Carbon XL vs Other Echo Trout Rods

Echo's action and power chart puts the Carbon XL between medium and medium-fast at mid power: a little faster and stronger than the Echo Lift, and slower than the Echo Trout X. Choose the Lift if you are just getting started, and the Trout X or the fast Echo Boost Fresh if you want a quicker rod. For tight-line nymphing, Echo makes a separate 10' series, the Echo Carbon XL Euro Nymph.

Echo Carbon XL FAQ

What action is the Carbon XL?

Moderate. Echo designed it to fit the widest range of skill levels and casting styles, with a light feel for dries, nymphs and light streamers.

Is the Carbon XL a good first fly rod?

Yes. Echo built it for anglers of all skill levels who need one well-rounded rod, and the moderate action is forgiving while you learn.

Which weight should I choose?

The 9' 5 wt for most trout fishing on streams and lakes, the 7'3" 2 wt or 7'6" 3 wt for small streams and small flies, a 4 wt for dry flies and panfish, and the 9' 6 wt for hoppers and streamers.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. The rod comes in a fabric-covered Echo Carbon XL rod case.

What is the warranty?

The Carbon XL is covered by Echo's lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects for the original owner, when the rod is bought from an authorized dealer. If the rod breaks in normal fishing use, Echo repairs or replaces it for a service fee that varies by model, and the fee is waived if the cause turns out to be a defect.