I have the ECHO 4pc 5wt and am considering selling it if you or anyone else are interested.It is almost brand new,only lawn cast for a few hours with various lines.The plastic is still on the cork.The rod is a nice deep green with green thread wraps and silver trim.Comes with a rod sock and plastic tube.Retail is $120US.
It is not IMHO a 5wt at all,but a fast action and very powerful 6wt.I guess if you are Steve Rajeff and can keep a thousand miles of line in the air,then it "could" be considered a 5wt,but for most people this rod is DEFINATELY under rated by one line weight.The rod is IMHO a fast action 6wt and will also throw 7wt lines without trouble at all.
I found that after test casting it with numerous lines that this rod needs ALOT of 5wt line to load it.I found that the best performing line was a 6wt SA GPX,which loads the rod perfectly and casts a mile with little effort.A 6wt Cortland 444 Rocket Taper was also a decent line,but the slightly heavier GPX loaded the rod much better and cast farther than the 444.The ECHO 4pc 5wt also handled my 7wt lines with little trouble so it is a versatile rod,capable of throwing heavier lines and heads if needed.
The rod has ALOT of backbone for a supposed 5wt and is heavier than most 5wt rods I've cast.In fact,as soon as you pick it up and give it a wiggle it becomes obvious that this is not a 5wt rod.It would make a good rod for large trout and pink salmon,or similar size fish and also a good rod for windy conditions.
I was VERY impressed with the power this rod has,as well as it's casting qualities and if I actually needed another 6wt I would definately keep it.Unfortunately I bought it wanting a lightweight,packable 5wt and this rod does not suit that bill for me.It is a bit heavier and more powerful than I was looking for and I already have 3 other 6wts,so I don't really need another.
I have compared this rod to various other brands,including several St Croix rods and the ECHO is faster,more powerful and stiffer in the butt than most others.It is not quite as lively as the UL(though it feels as fast or faster and is a little heavier),but is much faster and stiffer than the Pro,Imperial,or Avid models.
Regarding TFO rods,I am a BIG TFO fan.I find their products(especially the rods in the higher line weights),offer mid to high end performance for a fantastic price and their warranty/customer service is second to none.Their Ti models(available only in Canada) are some of the nicest looking saltwater rods around and are fantastic performance rods for the dollar.They are the same blanks as the Saltwater rods,but have MUCH nicer componets and come with a very nice case.The 4pc 10wt and 4pc 11wt rods are as good as anything the big companies offer in the $300-400US range.The trout sized rods are also very nice casting rods and would be a great choice for the budget minded angler.
You simply can't go wrong with a TFO rod.GREAT products at GREAT prices with unparalleled customer service from a company that actually listens to customer feedback.
For reels,there are lots of good options when all you need it for is trout or freshwater fish.
Redington makes some excellent reels in the lower price range like their CT and GD reels.A Ross Cimmeron or Ross Gunnison(the Gunnison has just been discontinued so they will be going for cheap now) would be a fantastic option,as would a Teton or Tioga.The Loomis Adventure and Browning Citori(discontinued but an excellent reel if you can find one) are also good reels for the buck.