Overview

The Echo Shadow X is Echo's top Euro nymphing series and, in Echo's words, its most advanced rod. Echo developed it with veteran Euro nymph angler Pete Erickson, 2018 fly fishing world champion Norm Maktima and Mariusz Wrobewski, and built it for anglers who fish tight-line rigs at a competition level and want to feel every tick of the fly along the bottom.

Echo uses the most advanced high modulus graphite available to it in the Shadow X blank, which makes it the lightest rod Echo has produced and 20% lighter than the Shadow II. Every model is 4-piece with a cork grip and a black reel seat, and comes in a rod tube. We carry all four models in the series: a 10' 2 wt and 3 wt rods at 10', 10'6" and 11'.

Which Shadow X Should You Choose?

Small streams, light tippets and the most feel in the series: ECHOSHX2100 (10' 2 wt).

One rod for most tight-line and competition nymphing: ECHOSHX3100 (10' 3 wt).

A little more reach to hold line off mixed currents on mid-size rivers: ECHOSHX3106 (10'6" 3 wt).

The longest reach and the most line control on big rivers and wide runs: ECHOSHX3110 (11' 3 wt).

Echo Shadow X Specs

Echo Shadow X Models

ECHOSHX2100 - 10' 2 wt

The lightest Shadow X, at 2.6 oz by Echo's figures. A 2 wt blank this long gives you reach and a very sensitive tip for small fish, small water and fine tippets.

Best for: small streams, small trout, the lightest tippets.

Line pairing: A Euro nymph line for tight-line rigs; for dries or a standard nymph setup, Echo recommends sizing up one line weight when you fish a non-Euro line on its Euro nymph rods, so a 3 wt weight-forward floating line. We recommend the SA Mastery Euro Tactical Nymph (0.022 in level) or the RIO Elite Technical Trout (WF3F).

ECHOSHX3100 - 10' 3 wt

The 10' 3 wt is the center of the series and the length most tight-line anglers start with. Echo lists it at 3.0 oz.

Best for: all-round Euro and tight-line nymphing, competition fishing.

Line pairing: A Euro nymph line for tight-line work; for dries or a standard nymph setup, a 4 wt weight-forward floating line, one size up as Echo recommends. We recommend the SA Mastery Euro Tactical Nymph (0.022 in level) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Trout Expert (WF4F).

ECHOSHX3106 - 10'6" 3 wt

Six more inches of reach on the same 3 wt line class, to keep line off conflicting currents and lead the flies through a longer drift. Echo lists it at 3.3 oz.

Best for: mid-size rivers, longer drifts, more reach.

Line pairing: A Euro nymph line for tight-line work; for dries or a standard nymph setup, a 4 wt weight-forward floating line, one size up as Echo recommends. We recommend the SA Mastery Euro Tactical Nymph (0.022 in level) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Trout Expert (WF4F).

ECHOSHX3110 - 11' 3 wt

The longest Shadow X. The 11' length gives the most reach and line control in the series for wide runs and big rivers, at 3.5 oz by Echo's figures.

Best for: big rivers, wide runs, maximum reach.

Line pairing: A Euro nymph line for tight-line work; for dries or a standard nymph setup, a 4 wt weight-forward floating line, one size up as Echo recommends. We recommend the SA Mastery Euro Tactical Nymph (0.022 in level) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Trout Expert (WF4F).

Shadow X vs Shadow II and Carbon XL Euro Nymph

Of Echo's Euro nymph rods, the Shadow X is the lightest and, on Echo's action and power chart, the fastest: Echo rates it 20% lighter than the Echo Shadow II and plots it slightly faster and more powerful. The Shadow II is Echo's middle ground, with a 4 wt 10'6" option and an optional competition kit for its 3 and 4 wt models. The Echo Carbon XL Euro Nymph is softer and is aimed at anglers getting started in Euro nymphing rather than competing.

Echo Shadow X FAQ

What action is the Shadow X?

Fast. Echo places it at the fast end of its action and power chart, a little faster and more powerful than the Shadow II.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. Each Shadow X comes in a rod tube.

What is the warranty?

The rod is covered by Echo's lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects for the original owner, when bought from an authorized dealer. If it breaks in normal fishing use, Echo repairs or replaces it for a service fee that varies by model.

Which Shadow X should I choose?

The 10' 3 wt for most tight-line nymphing, the 10' 2 wt for small streams and fine tippets, and the 10'6" or 11' 3 wt when you want more reach on bigger water.

What fly line should I use?

A Euro nymph line for tight-line rigs. If you switch to a standard weight-forward line for dries or indicator fishing, Echo recommends going up one size, so a 4 wt line on a 3 wt rod.

How is it different from the Shadow II?

It is about 20% lighter, a touch faster and comes in longer lengths up to 11'. The Shadow II adds a 4 wt and works with Echo's competition kit.