Nice review. This is a great glass rod. But putting a RIO Gold on that rod is not going to optimize this rod. The Gold is heavier than the AFFTA standard, almost in the RIO Perception territory (30% of a step heavy vs. 50% for the Perception, but with a longer head). This rod casts much better with a line that is a true 4-weight in my experience.
I think you shorted the 476 on versatility. I have four Epics and love the 476 for spring panfish, smaller bass, and trout to 5# from a float tube. I use an Airflo clear intermediate in 5 wt because thats what i have and its fine. Someone on the glass forum once said you can own an Epic 476 and the Bandit 10 wt. and be covered for almost any fish from crappie to baby Tarpon. I agree though having the 580 and 686 as well smooths out that curve.
I have this in a 3 weight and I love it, there's a feel to it that seems to allow the casts to turn out how I want in detailed ways. My only suggestion is I think 4 pieces is overkill for a 7 foot rod. The tube ends up a couple inches shorter than a 3 piece, not worth the trouble and flimsy bits.
@@Tridentflyfishing I respect your knowledge of the overall market but personally I disagree. I have another 7 foot 3 weight in 3 pieces. It fits in a carry on and doesn't have one tiny final piece that feels like a drinking straw when you're trying to put it on without breaking it with 90% of the rod swinging behind you next to a river in the rain. I've had it for years and travelled/packed with it and never one time thought 'if this tube was 3 inches shorter I wouldn't be in this fix right now!'
what i want to know is why we're starting out at 30 feet with the glass 4wt. start at 15/20. no need to even try at 60 ft, an unnecessary trout distance and especially unnecessary for glass
I bought a cheaper glass rod to see if i'd like it for smaller water and i liked it enough to upgrade to the epic. You're right about your echo, just like if one person took the bus to the prom and another drove a maserati they'd both get there and one would save money. But in both cases the more expensive option would bring more action. The epic puts casts where you're thinking, it keeps you out of trouble, it does little things like roll casts and bow and arrow casts much better, it's worth the money. (I paid 550 not 800) But if you have what you want that's what's important. Have fun!
I got sucked into the fibreglass hype and I don’t know but really it’s a nice rod but it’s like fishing with a wet noodle just my opinion I guess I am just not a fibreglass kind of guy
Another awesome review. Ben is at the top of the food chain when it comes to fly rod review. Great work.
Nice review. This is a great glass rod. But putting a RIO Gold on that rod is not going to optimize this rod. The Gold is heavier than the AFFTA standard, almost in the RIO Perception territory (30% of a step heavy vs. 50% for the Perception, but with a longer head). This rod casts much better with a line that is a true 4-weight in my experience.
I think you shorted the 476 on versatility. I have four Epics and love the 476 for spring panfish, smaller bass, and trout to 5# from a float tube. I use an Airflo clear intermediate in 5 wt because thats what i have and its fine. Someone on the glass forum once said you can own an Epic 476 and the Bandit 10 wt. and be covered for almost any fish from crappie to baby Tarpon. I agree though having the 580 and 686 as well smooths out that curve.
I have this in a 3 weight and I love it, there's a feel to it that seems to allow the casts to turn out how I want in detailed ways. My only suggestion is I think 4 pieces is overkill for a 7 foot rod. The tube ends up a couple inches shorter than a 3 piece, not worth the trouble and flimsy bits.
The 4 piece makes sense even in a shorter package for packability and convenience.
@@Tridentflyfishing I respect your knowledge of the overall market but personally I disagree. I have another 7 foot 3 weight in 3 pieces. It fits in a carry on and doesn't have one tiny final piece that feels like a drinking straw when you're trying to put it on without breaking it with 90% of the rod swinging behind you next to a river in the rain. I've had it for years and travelled/packed with it and never one time thought 'if this tube was 3 inches shorter I wouldn't be in this fix right now!'
Why do you compare with graphite rods ... this is a great 10/10 rod
I’ll stick with my Echo River Glass rod. It’s $600 cheaper and does the exact same thing. $800 for a glass rod is absolutely absurd.
what i want to know is why we're starting out at 30 feet with the glass 4wt. start at 15/20. no need to even try at 60 ft, an unnecessary trout distance and especially unnecessary for glass
I bought a cheaper glass rod to see if i'd like it for smaller water and i liked it enough to upgrade to the epic. You're right about your echo, just like if one person took the bus to the prom and another drove a maserati they'd both get there and one would save money. But in both cases the more expensive option would bring more action. The epic puts casts where you're thinking, it keeps you out of trouble, it does little things like roll casts and bow and arrow casts much better, it's worth the money. (I paid 550 not 800) But if you have what you want that's what's important. Have fun!
Very nice rod. What about an Epic 9 ft 8wt?
Great bass rod/light salt
Thx so much, for this review
Thanks for watching, David! Have you watched our recent videos on the new Butterstick and Superfine Glass?
I got sucked into the fibreglass hype and I don’t know but really it’s a nice rod but it’s like fishing with a wet noodle just my opinion I guess I am just not a fibreglass kind of guy
Reviewing epic while wearing a sage shirt 😂 - dirty ahaha
Personally id save some cash and get a Scott F glass rod designed by Jim Bartschi