Thank you everyone for the kind words. Ive found a guy selling a slightly used echo carbon 9' 4wt for sale, $100 shipped which seems like an awesome deal. I don't know where a guy like me who lives in central AR can go to test cast these rods. Quite a few of my good bass rods in the past I have bought online without physically holding in my hand and so far they have all been really great rods. Is there a business in little rock called the Little rock Fly Shop? I looked around a little but couldnt find it, Ive heard of it in the past-maybe it has closed? I know there is an ozark anglers in town but their rods are $$$$ way up there.

Pointman, the a5 looks really nice and comparable to rods twice as expensive, but they look to be pretty strict on their warranties, I know that shouldn't be the deciding factor but I like to canoe float/fish and I really put my gear to the test, these days I have to take that into consideration. Also, Im a little concerned about a 5 piece, thats a lot of connections. From what Ive read the echo warranty is great and a breeze to handle, so as of now, I'm leaning toward echo..thanks,