Best Fly Fishing Combos UNDER $200! (For Beginner And Advanced Fisherman)

Whether you're looking for the best fly fishing combo for beginners, a backup rod to keep in your truck, or just a good all-around fly fishing combo under $200, you will definitely find what you're looking for with these rods. But which stands above the rest? Which should you choose?
Orvis Encounter Combo: amzn.to/3iWqHnV
Redington Path II Combo: amzn.to/3j0FkX6
Echo Base Rod: amzn.to/3iZA1XY
Echo Base Reel: amzn.to/3BOhlD7
TFO NXT Black Label: amzn.to/3BSviA8

[@paulobondino2902]

Hello, very good video congratulations, I was very interested in buying a combo of these for my first new fly rod (I have a used rod that I have been using for a year). What I noticed that you did not mention and that maybe it is good that people know, is how good are the lines that they bring preinstalled, if you could answer me here how are the lines that they bring I would appreciate it. Greetings from Argentina

[@TheDrift1]

Hey Paulo! Thanks for the reply! Very good point. What we did is we tested each rod with the line it came with and then tested each rod with one of the better lines, the TFO NXT Black Label line, to make sure each rod was tested fairly, as fly line can make a big difference. What we found out is the best line that comes preinstalled is definitely the Orvis Encounter and the TFO NXT Black Label. They cast really well and felt the best quality. The Redington Path II came with Rio Mainstream line but it feels very plasticky and didn’t cast as well. I do recommend that if you do buy one of these rods and start progressing that buying an upgraded line will definitely change your experience for the better. A nice line can make a worlds difference! The fishing looks awesome in Argentina! Let me know if you have any other questions! - Johnny

[@truenorthtrout]

Good review. Thank you for your candid overview of rods.

[@anynamey]

Great video dude! Very well done!

[@johnkraemer5505]

Very nice overview! I had a question about the lines .... I did see your answer below to another question! Thank you!

[@TheDrift1]

Thanks so much John! I appreciate the feedback and comment! Let me know if I can answer any other questions!

[@ewp-nv3bx]

WOW thank you so much for this amazing video! I like how you just jumped right in to the topic and your information was very organized! When I buy my first rod based off of this video I will give credit where credit is due! Thank you I am subscribed

[@TheDrift1]

Thank you so much for the feedback! Really appreciate it! I’m glad you found the video helpful and hope it assists you with your decision. Let me know if you have any other questions or what videos you may like to see on the channel!

[@jackhennes3548]

Awesome review - appreciate the dedication of buying all of these and reviewing them! I think the most important thing to note is that ALL of these combos are going to catch fish! The quality of the fly line is very important, and you can't expect a quality fly line on a value outfit under $200. I've used the Redington Path II combo for about two years, and I just bought the TFO black label combo for my dad. While the Redington Path II combo comes with Rio branded fly line, it does not have a welded front loop for easily changing out your leaders. These loops are much easier for beginning anglers to change out leaders quickly and easily. I agree that it doesn't have a very nice feel to it either. The trout don't seem to care, though. The line on the TFO combo, while of the mystery unbranded variety, comes with a welded front loop. The line on the TFO combo is sized up by one size to help beginning anglers feel the rod load when casting. This is likely why you felt the action to be slower. The rod would feel a bit faster with a 5wt line strung to it. If you're in the market for a value combo, you can fish all of them out of the box. You'll need to replace your line anyway at some point, and that would be a fantastic upgrade for any of these combos when the time comes.

[@TexasWaters]

I like your style, man ! Very thorough. Nice job on the video. Just subed.

[@TheDrift1]

Thanks Regan! I appreciate the feedback!

[@parsonsian]

This is a great video! Well thought out and thorough. Thank you, this is helpful. I'm trying to steer a couple of people in the right direction with new 9ft 5wts.

[@TheDrift1]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the feedback!

[@RosinFlyFishing]

Great video, very informative, hope you get more subs quickly because you're working for it :)

[@TheDrift1]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the feedback! I just checked out your videos and subscribed as well.

[@cowmancheese]

Thanks for the review!

[@flyingunicycle]

Nice video! I love my echo carbon xl 9’ 5wt. I’m hoping you can do a video on the echo streamer x if you haven’t done so already.

[@nicoschultz5753]

This guy needs more likes for these videos

[@TheDrift1]

Thanks so much Nico! Let me know if there is any other videos or reviews you’d like to see. Appreciate the feedback!

[@deanc8077]

Nice job on your review. I think you are spot on with the TFO I bought the 8wt for salmon and steelhead. I don't like it the action for me is to slow. The reel is OK but I'm seriously thinking about making it a backup rod and snagging a rod with a bit more action and speed.

[@TheDrift1]

Thanks Dean! Yeah, I felt the same thing as I was casting it. My wife loved it and really enjoyed casting it. Shes a beginner though and it fit her casting style better. I lean towards the faster action rods like you! Having the TFO as a backup rod is a great idea! Any rods in particular that youre looking at?

[@TheGersondacruz]

very good video congratulations

[@jimtanner4310]

Very good reviews enjoyed it a lot

[@TheDrift1]

Thanks Jim! Really appreciate the feedback and you taking the time to watch the video!

[@0utdoor_advent]

Great review

[@robjejenk]

Enjoyed hearing your thoughts. One thing I think would be necessary: to do an accurate comparison of how rods cast, you should have the same fly line in each. Conversely, different fly lines on the same model rod would give you different results. The line is key.

[@williamcourtney8593]

I have the Orvis setup and love it, for what it is. I've since upgraded to the Clearwater and Recon series but, interesting fact about the encounter line, while they don't have a warranty like the others, they do offer a one-time only replacement if something happens to it for about $60 which, is the same as it costs to repair their other rods under the 25-year warranty.

[@TheDrift1]

Hey William! Thanks for the comment! The more experienced casters liked the rod as well! Including me. Most likely because it favored the faster action side. Thanks for the information! That’s great to know!

[@chandlerherring6633]

This was great, really helps in my hunt for my first fly setup

[@TheDrift1]

Thanks Chandler! Really appreciate it! Let me know if you have any questions or want to see any more review videos on my channel!

[@ulaso3989]

Awesome video!

[@TheDrift1]

Thanks Ulas! Really appreciate it!

[@mountain_man89]

I'm glad I picked up the echo.

[@Carmador]

Just bought the path 2 combo because it’s on sale for $109. At that price, I was able to get fully kitted out for just under $200. That to me is great since I’m just trying out the sport. If I don’t like it, I saved money. If I end up loving it, it’s not like I was going to try to reuse stuff from these budget rods anyways.

[@cerebraltackle]

In MY opinion, only, TFO makes a pretty good rod...however, I leaned away from the beginner combo as I'm not a beginner. I have an old school Lefty that is awesome! I can't tell you how many fish I've caught on it. A. Couple of lake and state records as well.

[@chillgeorge]

I'm curious how have you judge "the feel" with the plastic wrap on the cork

[@marcushynek7075]

Exactly I've had a few cheapo rods like sub 80 bucks rods and reels my best feeling rod for me is my Shakespeare rod you can feel the bounce and rebound clearly it and the balance point is easy to find compared to the others.

[@robertrineer1152]

He prob talking bout the contour of the handle, idk I didn’t watch it all yet tho

[@danreid6712]

Good stuff ! You can underline a soft action rod to get more performance casting with it.

[@oliverg3184]

3:47 I’ve used both the redington path 2 and the orvis encounter and I honestly can’t believe the way this was graded, the path has cheaper cork and a cheaper more brittle build and when it really comes down to it that’s so much more important then a wooden reel seat or alignment dots

[@oliverg3184]

The path 2 feels like a sub 200 dollar rod “being it’s price point” while I often will choose my encounter over a 400-500 dollar rod and I know it won’t break

[@Cigarhiker]

Accuracy and consistency are much more a reflection of casting ability than of rod properties.

[@Ludwigvonweinershnitzle]

I have to say reddington who is also owned by the company for sage by farrrr is the best bang for your buck amazing rods I have used almost every rod they sell and have been very impressed even there fast action crosswater cast better than some more expensive fast actions I own.

[@Christopherjamesmurphy21]

The reel is why I chose tfo over reddington. Its my first combo, im having alot of fun learning.

[@prestonlittle27]

The 5wt TFO black label comes uplined with a 6wt fly line according to the descriptions I have read. My understanding is they do this to slow down the rod and allows the angler to feel the rod load to help beginner anglers. You should test it with a 5wt line and see if the action speeds up and if your ratings change.

[@TheDrift1]

Hey Preston! We actually took that into account for the tests and as part of the tests we strung the TFO NXT Black Label line through all of the rods and casted them all using that same line. Just to make sure it was as even of a playing field as possible! That test was factored into our results.

[@amorgan2013]

Great video. Looking at buying my first fly rod in the next month. Leaning towards the Echo or TFO. I’ll mostly be fishing for smallmouth bass in smallish rivers in my area. With that in mind, which would you recommend? What weight would you suggest? Thanks Keep up the great work. Subscribed!

[@TheDrift1]

Hey Aaron! That’s exciting, nothing like getting your first fly rod! Echo has just replaced their Base rod with the Echo Lift which I’ve spoken to Echo about. They say it’s a more moderate action rod now so it will cast more like the TFO and will be more forgiving for beginner casters. So I think either of these rods will be great for you! However, I think this is where your second question comes into play... Since you’ll be fishing for smallmouth bass in smaller sized rivers you’ll most likely want something bigger than a 5 weight. The new Echo Lift rod comes in a 6 and 8 weight whereas the TFO only comes in an 8 weight. So I guess it depends on the size of flies you’ll be throwing. If you plan on throwing some medium sized flies and streamers than an 8 weight may be overkill and the 6 weight would be perfect for you! If you ever plan on fishing for trout or smaller sized species at any time the 6 weight would offer more versatility and since the TFO isn’t offered in a 6 weight the Echo is a clear winner. However, if you plan on throwing bigger flies over longer distances then you could go with an 8 weight but you’ll lose some sensitivity and catching smaller sized fish won’t be as much fun! Hope this helps! Thanks so much for watching! Let me know if there’s any type of videos you’d like to see!

[@alanluscombe8a553]

I have the encounter and I like it quite a bit. A 1000 dollar rod is not gonna make me catch more fish than a 200 dollar rod

[@jamesmccreery250]

I have the Echo Lift 4 wt. I love it. the only thing I upgraded was the line. The line was ok, I just found a good deal on a Rio Grande line.

[@TheDrift1]

I haven’t had the chance to fish with the Lift yet! It’s definitely on my list. I always recommend that the first thing you upgrade is the line, it can make a huge difference! Thanks for your comment James!

[@ethantibbetts8017]

I’m thinking about getting the echo lift 4 wt too how have you liked it and have you had any issues with it.

[@billy_h_bonney2097]

I have the orvis and redington, I have to say I fish in my budget. My first combo came from Academy sports for $35 and honestly I almost gave up on fly fishing because of it. Then I got the Orvis and it was so much better than my 1st rod that it restored my hopes in fly fishing. The Redington I got on a whim because my points for donating blood were about to expire so I loaded them up on my Amazonm account. I then watched a review on beginner combos from Mad River Outfitters. He seemed very happy with the Redington Path II and the Rio gear it came with. I honestly don't know which I like best because I bought them in 2 different weights. The Orvis is s 6wt and the Redington is a 4. I know there are tons of much nicer rods out there. Some even cheaper. But I am disabled combat vet on limited income, and to quote a friend of mine, "these rods are good enough for the chicks we date" lol

[@1HYB]

that quote 🤣

[@manifestgtr]

Honestly, you’re fine with those for the rest of your fishing “career” if you so choose. Diminishing returns start showing up pretty quickly above this price point. Modern rods are so different than they were 30 years ago. You can get a $200 kit nowadays and be just as well-equipped as the next guy.

[@billy_h_bonney2097]

@@manifestgtr exactly, Ithink I will love my camaro a lot more if I never have to compare it to a maserati 😁

[@thehoundsfromhell7744]

What would be the best for carp and catfish

[@nicolastidei2003]

what about the Redington crosswater rod?

[@frankwestphal4525]

Personally Ive owned the reddington path 2 for a couple years now and the only problem I have with if is the reel. Most of the time everything is fine but occasionally the line will get stuck in between the pieces of the reel and I have to take it apart.

[@verdantia]

Never seen TFO in my country,i just like the name :D

[@ignacionitto2626]

Hello, this is the best comparison I found on the net. The redington crosswater is similar to the path in quality and action? Greetings and congratulations for the channel...

[@TheDrift1]

Thanks so much Ignacio! Appreciate the feedback! Yes, the Crosswater is similar in quality and action but I would probably recommend one of the other rods in the video. Due to the casting, and feel of the Redington rods compared to the others in the price range. That being said, it really depends what youre looking for in a rod but all of the rods tested as well as the crosswater will definitely catch fish!

[@ignacionitto2626]

@@TheDrift1 Very Thanks!!!

[@evanhammond7305]

I've been fly fishing for a long time, and i still prefer a softer, slower action rods. Especially if i am dry fly fishing in smaller creeks. Id recommend a fiberglass rod for beginners they are easy to cast and ate very durable

[@manifestgtr]

My brother and I are Orvis and Loomis guys…they both have really consistent high quality and you know what you’re getting from tier to tier, from stuff like the encounter, all the way up to my beloved NRXs. I think it’s a good thing to be somewhat “brand loyal” with fly rods once you find a brand or two that you like. You’ll learn the quirks, the feel and the adjustments from weight to weight. It’s still good to branch out and have a few different things…I have a custom small stream 3wt, some st croixs that I love, etc. But my MAIN rods are the NRXs simply because they’re light, powerful and I know them so well. All of these are good companies. Even the lowest “scoring” here…that’s a FARRRR better rod than the huge, clunky Martin I started with in the 90s. Brand loyalty and fanboying are two differing concepts…the former is good for consistency, the latter only leads to KZbin/Reddit arguments over “which is the best” 🙄. Anyone watching this…don’t worry about that. They’re all great. Just find what appeals most to you and go from there.

[@paulkysar6207]

If you like the Loomis rod try the edge rods. Shimono bought gloomis about 15 years ago. Gary started edge after his no compete clause expired.

[@manifestgtr]

@@paulkysar6207 You have any? I actually haven’t tried an edge yet, myself

[@ronaldrvvanhook1437]

Explain your casting accuracy and consistency part... Did the eyelets create friction on the line? What exactly made casting inconsistent or inaccurate?

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Well damn…feeling bad for getting the redington crosswater for my first fly rod…just didn’t know there were other options.

[@TheDrift1]

Don’t feel bad at all! The Crosswater will catch you plenty of fish!

[@sergioelvasco6358]

Diez puntos !!! muy bueno !!!

[@baronistheone]

Great job on the comparison and the video. What I think would be interesting since these are all Asian factory built (Korea for the TFO and probably China for the others), would be to purchase the better of the Chinese built / Amazon sold combos that are half or less in cost to the 4 you purchased. The ones I see from Sougayilang, Piscifun, MaxCatch/Maximumcatch, Aventik, and KastKing all look to be equal or better quality rods and far better quality reels (most CNC aluminum and less than 5 ounces). From a little research, I'm thinking that Leichi manufacturers a majority of Chinese fishing gear sold by these and other companies and possibly the blanks for many American built rods. I'm just learning to fly fish (after 60 years of spinning gear) and have heard the fly lines on all these entry level brands are poor quality. I assume that affects the casting success and if so you may consider using a standard inexpensive line like Scientific Angler to share among all the combos for the casting test. I've researched all these cheap fly combo options and still on the fence regarding what to start with. After watching a video on the design and manufacture of the TFO gear in their Korean factory, I'm leaning that way, but also thinking for another couple of hundred to move up their product line a bit and purchase something that I would never have reason to replace. I did order a couple of the brands I mentioned and will likely keep the better of the two to learn and practice with.

[@seandevenney4998]

I would love to see somebody review all the Chinese manufactured outfits with this much detail!!

[@MrOlinswims]

Orvis not only offers a 25 year warranty (minus the enounter) but the warranty is better than the others because it's a "no fault warranty" the others don't have that. Break your rod in a car door and the warranty still stands. Aside from loomis with their xpediter warranty program, not many offer coverage for anything other than manufacturing defects.

[@scottthomas6741]

Nice video and very informative, BUT you never mentioned line quality, kinda important......

[@michaelderyder426]

The TFO is a great rod, has the best reel, feels amazing... and casts horribly. Pretty counterintuitive dont you think?

[@BombedNevada]

That’s a like from me.

[@EvolBobby]

There are two options on Amazon for the echo base the 480-4 and the 890-4 I have no clue what the difference is. Any help would be appropriate.please be kind just starting out.

[@TheDrift1]

Hey Joel! Sorry for the lat response! So the first number in that series is the weight of the rod, the second and third is how long the rod is and the number after the dash is how many pieces the rod breaks into! So the first rod you’re looking at is a 4-weight, 8 foot rod that breaks down into 4 pieces. The second is an 8 weight, 9 foot rod that breaks down into 4 pieces. Each rod has a different purpose! If you’re fishing for smaller fish on smaller streams go with the 4 weight. If you’re going after larger fish with larger flies go with the 8 weight. A 5 weight is a nice sweet spot to start out with though!

[@MarkEWallace]

480-4 = 4wt, 8’, 4-pc; 890-4 = 8wt, 9’, 4-pc

[@srirachasponsorship6265]

Quality of this content did not match ur sub count. subbed. this channel gonna blow up if you keep making videos like this

[@TheDrift1]

Thanks man! I really appreciate that!

[@nicoschultz5753]

I want to buy the TFO but it’s not accurate or consistent is it a problem for someone trying to get into fly fishing?

[@TheDrift1]

Hey Nico! I’m actually releasing the individual TFO review today around 3pm Mountain Time. So keep an eye out for that one! To answer your question, I actually recommend the TFO for beginners. My wife who just started fly fishing preferred it and found it easier to start out casting with it. The action of the rod is more moderate than fast so it makes it more forgiving as you’re starting to learn to cast correctly. Whereas the Orvis Encounter felt towards the faster side so it was actually easier for someone with more experience to get in the rhythm of casting it. So for beginners the moderate action TFO is recommended! It will be forgiving enough that the timing of your cast won’t have to be perfect in order to get your fly out on the water. As you get the hang of it, it will become more consistent and accurate. Great question! Let me know if you have any others!

[@nicoschultz5753]

@@TheDrift1 ok thank you so much

[@johnthomson3248]

Hello, what size I fish in lakes catch trout this will be my first rod any suggestions? I also might fish in streams

[@TheDrift1]

Hello! It will really depend on what size of flies you’ll be fishing with. If you plan on fishing using streamers or larger sized flies regularly I would definitely go with a 6 weight or more. Especially if where you fish is also windy. If you plan on fishing smaller streamers and dry flies as well as nymphs a 5 weight is a great first rod and is very versatile!

[@stephenhalasz59]

👍

[@josempaillacarm1458]

Orvis físu 2 ??

[@ComradePsych]

Wait, why is the rating f rom 1 - 2 ?lol? thanks for this video man it is helpful

[@ComradePsych]

wait I get it now.

[@glenndotter5065]

Dont get hung up on alignment dots. I have found you still need to eyeball your alignment. They are quick reference only. This even on more expensive rods.

[@Cigarhiker]

I agree, Glenn. Having assembled rods for many years prior to alignment dots I find that I almost always get the alignment correct on the initial try.

[@stephenhalasz59]

🎣

[@fantom5894]

Just wondering why the TFO is the best combo for beginners if it gets a 0 for consistency?

[@TheDrift1]

Hey Fantom! Great question! Although the TFO wasnt the most consistent its best for beginners because of the slower action it had. The slower action allows someone who is new to fly fishing to not need to have perfect timing with their casts. It has more forgiveness. This doesnt mean that its more accurate though. What it means is it will be easier to learn the motion of a fly fishing cast and may be easier in helping control the line. That being said the beginner caster really liked this rod and was able to gain better consistency with more practice which of course makes sense!

[@Cigarhiker]

Lack of consistency is much more of a caster problem than a rod problem!

[@ehrenwells111]

Spoiler alert. Buy a Sage or a Loop rod… hahaha! It’s surprising how the TFO crushed it in build quality but did poorly in the casting arena. If a rod doesn’t cast well, the build quality is lacking, imo. Fun vid tho.

[@water_feind9152]

I mean a warranty on a 200.00 package is a little silly.

[@estellet3159]

Hello! very good video about fly fishing! Do you know the tenkara fishing rod? I think you are a great person to experience our products. Do you mind give me an email?

[@Cigarhiker]

You seem to equate slower rod action with beginning casters and fast with more experienced casters. Why? Rod action has far more to do with how it is being used than the caster's ability. Would you want a 7.5' 3 wt. small stream rod to have a fast action? I sure wouldn't. But if I was using a 9' 9wt. pike rod, give me the fast action. It all boils down to the type of fishing being done.

[@coryfritzler62]

Why are all your lines coming off the top of the reel? Do you reel backwards?😂 you do know you can change the bearing around and switch them to right hand retrieve right? I cant take you videos seriously if thats the case.

[@coryfritzler62]

Your**

[@JMHuze]

Meh... Hard to take this as "unbiased" off the start with the build quality ratings. Best feeling cork, double reel lock, aluminum reel seat, straight eyelets but no alignment dots (like the TFO), but the cheapest of the 4 and the Orvis gets a 1 while the rest get a 2? And then not giving the Orvis a point for the one-time replacement policy? Something seems "fishy" to me...

[@richarde1355]

Great video, and great objective for your review. However, when I watched the most important part (to me), the casting portion, the veracity of this review went poof. You didn't have one decent caster in the group. Sorry, but not one could single haul and they were very stiff. So, this video is a perfect example of why a buyer should cast rods in which they have interest to see which fits best their casting style. Thanks for putting together this video!

[@JMHuze]

The lines were also coming off the top of the reels...

[@richarde1355]

@@JMHuze Eagle eye! Ha! I didn’t notice!

[@bobcatethan8919]

Ag Ag

[@coryfritzler62]

How do none of you people realize he doesn't even have the reels set up correctly?

[@JMHuze]

Ha... I just realized that...

[@teddyf9438]

Just saying- this video is irrelevant, fish don't care about your setup, if you can get a realistic presentation and catch fish that's all that maters. Flyline and tippit/fly, plus fisherman are the only thing that matter. He may say "this rod is consistent" but that just mean's he got used to it faster. It's a stupid video, the only thing that should matter is how long the combo will last before breaking/causing issues.

[@stephenhalasz59]

🎣