C-Forum

Does anybody use an Echo Creek Stick or a Reaction?

Do ya like it?

I recently purchased a full carbon creek stick. I've only used it once, taking it for a brief flat water paddle to test it out. Beautiful looking and top notch construction. However, I kinda wish I would have bought the carbon shaft/wood blade model, or even full wood because this thing is super stiff! If you're really into creeking you'd appreciate the added strength of full carbon but it's overkill for my needs.

Yes...
Carbon shaft/wood blade. A sweet paddle. It hasn't seen many rocks("mileage"!... yet though...)

Steve

I have an older Echo stick (picked up from Kalin of all folks!), and have checked out NZMatt's newer slalom sticks- NICE paddles. I think they are a little lighter than the Mitchells, but I'm not sure. The water feel is great, and craftsmanship superb (and yes, I DO liek the fact that the center of mine is an old hocky stick:) ).

Both a great paddles (Mitchell and Echo). I don't think you can go wrong with any of the wooden paddle manufacturers for quality and support - Backlund (ok, so it will take a long time to get one..but NICE STICKS), Clinch River (haven't tried one, but have heard many, many good things about them, especially from a few folks that are hard on paddles), Echo, or Mitchell.

Hopefully NZMatt will post - he's had a lot of experience with his Echo, and as I recall great support from them as well.

I’ve been using a wood shaft carbon blade creek stick for the last year here in México in some rocky rivers, mostly in the Veracruz area, and it has hold out really good, feel good on the water and looks really nice to. Excellent workmanship.

Hi y'all
Forgiveme if I'm nto completel cogniscent...there's a couple fo amber refreshments behind me this evening.

I have an Echo Creek Stick - I believe it was an early prototype. I beat the heck out of it on Swiss creeks for about 6 months (NB: 2-2 times per week that is) until I managed to break the tip. Andy then replaced the metal with a dynel tip (I think I got that right) and since then I've beaten it a couple of more months with now problems. My Echo stick is an all wood baby - no carbon and a sweet piece of workmanship. My pürevious paddle (now my backup) is a Mitchell straight blade - OC model. The difference in power and precision is night and day. I also have a Galasport (lower end) and a bottom range Robson and none of them are even in the same league. My Rough Stuff I use for C1, but the shear power of the Echo leaves it for dead.

I believe since I got my stick Andy has found a better way of attaching the metal tip, so I don't expect the newer sticks will have any issues, and for reference, the Swiss creeks tend to be just a tad bony (read: you hit a rock every few meters) so I wasn't exactly easy on it. I'm am totally psyched about the paddle still and hav had it for a while now. I highly recommend these paddles to anyone who's interested.

Cheers,
Matt

PS. IN the same time frame that I damaged the tip in the Echo, I also cracked my Galasport and ripped the tip out of my Mitchell, so this isn't a lack of durability. My wife is a bit easier on her sticks and she has had no problems. Andy builds 'em strong.

They are awesome. I ahve a creek stick and it holds up well.
You can break any paddle and I have managed to break every single paddle I have owned. Just a question of time.

My creek stick has a carbon blade and a wood shaft with dynel sleeve. Very stiff and tough. I like the fabric tip, which is much better than aluminum.

Cheers, Jan

Jan_dettmer wrote:......snip........
My creek stick has a carbon blade and a wood shaft with dynel sleeve. Very stiff and tough. I like the fabric tip, which is much better than aluminum.

Interesting.... I have 2 Echo paddles and love them. Both are Pursuit paddles with Aluminum tips and I wouldn't go back to fabric for the tip while creeking. I like the grip you get on rocks when bouncing down real shallow water.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

thanks for all the info. You all have only reinforced my decision to buy an Echo.....after I save the money.

How much $$$$ do they cost?