Hey Catchm!
Havent seen you twere ttyburning over rocks together in the upper Neversink. Hope alll is well. That was a good description of the Echo shadow. "a 6 wt with a 3 wt tip" I find that because of that, I have a hard time driving a hook set. The tip seems to absorb the lift. I remember George D saying that he moves the rod "one inch really fast." I dont think George's description of a hook set works very well with that rod. I find that without engaging the "6 wt part of that rod", you get mush. The Hardy / Greys on the other hand, have a fully integrated action thoughout the rod so one can deliver a quick compact and forceful hook set. I too am interested in the Greys 11 ft rod. In particular, the 4 wt.