"Lots of rod makers talk about building 'versatile' rods, but Epic has actually done it with the 686. Incredibly smooth to cast, great fish-fighting feedback with the choice of materials, high-end construction. The modestly 'premium' price should give a lot of other rod manufacturers pause. Add the quick turnaround times for breakage, and Epic is quickly establishing itself as a marquee rod brand." — Kirk Deeter, Editor of Angling Trade, editor-in-chief for TROUT Magazine and an editor-at-large for Field & Stream.