[Begin edit update]
I posted a fishing review of the rod in the "fishing with ..." forum.
Regarding the maker, I saw some pictures of a used Echo River Glass rod for sale, and I think Odonata pretty much nailed it. With the exception of the colors (rod, wrappings, tube, and reel seat anodizing), this whole kit looks pretty much identical to the kit that Echo offers, with a couple of little simplifications to save costs. Given the way that Bean has had companies make rods for them in the past (Timberline, Diamondback, Loomis, etc.) I wonder if Bean didn't contract with Echo for these rods?
[End edit update]
Got my 7’ 6” 4wt yesterday (when I was out fishing). Took it to the park today for a few minutes of lawn casting with a Cortland 444 Peach WF4F line. Impressions - definitely less backbone than my 4wt Scott F. I can motivate casts out to 50’ (40’ is natural and easy). Beyond that is a chore for me (probably says something about my casting). I can roll cast to 30’ or so even on the lawn. All in all, not bad - a good close-in rod - definitely not on the stiff or tippy side. I think it would probably cast a 3wt line just fine, but 5wt line might overpower it at distance.
The rod itself: certainly made to a price point. Quality is fine but not great - as I expected. I’m a little disappointed they didn’t cover the branding and rod info printing with epoxy - I think it’ll chip off with use. Agree with Cappy on the reel seat being tight, but it fits my Hardy and Orvis and LLBean reels, all of which have machined reel feet, fine. Aesthetics are great and look absolutely based on the Timberline pack rods - similar blank color, same wrapping color, downlocking reel seat, etc. If they hadn’t added the unnecessary-to-hide-the-reel-seat-hood flare to the back of the grip, the user interface would be spot on with the old designs. Furnishings are nice. I like the fiberglass tube much better than Cordura-covered PVC. The rod sock is maybe a little too thick and rough, but that’s a pretty minor quibble.
Summary - a cool throwback to old school moderate action glass in looks and feel. Might not be the best rod for windy days or a first intro to the material for a graphite-centric person. I’m looking forward to getting it on the water.