Echo Sonar Freeskate
Hello Hello. Stephen @Whataspoon here. Echo Skates have officially released the final version of their Freeskate, now called the Echo Sonar. The skate comes in both a four-wheel setup and a three-wheel triskate option. Let’s take a look at how it differs from the first version, the Founders Edition.
The new Sonar features an updated colourway and several improvements based on feedback from skaters who used the Founders Edition. As you can see from the photos, the skate now comes with a grey boot paired with black and dark green components. One of the first upgrades I noticed is the shorter 45-degree strap (one of my only complaints about the Founders Edition) and it’s great to see that Echo addressed this straight away. They’ve also improved the liner, adding extra support in key areas based on user feedback.
For more information about the Echo Founders Edition, check out this blog.
One of the biggest talking points of the Echo Sonar is the Flush Mounting System, designed by Echo themselves. This system was first introduced on the Founders Edition, where the frame was mounted inside the skate using Y-hardware instead of the typical 165mm bolt system used by most brands. This gave the skate an incredibly low ride height, bringing the wheels much closer to the skater's feet. As far as I’m aware, it was the lowest freeskate on the market, until now. The Sonar has been lowered even further, bringing the boot closer to the wheels than ever before and offering even more control. The flush mount also provides greater power transfer, with the frame sitting solidly inside the boot instead of being attached by just two or three bolts. The result is exceptional control, especially when landing from height, and noticeably stronger power with every push.
Last year, I really put the Founders Edition to the test. I skated them all over Europe and tried my hardest to break them on multiple occasions, but they survived everything, in all conditions, without any issues. I’ve just received the Sonar and I’m ready to take them out for plenty of sessions. Here’s a video of Ilaria and me showing them off right after we unboxed them:
Now that the Sonar has been released, Echo has completed the full size range. The Founders Edition only came in a few sizes, but the Sonar is available from UK 3.5 all the way up to UK 12. With all these improvements, Echo has clearly built a skate designed for riders who want performance, durability, and progression all in one package. Check out the all new Echo Sonar here:
- 80mm wheels for sizes EU 42 / UK 8 and below
- 90mm wheels for sizes EU 43 / UK 9 and above
- 213mm wheelbase for sizes EU 38 / UK 5 and below
- 243mm wheelbase for sizes EU 39-42 / UK 5.5-8
- 275mm wheelbase for sizes EU 43 / UK 9 and above
- 100mm wheels for sizes EU 38 / UK 5 and below
- 110mm wheels for sizes EU 39 / UK 5.5 and above
- 243mm wheelbase for sizes EU 42 / UK 8 and below
- 270mm wheelbase for sizes EU 43 / UK 9 and above
