I rode the first echo 24 from when it came out til the following november and it was great, ran a stock stem so it was a bit more stock like to ride, but it was great, really flicky, easier to control and generally better for moves that would favour a mod
Hav rode stock for a year now also, but id say stock is much more all round, you have to get used to it being bigger and harder to move around but that doesnt take long, its much better all round and good for rolling moves
If i were to choose again, it would be 26 for sure