I am going to the shore this weekend so I want to be able to use it in freshwater for flounder and small sea bass, but I also want to use it for bass in freshwater lakes. Another alternative would be the GLoomis E6X which is an incredible rod made by one of the best rodbuilders in the industry, Gary Loomis. Shakespeare also offers the Ugly Stik in different lengths, action levels, and weight classes, making it a versatile fishing rod. Nor may it be copied, published, rewritten, or redistributed. The lightweight construction, one-piece line guides, and flexible clear tip make this a great rod. My friend Captain Colin Kelly spent the better part of the fall bluefin tuna run off Cape Cod relying on these modestly priced reels, which compete with the $500 to $700 reels that have generally been the only options for catching fish over 200 pounds on spinning gear. Subscribe to our mailing list and receive updates about new gear and special deal alerts. Irrespective of whether you are a fresher or a seasoned angler, it can never hurt to have an Ugly Stik GX2 by your side. Ugly Stik fishing rods, like many others, are made from component parts manufactured in Taiwan, China, and Korea. Ugly Stik GX2 Spincast Rod and Reel Combo $59.95 Compare (38) Ugly Stik Tiger Casting Rod $69.95 Compare (11) Ugly Stik Ugly Tools 90 Degree Pliers $26.99 Compare Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod From $69.95 Compare SALE! People think they are of lower quality than higher-end rods, Casting with lightweight lures is not quite as accurate as other rods. Best spincast reel: Our Top Picks Reviewed, Graphite and fiberglass construction is strong and flexible, Fast action to moderate action is well suited for most anglers. If you know you want something stiffer for doing more lure fishing, the Ugly Stik Elite series is a good bet. The brand truly excels when it comes to spinning rods and their Ugly Stik GX2 is arguably one of the better spinning models on the market today for less than $100. This ugly stick was priced for the everyday working man, who could not afford expensive rods. The Ugly Stik GX2 is the next generation of Ugly Stik spinning rod range and comes with a full makeover with modern and eye-catching cosmetic upgrades. Ugly Stik GX2 casting rod This model brings the toughness and durability of the Ugly Tech material to a casting lineup which is clearly intended for heavy weight applications. Read the full review of the Star Stellar Lite series HERE. Copyright 1997-2023 The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide LLC All rights reserved. This is what makes Ugly Stik way ahead of its competitors as it continues to be budget-friendly. It's here. We also tested Shimanos Saragosa, a supposed upgrade, but didnt find anything particularly advantageous about it over the Spheros SW. Just like its predecessor, it was packed with value. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod Strong, yet balanced graphite and fiberglass construction Durable ugly tuff one piece stainless steel guides Pre-spooled with 6 pound line Durable and lightweight eva grips 2-piece construction 7-year warranty 7' medium power spinning rod 6-15 pounds test; eva handle 1/8-5/8 ounce; lure weight Check Price About Oh, but its a beginners rod and a cheap backup, we do get to hear that a lot. They are seriously tough rodsa fact supported by their industry-leading seven-year warranty (compared with the typical one-year coverage offered on Penn and Shimano rods). For more information, please see our Signature Clear Tip The rod still has the signature cleartip that lets you know you have an Ugly Stik in your hands, or as is the case for some of us, it lets us pick the Stik out of the pile of rods we have stashed in the garage. No expert reviews linked yet for Ugly Stik Bigwater. While these materials are not necessarily stronger than stainless steel or lined aluminum oxide, they are higher-performance materials, and a lot more expensive. 04/18/2023 05:27 am GMT. Another problem with the Ugly Stik GX2 is that the guides are not always perfectly placed. The data presented is for information purposes only. Its unique Ugly Tech construction combines fiberglass and graphite in exactly the right proportions to yield a blank that is sensitive, lightweight, and virtually unbreakable. He provides a detailed review of the available products in the market. High-rated Fishing Rods in a similar price range. Apart from the Saguaros less durable guides, the primarily graphite rod is more brittle, and less likely to survive a spill or a misplaced foot. An additional 35% more graphite in the rod is the main factor making the newer Ugly Stik Elite series our pick for lure fishing; the extra stiffness should help you manipulate your lure more realistically. Unlike before, it now feels very comfortable even after hours of cast & retrieves. We expected more out of a $180 reel. Ugly Stik GX2 rods offer better balance for lighter feel, improved components, and eye-catching cosmetics for a more modern look versus the previous generation. Compared with the original, it includes more graphite and less fiberglass, giving the rod more of a backbone for working lures and handling heavier fish, while still keeping the soft fiberglass tip that makes it sensitive enough for detecting subtler strikes and smaller catches. Drag on a spinning reel is provided by a stack of washers, which you can either tighten or loosen against the spool (the part of the reel that holds the line) to build friction to reel in a fish, relieve friction to allow for play in the line (so it doesnt break), or let it swim away in order to let the hook fully set.1. Most rods are made out of fiberglass, graphite, or a mixture of both. Lure rating of 1/8-3/4 oz. $50 from Walmart. It has the same great sensitive tip and single piece construction that Ugly Stik fishing rods are known for, but features a long cork grip and medium action so you can muscle up the fish. Adapted to suit a wide variety of general use. Personally I like the 1 piece 7 Medium Model# USSP701MH as a great everyday rod. Because it is so tough and durable, the Ugly Stik fishing rod is perfect for bass fishing in thick cover.If you prefer a great casting rod, the Ugly Stik Elite casting rod is longer and stronger than the GX2 spinning rod. If you can only have one fishing rod, make it an Ugly Stik GX2. 5 Models Available Other Shakespeare Rods Available This website displays data from third party public sources. We recommend short lengths like 6-feet when fishing near docs, trees or small places since longer rods would be difficult to control in such situations. Hi my name.is judith and I just bought a shkespear uhly stik GX2 medium 6"6 . Check Amazon.com The Quantum Cabo PTSE, which I picked up only after reading a rave review by Alan Hawk, was delightful to cast. First off, I had to decide what kind of rod and reel we would focus on, which was an easy choiceif youre going to own only one fishing rod and reel, a spinning-rod-and-reel setup is the most versatile and the easiest to use. We are currently testing it and will update. Priced about the same as the Ugly Stik GX2 rods, Shimanos Saguaro line suffers in comparison in terms of flex as well as sturdinessespecially the guides. Rod BlankFirst off this new generation of technology is called Ugly Techand features a new blank through reel seat design that is a combination of traditional fiberglass with the addition of a touch of graphite. Fiberglass and graphite are used to create a composite material for both rods. But if youve never held a high-end spinning rod before, you wont notice the difference. You wont have any problems casting lures ranging between 1/4oz to 1oz at distances more than 50 feet. I want to also be able to take this rod to fish on the charter boat offshore when I go later this month. You can choose out of the following available powers: Imparts extreme sensitivity for setting to the hook and is perfect for catching those small fishes. While this design can be advantageous for casting plugs, it offers less play or give, which can hinder other applications like setting the hook while bottom fishing with bait and a heavy sinker, where some flex is advantageous. We are free to use a lot of retrieval techniques. Secure the fishing line to the spool using a common Tug on the line as gently as possible until it is secured. I am an almost 40 male that hasbeen fishing 2 years. Power settings also vary according to rod length. This is one of those rods that I have no problem lending to a friend as I know that he or she is not going to mess it up. Privacy Statement. I found combos from both makers on Amazon, Walmart, Dick's, Bass Pro and other box stores and was wondering what I should do as they seem to be good deals to me. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod is $8.03 less expensive than an average fishing rod ($47.98). Anyone who has one please let me know how its been with youre fishing, Scan this QR code to download the app now. For a beginner or an all-around angler, a combination of both materials offers the most versatile package: It gives you enough stiffness to adequately manipulate a lure, while maintaining enough sensitivity for detecting small bites. It's a #1 bestseller in fishing rods category and has dozens of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as Okuma Longitude or BerryPro Salmon & Steelhead . Ugly Stik GX2 and Elite have graphite construction as their main selling point. Theyre functional, and Ive managed to land fairly large fish on them, but theyre brittle and unreliable. The patented construction process creates a fishing rod that is practically unbreakable, yet sensitive enough to catch fish at the first bump of the hook. Not only are bag limits high, but the fish generally taste better through the We all love to know about fishing! A fast action St. Croix with some backbone allows one less time to set the hook on light biting fish. Check out with Sezzle and split your entire order into 6 monthly interest-free payments. $260.00 (The Battalion has since been replaced by the Battalion II; we have not tested it.) The guide is now a one-piece stamped stainless steel design that makes it extremely durable and one would almost say, near impossible to destroy. Powerful, responsive, and durablethanks to the IM-7 high modulus graphite used throughout! Common points from expert reviews summarized. The drag or thrust disc has a rubber seal mounted to it, and according to expert spinning-reel reviewer Alan Hawk, its constructed of the same polymer that makes up the thrust discs of the Penn Slammer III (which usually costs about $300). The GX2 is the latest update to a classic line of rods renowned for their versatility and durability for nearly four decades. Purchase a reel of your choice and you would be good to go. The Elite is usually only about $10 more than the GX2 at any given length, which isnt a lot of money, so you might be wondering why it isnt our top pick. Medium and Medium Heavy Available In 9+3 Models: Almost all the freshwater fishes you can imagine cannot escape you now if you have this rod in your hand. Read about the benefits of SaltAway HERE. The Ugly Stik is renowned for its virtually unbreakable construction, making it an ideal choice for novice anglers or anglers looking for an affordable and reliable spinning rod. Shakespeare now manufactures a wide range of Ugly Stik fishing rods, from the inexpensive spinning rod to the Bigwater heavy-duty surf fishing model. My 2 cents. The GX2 has the superb reputation of the original Ugly Stik line, but it is made out of substantially more graphite. Capable of catching big fishes that require distant casting and heavier lures. Its strong enough to handle salmon and other saltwater fish, but sensitive enough for trout. I brought my cheapo Shimano FXS rod on several trips to test beside the others. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. In 2021, Matt Robertson became the first Bassmasters Elite Series angler to sign an endorsement deal with Ugly Stik fishing rods. You can choose a composite or cork grip for comfort on a long day of fishing. Pure Fishing - The World's Best Fishing Brands Pure Fishing If you want to be particularly diligent when cleaning your fishing gear (it will pay off in the long run), you can soak a cloth in freshwater (even with a little soapboat soap works) and wipe everything down. The biggest change is the new guide design. A new development is the Ugly Stik logo at the butt-end of the rod. This sponsorship helps prove that Ugly Stik casting and spinning rods are good rods, made for serious fishing. The Ugly Stik GX2 series has been a rage among anglers ever since its inception. (40) Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Combo $36.99 $22.19 Compare (22) Ugly Stik Tiger Spinning Rod $69.95 Compare (11) Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod is $10.04 less expensive than an average fishing rod ($49.99). At the sub-$200 level, our selection for both a rod and a reel represents the most affordable but still reliable pairing we could recommend. This is what I am talking about when I say this is a ridiculously durable rod. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Also, hooking baits when transporting has been made easy by the presence of eyes on the rod. Ugly Stik Elite rods feature premium cork handles, Ugly Tuff guides for durability and the Ugly Stik Clear Tip design. Baitcasters are predominantly designed to throw heavy lures at considerable distances and therefore we have limited power-settings. and our I keep a few extra GX2 rods on the boat for when I have company come from out of town. Also, most anglers wont even notice the differenceI find that I dont care one way or the other, and Ive been fishing my whole life. If you do happen to be fishing big game, youll likely have to step up in price range, or find a good deal at a garage sale. It will also be repairable should anything go wrong, whereas with cheaper gear, the cost of a repair can often exceed the worth of the reel. Shakespeare makes good reels and rods. It is available in spinning and casting models and a wide range of lengths. Todays Ugly Stick rods are built with the same durability and lightweight construction as the original, but new technologies have allowed improvements in weight and balance. That changed a few years backin fact, our teardown revealed that it has more in common with $200-plus reels than with others in its price category. Use it for bass fishing, cranking, jigging, topwater use and youll not be disappointed. Daiwa no longer states on its website that the BG has a machined aluminum gear, but the company avoids mentioning what material the gear is made of. That said, most 100- or 120-size reels are probably outmatched by 400-pound fish. *At the time of publishing, the price was $40. 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