You start seeing these only on rods in the $150 range, as opposed to the $40 to $50 range, so theyre beyond the budget of most casual anglers. More expensive (and usually sturdier) guides include inserts made of higher-quality materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) or titanium-framed silicon carbide (TiSiC), which are usually affixed to rods built for performance (longer casting and lighter weight). 0043388306166, 0043388306173, 0043388306197, 0043388306203, 0043388306210, 0043388306388, 0043388306395, 0043388306401, 0043388306418, 0043388306425, 0043388306432, 0043388306449, 0043388306456, 0043388306463, 0043388306470, 0043388306487, 0043388306494, 0043388306500, 0043388306517, 0043388306524, 0043388306548, 0043388306555, 0043388306562, 0043388316622, 0043388316639, 0043388332509, 0043388332516, 0043388410504, 0043388410511, 0077349010403, 0782361653520, 0782361675270, 0782361678738, 0782361678752, 0787463594535, 043388306166, 043388306173, 043388306197, 043388306203, 043388306210, 043388306388, 043388306395, 043388306401, 043388306418, 043388306425, 043388306432, 043388306449, 043388306456, 043388306463, 043388306470, 043388306487, 043388306494, 043388306500, 043388306517, 043388306524, 043388306548, 043388306555, 043388306562, 043388316622, 043388316639, 043388332509, 043388332516, 043388410504, 043388410511, 077349010403, 782361653520, 782361675270, 782361678738, 782361678752, 787463594535, 1264738, 1264739, 1264740, 641-1264731, 641-1264733, 641-1264735, USLDSP602M, USLDSP662M, USSP461UL, USSP481UL, USSP481UL20C, USSP501UL, USSP502L/2SC, USSP502UL, USSP503L, USSP5101M, USSP5102M, USSP561M, USSP562L, USSP601H, USSP601MH, USSP602L, USSP602M, USSP604M, USSP661MH, USSP661MH40C, USSP662L, USSP662M, USSP662M35CB, USSP701MH, USSP701MH50C, USSP702M, USSP702UL, USSP702UL/25CBO, USSP902M, Durable and tough fishing rod and reel combo designed for the challenge of big water fishing, Ugly tech construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass, Clear tip design delivers added responsiveness and strength. While generally sturdy, they still dont come anywhere close to Ugly Stiks Ugly Tuff guides. Weve looked over this guide and still stand by our recommendations. One-Piece Guides Probably one of the the biggest changes that most people will notice is the new guide design. Teresa Taylor is a keen kayak fisher and lover of all types of fishing. While the GX2 isnt better than a specialist rod in either application, it is a capable performer in bothwhich cant be said of the Ugly Stik Tiger or the Penn Squadron. It brings you the same ruff n tuff, budget-friendly fishing rod paired with refined features that compete with some of the more expensive rods out there. Available in lengths ranging from 49 to 6. Some other brands offer almost similar functionalities at 2x or 3x the price but arent anywhere near in durability. Hi my name.is judith and I just bought a shkespear uhly stik GX2 medium 6"6 . I will suggest that, if you can accommodate it, a one-piece rod will almost always outperform a two- or three-piece rod. Im also a fan of the Teramar, which is extremely well-balancedboth in weight and in guide placementbut Shimano rods come with only a one-year warranty, and I prefer the high-end cork on the Triumph anyway. These are by far the most rod you can get for your money. Theyre easy to confuse, and our chosen reel wont fit the casting version. There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. My main concern with medium heavy being that is that it is nearly twice as heavy (in actual weight) as the medium combo. The old guides were tough, but they featured the traditional pop-out ceramic insert that had the potential to get broken. The expensive rods are good indeed but this isnt bad either. I am very hesitant on whether or not the ugly stik is worth keeping?? $50 from Amazon. Our readers often shared the anecdotes regarding how carefree they are while lending these rods to even the clumsiest of friends as they know they will be safe.. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! GX2 has more graphite than the original Ugly Stik, yet Elite has more graphite than GX2. ReviewFinder is reader-supported - if you click on a link on ReviewFinder and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Very high levels of customer satisfaction. These rods are at home catching tuna in the Pacific as well as landing monster catfish down south. Not only are bag limits high, but the fish generally taste better through the We all love to know about fishing! This rod can be your primary goto rod instead of just being a backup. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I found the Battalion to be somewhat lightweight for its action and recommended line weight, which you could easily solve by ordering the next weight up (for example, if you want a medium action rod, order the Battalion in medium heavy). Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. In fact, if it costs less than $100 and its not an Ugly Stik, Id just as soon use a hand line. Based on the GX2s build and the originals history of durability, the GX2 could very well be the last rod youll need to buy. A proud Indian origin Kiwi who loves to plant trees and play with my pet bunny when not freshwater fishing in the nearest creek or enjoying saltwater fishing by taking boats far in the ocean. Medium-Heavy Power Models: Available in lengths ranging from 6 to 7. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod. | 7 Reasons, link to Why Does Cold Water Fish Taste Better? The clear-tip provides the sensitivity which makes it possible to feel even the lightest strike of the most stealthy fishes. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Fiberglass is heavier but more flexible (slow action) and nearly impossible to break. 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. Although a good rod and reel are crucial for the beginning angler, managing the necessary tackle (hooks, lines, sinkers, floats, and so forth) for your fishing expedition can also make or break your experience. 4-20LB LINE RATING, MEDIUM POWER, MODERATE FAST ACTION: Built tough to stand up to what's next. As a kid growing up fishing for little panfish on my favorite farm pond, to hiking the rocky mountains in search of trout, to today when I am stalking the inshore waters of SW Florida, the Ugly Stik has always been a dependable and durable rod. Copyright 1997-2023 The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide LLC All rights reserved. Rumors of professional anglers such as Bill Dance and Jimmy Houston using Ugly Stik rods have been around for years, but Ugly Stik has actually never endorsed a competitor until this past year. SKU: 1308985 Category: Shakespeare-boat-rods. For what is advertised to be "unbreakable", what will the company do for you if one IS broken, which is what happened this weekend? Single-piece guides referred to as UglyTuff have a stamped stainless steel design which makes the rod extremely durable and almost impossible to destroy. Ugly Stik GX2 rods offer better balance for lighter feel, improved components, and eye-catching cosmetics for a more modern look versus the prior generation. Read the full review of the Star Stellar Lite series HERE. The Ugly Stik GX2, however, was only introduced in 2013. The Ugly Stik GX2 consistently performs above many rods that cost 2 to 3 times as much and are not nearly as durable. In 2021, Matt Robertson became the first Bassmasters Elite Series angler to sign an endorsement deal with Ugly Stik fishing rods. Thats far better than the one-year warranty coverage from Shimano, Penn, and Shakespeare. The biggest change is the new guide design. Read the full review of the G Loomis E6X HERE. I was thinking of getting Ugly Stick GX2 6'6 or 7' M rod to replace my Berkleys as a smaller rod I can also use for Bass and of the Pier and then to also get Surf/jetty/inshore rod that is 8-10" M or MH to through 4-6oz sinkers at the beach fitted with 5000/6000 reel size. Your link has been automatically embedded. He understands the challenge to pick the best fishing rod or learning the lifestyle. In my experience its definitely worth price checking online vendors first, as the prices can vary on a daily basis. It has the features of a rod that's longer than most, but it's more lightweight, making it perfect for handling smaller fish such as panfish and trout. If you're willing to spend $100 or a bit more, youll get all the makings of a reel thats built to last. The Ugly Stik Howald process featuring Triple Built construction around an internal fiberglass core. The Ugly Stik GX2 series has been a rage among anglers ever since its inception. You could also go for German or Swedish, but I would mix and match, s. That means a semisealed dragfor keeping out water, dirt, and corrosive salt sprayas well as an all-metal body. Unlike before, it now feels very comfortable even after hours of cast & retrieves. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Ugly Stik rods are made for anglers who want affordable gear made for fishing. That said, most 100- or 120-size reels are probably outmatched by 400-pound fish. In warmer months, anglers are generally more competitive and eager to spend less time socializing and more time fishing. This website displays data from third party public sources. The Quantum Cabo PTSE, which I picked up only after reading a rave review by Alan Hawk, was delightful to cast. 5 Models Available Other Shakespeare Rods Available When rinsing a reel, first tighten the drag, sealing it so that water doesnt work into the washers. 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. Since fishing rods are often exposed to sun, salt, sand, dirt, fish parts, and general wear and tear, glue is simply less than ideal (as is plastic); a single piece of relatively rustproof metal is incomparably sturdier. Personally I like the 1 piece 7 Medium Model# USSP701MH as a great everyday rod. Most lure fishers will want a stiffer rod composed of graphite (or mostly graphite) so that they can work a jig or plug to imitate the movements of prey, while bait fishers might seek out a rod thats a little looser or more sensitive, so as to detect the slightest strike. Ive left it soaked in salt and sand, and even in a bit of marsh mud for two weeks, and Ive seen no rust stains or any other signs of degradation. Please suggest me and guide me in the right direction. G Loomis E6X Fishing Rod | Amazon The GX2 feels much more smooth than the previous Ugly Stik models. Ugly Stik fishing rods are among the most affordable on the market, yet they have a reputation for being the most durable rods for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Pay us back later. For many anglers, ice fishing is something they love doing because of the opportunities to fill their freezers with food. Now, with a better mindset, let us get to know this wonder in detail!. This ugly stick was priced for the everyday working man, who could not afford expensive rods. Nevertheless, although machined aluminum makes for a higher-quality, more durable gear, cast zinc still gets the job done and is the industry standard in reels under $300. I'm thinking about getting an ugly stik gx2 6'6" MH rod and a Penn Fierce 5000 spinning reel. I tested all of the rods and reels from beaches, rocks, boats, and riverbanks. Just like its predecessor, it was packed with value. Coming at a very low price point, it puts those to shame who brag about how expensive their rod is. Come winter, Why Does Cold Water Fish Taste Better? Once I got one of these rods in my hands, I was able to tell right away that the balance point has been moved to the butt end of the rod. At the end of the day, be sure to give everything a solid rinse with freshwater and loosen the drags (to relieve straining pressure), whether your rig costs $20 or $2,000. This design might not affect other fishers as much, but I find it to be a nuisance to have to grab something so small when youre hurrying to set the hook. We are currently testing this new model and will update with our results. If you know you want something stiffer for doing more lure fishing, the Ugly Stik Elite series is a good bet. A new development is the Ugly Stik logo at the butt-end of the rod. That isnt necessarily a bad thing if thats what you know you want, but its worth noting if youre a first-timer trying to start small. We also tried the Penn Battalion and the Shimano Teramar SE, which are both great rods. My question is can I use it in salty water? Although I found the Saguaro rod itself to be more clunky and cumbersome overallespecially when casting lightweight artificial luresthats also what made me recognize and appreciate it as a dependable workhorse. For the person that is just getting started, Shakespeare offers several Ugly Stix GX2 combo packages that only add a few dollars to your purchase price. Privacy Statement. The Bigwater series features Ugly Tech construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass to create a strong, yet sensitive rod, Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides to provide excellent durability and eliminate insert pop-outs, and Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity. I have just highlighted a few of the more common models that I would recommend for most of your saltwater fishing needs. I am an almost 40 male that hasbeen fishing 2 years. All Trademarks and Copyrights belong to their respective owners. Anyone have any experience with these? The older version was tough, but it came along with traditional pop-out ceramic inserts that were easy to break. The Ugly Stik GX2 spinning rod is a favorite among largemouth bass anglers. 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