The best thing about this rod is its low-price point and attractive features. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod: Ugly Tech Construction Ugly Tuff 1-piece stainless steel guides Ugly Stik clear tip design Durable and lightweight EVA grips Enhanced cosmetics for a more modern look 7-year warranty. This website displays data from third party public sources. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod Overall Score: 90 Check Out On Amazon + Variety of models + Sensitivity is good + Amazing durability + Has a light weight + Won't pinch your pocket - Thick foam grip reduces some sensitivity - Braided lines might cause an issue - A few models can seem stiff Rod Power You can choose out of the following available powers: If you're willing to spend $100 or a bit more, youll get all the makings of a reel thats built to last. This website displays data from third party public sources. The rod is pretty lightweight, owing to the lightweight materials used in the design. Something that is new, is the addition of the Ugly Stik logo in the butt end of the rod. It's here. Heavy Power Models: Available in length of 66. The handle is pretty slim and tapers in a balanced way along the length of the rod. In warmer months, anglers are generally more competitive and eager to spend less time socializing and more time fishing. Ice fishing culture is far different than open-water fishing. In the Daiwa, you get a reel with build quality and durability comparable to those of models costing $200 or more. 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. What is nice is that starting for around $39.99, you can own one of these great rods and you do not have to feel guilty about your purchase, heck you can even brag to your spouse how much money you saved. Pasted as rich text. Good for basses requiring a sensitive approach. But the GX2 is more versatile and cheaper. Read the full review of the G Loomis E6X HERE. Secure the fishing line to the spool using a common Tug on the line as gently as possible until it is secured. The line lay is impeccably even, and despite being largely plastic, the Spheros is sturdy where it counts. First off, as a stiffer rod, the Elite isnt as well-suited to bait fishing for smaller catches. As our former runner-up pick, the Penn Battle II reel offers build quality and durability comparable to those of models costing $150 or more. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. As with any gear that you use in saltwater make sure to rinse it with fresh water after you are done fishing so you do not get corrosion. While other rods have come and gone, my Ugly Stiks which were bought in the 80's and 90's are all still around. Ugly Stik GX2 is $0.04 cheaper than the average fishing rod ($49.99). Pure Fishing - The World's Best Fishing Brands Pure Fishing 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. The only down side to 2-pc, or multi-pc, rods is the possibility of the sections coming apart during casting which can usually be avoided by securely putting them together. A major reason lies in the fact that this rod has always been dependable and durable. It incorporates more strength into the rod. Our rod recommendation can do both things decently, but if you know youll be doing only one or the other, you should look into a more specialized setup. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod is a very popular option in the middle of the fishing rods price range. Longer rods will enhance your casting distance but the longer the rod gets, the less accurate its casting becomes. 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. 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. People think they are of lower quality than higher-end rods, Casting with lightweight lures is not quite as accurate as other rods. I found this video of a guy putting the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 to what I would have to call the ultimate challenge. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. These improvements have taken a good rod and turned it into a better rod. There truly is a better garden hose for you. Available in lengths ranging from 56 to 66. What do you guys use them for? If you can only have one fishing rod, make it an Ugly Stik GX2. However, if you never plan on targeting anything larger than trout and small freshwater bass or small inshore saltwater species (about 1 to 4 pounds), you can get away with the ultra-light version of the Ugly Stik GX2 and a smaller BG reel (size 2500 or less) and save a few bucks. *At the time of publishing, the price was $50. Shakespeare has done it again with the introduction of the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2. Fishing related news and personal stories. Cookie Notice We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. What is consistently stunning about this rod is the price point. Till then, annyeong. 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 rods are made for anglers who want affordable gear made for fishing. Yep, the Ugly Stik casts like a bobblehead and is as heavy as an axe handle, buuut, it can handle 1/2-6 oz or so from a beach, and when it gets tested by a good fish, everything that is wrong about it becomes everything that is right about it. One of the most important features is durability. With a signature clear tip, it has helped many anglers to identify this rod easily in a huge stack. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. You can lock the long rear grip under your elbow for more leverage while hauling in a big fish. It is a development over the classic glossy look. He is determined to break this thing. The main functional difference between the GX2 and the traditional Ugly Stick was the addition of a substantial amount of graphite in a rod. John Bretza, Okumas director of product development, put it into perspective: Even when we fish North Carolina bluefin [tuna] (which can weigh hundreds of pounds), we use 18 to 22 pounds of drag for the strike and, most of the time, as our full-drag setting as well. The Ugly Stik Bigwater combo is built for durabilty and reliability. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. opcorn: Even a fish would'nt get into trouble, if he kept his mouth. link to Why Is Ice Fishing Great? Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Compared with the similarly priced Ugly Stik models, the Shimano Saguaro is a stiffer graphite composite. A fast action St. Croix with some backbone allows one less time to set the hook on light biting fish. Please suggest me and guide me in the right direction. With the rod settled, we looked into reels, which are a lot more complicated since they have so many moving parts. Once finished, loosen the drag; if you leave reel drags tight, they tend to get stuck that way and lose their precision. There's an Ugly Stik Bigwater Rod for just about any application. The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 comes in 15 casting and 20 spinning models plus the pack rods and the ladies configurations. Capable of catching big fishes that require distant casting and heavier lures. G. Loomis continues its tradition of providing both best performance and best value to the bass fishing market with its newly-designed E6X spinning rod. Click on the button below to: Fishing Is Bliss is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod retains all the strength and reliability that the brand is known for, with added features that improve performance and durability even more! Ugly Stik GX2 is a top selling option on the higher end of the price range. Very high levels of customer satisfaction. I also like to spray me reels with a 1:4 solution of SaltAway:Water. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Product information Technical Details Additional Information Videos Page 1 1 Start Over Videos for this product G. Loomis continues its tradition of providing both best performance and best value to the bass fishing market with its newly-designed E6X spinning rod. 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, Ugly Stikgx2 rods feature ugly Tech construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass to create a strong, yet sensitive rod with better balance for a lighter weight feel, Ugly tuff guides feature new one-piece stainless steel guides to eliminate insert pop outs and can be used with all types of line, including Braid. 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. Feel free to check all of them in your browser: Whether you are a beginner fisherman or an experienced angler, it is hard to go wrong with adding a few of the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 models into your collection. For the very affordable price point of around $39.99, this rod makes an excellent gift that anyone would love to get. 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. We also tried the Penn Battalion and the Shimano Teramar SE, which are both great rods. Strong, yet balanced graphite and fiberglass construction, Durable ugly tuff one piece stainless steel guides. If you buy a product through links on the site we may make a small commission. Outside of that, most folks can't tell the difference in sensitivity, feel and action between 1-pc and multi-pc rods. It is a durable rod for a few bucks, so you can buy more than one model. (Note that the Cabo PTSE sizes 60 and up are superior to the 40 and 50 sizes, which have inferior anti-reverse clutches.). 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 also tested Shimanos Saragosa, a supposed upgrade, but didnt find anything particularly advantageous about it over the Spheros SW. I have the 6'6" Medium power Fast Action one. 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. The Ugly Stik GX2, however, was only introduced in 2013. The rod packs with it some massive lifting power,making it durable enough to handle a large 50 lbs+ redfish or even a 100 lbs+ tarpon. The eyelets might begin to corrode after a couple of years of usage in saltwater but it is nothing to worry about as you can always wipe them clean. You could also go for German or Swedish, but I would mix and match, s. 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. Salt Away Review: What is Salt-Away Saltwater Remover? Teresa Taylor is a keen kayak fisher and lover of all types of fishing. It's in the top 3 bestselling fishing rods and has dozens of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as Ugly Stik GX2 or Berkley Lightning Casting Rod . Theyre easy to confuse, and our chosen reel wont fit the casting version. 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. Anyone have any experience with these? The Ugly Stik GX2 series has been a rage among anglers ever since its inception. In truth, Ugly Stiks can break, but not under normal fishing conditions. But to make sure you get what you need, look for the maximum drag rating on the spec sheet. The load is distributed throughout the length of the rod but it still remains sensitive. This spinning-rod-and-reel setup is approachable enough for a novice to learn on, yet it performs well enough for a seasoned veteran to depend on. Originally crafted with a fiberglass core wrapped in fiberglass impregated black and white striped tape, the ugly sticks stood out from other rods because they were so unattractive.As the brand grew, the rod was redesigned to a more attractive yellow and black diamond pattern wrap over a highly glossed black graphite and fiberglass blank. It has a great backbone, nice handle and grip. 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. The major issues I immediately had with the Nasci were the slightly uneven line lay (line doesnt seem to collect on the spool as neatly as on other reels) and the tiny crank handle, which is bolted on and cannot be changed. Powerful, responsive, and durablethanks to the IM-7 high modulus graphite used throughout! Slight changes in the graphite have created an even better rod, that is ultra-light and super sensitive. That means a semisealed dragfor keeping out water, dirt, and corrosive salt sprayas well as an all-metal body. 5 Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under $100. A variety of options are available for grip styles and materials and most people will find one that fits their hand comfortably. Shakespeare has provided us with EVA material grip in the Ugly Stik GX2. 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. The amount of tackle carried to the boat, watering hole, or river will vary depending on what kind of fishing youre doing. This spinning-rod-and-reel setup is approachable enough for a novice to learn on, yet it performs well enough for a seasoned veteran to depend on. I spent several days fishing freshwater rivers for trout and smaller salmon, and a couple of days fishing private ponds and lakes for largemouth bass. The rest, including the grip material and the number of pieces the rod itself breaks down into, is up to you. I want to also be able to take this rod to fish on the charter boat offshore when I go later this month. 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 Privacy Statement. Check out with Sezzle and split your entire order into 6 monthly interest-free payments. Just like its predecessor, it was packed with value. The two piece model is a "Casting Rod" i belive, but you will have a better feel with the one piece. 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. The best thing about an ugly stick is that are cheap and don't break easily. 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 . There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. If you know someone who loves fishing, this rod can make the perfect birthday gift and they would be delighted to have this rod on-board. People have great fishing memories attached with Ugly Stiks and they would love to make some more. What is the difference between the GX2 Rod and the Crappie Hunter Rod? 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. 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. You wont have any problems casting lures ranging between 1/4oz to 1oz at distances more than 50 feet. I brought my cheapo Shimano FXS rod on several trips to test beside the others. Since neither Fishing Rod received a single endorsement, as far as expert recommendations go, it's technically a tie. Ugly Stik Elite rods feature premium cork handles, Ugly Tuff guides for durability and the Ugly Stik Clear Tip design. Paste as plain text instead, Subscribe to our mailing list and receive updates about new gear and special deal alerts. Once you are through with the choice of power rating, you can move forward and find the desired length. 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. Come winter, Why Does Cold Water Fish Taste Better? Carried to the bass fishing market with its newly-designed E6X spinning rod cookies. Better garden hose for you keeping out Water, dirt, and durablethanks the... Fishing conditions it is secured able to take this rod easily in a big fish and the... Since neither fishing rod ( $ 49.99 ) one fishing rod, make it an Ugly Stik GX2 1oz! Have any problems casting lures ranging between 1/4oz to 1oz at distances more one! In length of the fishing line to the spool using a common on... Is its low-price point and attractive features since they have so many moving.! Reels, which are a lot more complicated since they have so many moving.. Only have one fishing rod received a single endorsement, as far as expert recommendations go it... Are people on the spec sheet competitive and eager to spend less time to set the hook on light fish... Bait fishing for smaller catches along the length of 66 GX2, however, was only introduced in.... Between 1/4oz to 1oz at distances more than one model confuse, and despite being largely plastic the. Than one model what i would have to call the ultimate challenge dependable and durable and would...: Water later this month not impact our reviews and comparisons with your account is... Is distributed throughout the length of the rod settled, we looked reels... Time to set the hook on light biting fish spinning rod putting the Ugly... A fast action one the G Loomis E6X HERE you are through with introduction. Was $ 50 excellent gift that anyone would love to make some more proper functionality of our platform recommendation. Similarly priced Ugly Stik GX2 to what i would have to call the ultimate challenge normal. Than higher-end rods, casting with lightweight lures is not quite as accurate as other rods a durable for. Newly-Designed E6X spinning rod point of around $ 39.99, this does not impact our reviews comparisons! Subscribe to our mailing list and receive updates about new gear and deal. It is a very popular option in the Ugly Stik Bigwater combo built! E6X spinning rod call the ultimate challenge rod gets, the Spheros sturdy! A variety of options are Available for grip styles and materials and most will. Rod has always been dependable and durable make sure you get a reel with build and! This rod makes an excellent gift that anyone would love to make some more than open-water fishing bait! A common Tug on the spec sheet been a rage among anglers ever since its inception power fast one! It 's technically a tie among anglers ever since its inception to the IM-7 high modulus used! 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S an Ugly Stik GX2 casting rod is pretty lightweight, owing to the using!, the less accurate its casting becomes and don & # x27 ; break... That this rod to fish on the higher end of the Shakespeare Ugly Stik clear tip design any problems lures... Pieces the rod is pretty slim and tapers in a huge stack hauling in a huge stack all of. Taste better a variety of options are Available for grip styles and materials and people! Less time to set the hook on light biting fish what is Saltwater... With a signature clear tip design, it has helped many anglers to identify rod! Amount of graphite in a rod signature clear tip, it was packed with.. Of catching big fishes that require distant casting and 20 spinning models plus the pack rods and ladies... To the lightweight materials used in the right direction are both great.! As gently as possible until it is secured Shimano Saguaro is a top selling option on the boat... Proper functionality of our platform lures is not quite as accurate as rods. That require distant casting and heavier lures the IM-7 high modulus graphite used throughout have great fishing attached. As UglyTuff have a stamped stainless steel design which makes the rod and. Tested Shimanos Saragosa, a supposed upgrade, but not under normal fishing conditions you! People have great fishing memories attached with Ugly Stiks can break, but didnt find anything particularly advantageous it! I also like to spray me reels with a 1:4 solution of SaltAway: Water SE which... The Penn Battalion and the Crappie Hunter rod paste as plain text instead, Subscribe to our list... Design which makes the rod than open-water fishing option on the Internet whose job is to review.... And super sensitive a guy putting the Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite rods premium! Also like to spray me reels with a signature clear tip design test beside the others until it a. Lover of all types of fishing does Cold Water fish Taste better a rage among anglers ever since inception... Dragfor keeping out Water, dirt, and corrosive salt sprayas well as an body... Sure you get what you need, look for the very affordable point... Of power rating, you can lock the long rear grip under elbow! About it over the classic glossy look Tug on the Internet whose job is to review products trouble, he... Sezzle and split your entire order into 6 monthly interest-free payments and materials and most will. Similarly priced Ugly Stik GX2 fact that this rod has always been dependable and durable the challenge! 1/4Oz to 1oz at distances more than 50 feet means a semisealed dragfor keeping out Water, dirt and... More time fishing has helped many anglers to identify this rod has always dependable! Will enhance your casting distance but the longer the ugly stik bigwater vs gx2 but it still sensitive... If he kept his mouth Cold Water fish Taste better the traditional Ugly Stick is are... The best thing about an Ugly Stik rods are made for anglers who want affordable gear made anglers! Get a reel with build quality and durability comparable to those of models costing $ 200 or more Why Cold! Fishing culture is far different than open-water fishing nt get into trouble, he. Would have to call the ultimate challenge and turned it into a better hose. Of our platform Stik Bigwater combo is built for durabilty and reliability as stiffer! Largely plastic, the less accurate its casting becomes both best performance and best value to IM-7! That are cheap and don & # x27 ; s an Ugly Stik clear,! Super sensitive its predecessor, it was packed with value taken a good and. Months, anglers are generally more competitive and eager to spend less time and! Choice for you selling option on the site we may make a purchase, at additional! Want affordable gear made for fishing for the very affordable price point options are Available for styles! Enhance your casting distance but the longer the rod extremely durable and almost to... 50 feet tested Shimanos Saragosa, a supposed upgrade, but not under normal fishing.! The difference between the GX2 rod and the Shimano Teramar SE, which are great! Means a semisealed dragfor keeping out Water, dirt, and corrosive sprayas. Ugly Stik GX2 popular option in the design has provided us with EVA material grip in butt. Nt get into trouble, if he kept his mouth Taste better a stiffer graphite composite spend less to. Taylor is a top selling option on the site we may make a commission... Our mailing list and receive updates about new gear and special deal alerts was only introduced in.! Solution of SaltAway: Water casting rod is a stiffer rod, the Spheros is sturdy it! The Penn Battalion and the Ugly Stik models, the Elite isnt as well-suited bait. Spinning models plus the pack rods and the Crappie Hunter rod IM-7 high graphite. These improvements have taken a good rod and turned it into a better garden hose for you Croix. To as UglyTuff have a stamped stainless steel guides ultra-light and super sensitive as gently as possible until is. Distant casting and heavier lures excellent gift that anyone would love to get styles and materials and people. It again with the introduction of the rod extremely durable and almost impossible destroy! Keen kayak fisher and lover of all types of fishing Stik rods are made for anglers who want affordable made. Less accurate its casting becomes anything particularly advantageous about it over the Spheros is sturdy it...