The Ugly Stik Bigwater combo is built for durabilty and reliability. Ugly Stik GX2 is a top selling option on the higher end of the price range. 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. Your previous content has been restored. No votes so far! If you are clumsy like most of us, dont worry. If you know you want something stiffer for doing more lure fishing, the Ugly Stik Elite series is a good bet. and our If youre paying $13 to $35, you shouldnt really expect much, but if you need to have a fishing rod and want to spend less than $20, the FXS will do the trick for smaller fishjust take it for what its worth and dont expect it or its guides to last. If you take this step, our recommended Ugly Stik GX2 and Daiwa BG combo will serve you well for years to come. Piscifun has now released an updated model of this bag. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. Tackle Village is reader supported. 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. The numerous loops and side compartments in the sling bag make it easy to keep essentials like pliers and multi-tools within reach; it also has a convenient water-bottle holder. 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. Recently just bought a Ugly stik from Walmart because it was only $40. What is consistently stunning about this rod is the price point. 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: Its featherlight, and I paired it with two higher-end rods, which made for the lightest spinning-rod-and-reel combos Id ever held; as a result, I didnt grow tired casting into a stiff breeze from a rivermouth jetty for several hours. The rod has been designed in such a way that it doesnt interfere with the casting distance. Check Price Learn more. For reference, St.Croix Triumph received 5 endorsements this month, from OutdoorGearLab (13 Feb 2023), TheManual (22 Jun 2021) bestfishkeeping.com (24 Dec 2022) and 2 others. GX2 has more graphite than the original Ugly Stik, yet Elite has more graphite than GX2. And though he agreed that there is likely no single bag that will suit anything from fly-fishing to deep-water trowling, he had a few suggestions for what to look for. Manufacturer-provided product description, urls and documents. Very quickly you will see that the Ugly Stik still has some of its signature characteristics, such as theclear tip design which has always been known for its durability. The Elite is a bit stiffer than the GX2 and typically costs $10 more, so its a great buy for lure fishers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Anyone who has one please let me know how its been with youre fishing, Scan this QR code to download the app now. I am an almost 40 male that hasbeen fishing 2 years. 7 Year Warranty Shakespeare backs up the Ugly Stik GX2 with a 7 Year warranty. Just like its predecessor, it was packed with value. During our growing up years when we saw the Ugly Stik being used by our fathers and grandfathers, we developed a kind of attachment to it. Be the first to rate this post. The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 comes in 15 casting and 20 spinning models plus the pack rods and the ladies configurations. Pay us back later. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below. 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. Once finished, loosen the drag; if you leave reel drags tight, they tend to get stuck that way and lose their precision. It should be a single-piece model, if you can accommodate it. Both rods are incredibly sensitive despite their durability. The reel-seat design gives you two locking options i.e. If youre more experienced and looking for a specific rod and reel, apart from the size of the fish youre targeting, youll also have to take into account what kind of fishing youll be doing: Will you be casting artificial lures (objects designed to look like fish or other prey with a hook attached), or using bait (smaller fish, worms, or other natural prey, either alive or dead)? 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. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 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. 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. In 2021, Matt Robertson became the first Bassmasters Elite Series angler to sign an endorsement deal with Ugly Stik fishing rods. As you know, I focus on saltwater fishing applications, however, its nice to know that the GX2 comes in a wide variety of configurations. 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. 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. Shimanos Spheros SW is among the smoothest spinning reels Ive ever held, out of the box. But if youve never held a high-end spinning rod before, you wont notice the difference. The fore-grip on the GX2 is quite big too, with a trademarked basket weave. Daiwas original BG series has been a crowd favorite since its introduction in the 1980s but has fallen short as an all-around choice only because the roller on the bail (which guides the line from the reel to the guides on the fishing rod) was not built to handle braided line. 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. The old guides were tough, but they featured the traditional pop-out ceramic insert that had the potential to get broken. The dual EVA grips work excellently in wet conditions and are fairly easy to clean. In comparison with the tackle boxes of oldwhose fold-out compartments resembled hardware storage more than outdoors equipmenta well-constructed tackle bag with individual compartments, carabiner loops, and a supportive shoulder strap will lessen the load of hiking to remote spots or bringing necessities with you while wading into a river. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod is $8.03 less expensive than an average fishing rod ($47.98). These ugly sticks got their name when they were first manufactured in 1975. The Shimano Baitrunner performed well, but its lack of durability took it out of the running after we did our teardown test. Ugly Stik Tiger rods are versatile rods that can be used from coast to coast. 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 Ugly Stik GX2 was introduced in 2013 as the first major redesign of the Ugly Stik series since its debut in 1976. But still, it carries a strong backbone for catching fishes. PaneraiMan For many anglers, ice fishing is something they love doing because of the opportunities to fill their freezers with food. 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. Ugly Stik Elite rods feature premium cork handles, Ugly Tuff guides for durability and the Ugly Stik Clear Tip design. That (slightly) higher price also gets you a grip thats cork, instead of EVA foam. And finally, one small but brilliant finishing touch: The spool has a small hole drilled in it to prevent rust and allow trapped water to escape. Additionally, keeping your reel packed with grease will reduce corrosion and improve longevity. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Bigwater Casting Fishing Rod, 12 Rated 4.80 out of 5 based on 50 customer ratings ( 50 customer reviews) $ 91.90 Buy Now Featured Vendor: Walmart.com See Price Comparison SKU: SHA-0335 Category: Featured Products Tags: 12 ft long, 6 ft long, Casting, Composite, Saltwater, Shakespeare, Surf There are 15 casting models, 20 spinning models, 3 pack rod options and even six models specifically for the ladies. Ugly Stik rods are available at all major retailers for a fraction of the cost of other graphite rods. That means a semisealed dragfor keeping out water, dirt, and corrosive salt sprayas well as an all-metal body. | 7 Reasons, link to Why Does Cold Water Fish Taste Better? (Daiwas 15002500 models are ideal for small trout streams but can also handle light inshore fishing for spotted seatrout and flounder, while the larger 5000 and 8000 models will handle larger inshore species and perhaps even small tuna and dolphinfish.). You can choose out of the following available powers: Ultralight Available In 5 Models: Imparts extreme sensitivity for setting to the hook and is perfect for catching those small fishes. Every model boasts a fast, flexible tip with hook-setting strength to spare, plus premium Fuji guides and reel seat. Read the full review of the Star Stellar Lite series HERE. Unless I can get away with ugly stick gx2 combo with Shakespeare reel. Very high levels of customer satisfaction. opcorn: Even a fish would'nt get into trouble, if he kept his mouth. Apply now Ugly Stik GX2 Ladies Spinning Rod I fished with lures in rivers for trout and salmon, and I set 1- to 1-pound live baits from my skiffs, catching ocean fish up to 20 pounds with each rod and reel. Common points from expert reviews summarized. Please suggest me and guide me in the right direction. You can see below that we found them equally good. 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. $50 from Walmart. Anyone have any experience with these? 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. During testing, I accidentally planted my foot directly on the guide of a rod that Id left in the bottom of my boatas one doesbut it was unscathed. 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. Single-piece guides referred to as UglyTuff have a stamped stainless steel design which makes the rod extremely durable and almost impossible to destroy. Pure Fishing - The World's Best Fishing Brands Pure Fishing Ugly Stik rods are great for the experienced angler or for a kid growing out of their three-foot childs model fishing rod combo. You can post now and register later. 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. Im in SoCal and am always inshore usually on the jetties or very light surf. You can choose a composite or cork grip for comfort on a long day of fishing. Well, I am pleased to report that there is plenty. This combo compares favorably to outfits costing twice as much. As mentioned previously, bait-hucking fishers will want something thats more sensitive and flexible, while lure fishers will want something stiffer (known as fast action in fishing jargon). Ugly Stik GX2 and Elite have graphite construction as their main selling point. Check Amazon.com While that extra 35% of graphite sounds appealing on paper, its still too early to tell whether that might decrease the long-term durability. The UglyTech technology features a combination of fiberglass with a touch of high-modulus graphite in its new blank over a reel seat type of design. 5 Models Available Other Shakespeare Rods Available Paired with compatible reels, they offer a decent cast with live bait or lures. If youre planning to get only one rod and you dont want to spend a fortune, it should be a 6- to 7-foot Ugly Stik GX2, available in ultra-light, medium, medium-heavy, and heavy versions. But the GX2 is more versatile and cheaper. 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. 5 Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under $100. The line rating, which goes up to 50 lb, confirms the intention of Shakespeare to design these poles for heavy casting. He wants to ensure you make the right decision for your next shopping day. The anti-reverse clutch (which keeps the reel from spinning backward) consists of individual metal springs, as opposed to the cheap plastic clips usually featured in $120 reels. | 5 Reasons. Toward the end of the season, a 400-pound bruiser burned up the clicker on the spool, which isnt a huge deal but worth mentioning. The Ugly Stik GX2, however, was only introduced in 2013. 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). | 5 Reasons. The Ugly Stik GX2 consistently performs above many rods that cost 2 to 3 times as much and are not nearly as durable. Read the full review of the Star Stellar Lite series HERE. Ugly Stik GX2 is the next generation of Ugly Stik, but with the same heritage, strength, and durability of the original. $50 from Amazon. His tackle splits its time between a classic (and unfortunately discontinued) L.L.Bean tackle bag (which straps easily to the front of his kayak) and a similarly vintage side-sling number from Piscifun. This website displays data from third party public sources. Large pikes, salmons, and even some saltwater fishes can be your game now. 1. The data presented is for information purposes only. We can't guarantee correctness and completeness of all the data presented here, and therefore will not accept liability for any issues arising from usage of this data. He is determined to break this thing. Good for basses requiring a sensitive approach. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. So you ask yourself whats new with the GX2? This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan. Available in lengths ranging from 49 to 6. I tested all of the rods and reels from beaches, rocks, boats, and riverbanks. Spending less means losing out on long-term durability; spending more means youre paying for features designed for specific kinds of fishing, or lighter-weight materials that are nice to have but unnecessary for a general-purpose fishing setup. 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 100 and 120 sizes are absolute brutes. The guides have been completely redesigned into a single piece, stamped stainless steel which adds durability to the already rugged design. We expected more out of a $180 reel. 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. I hope that this Ugly Stik GX2 comparison chart helps you find the right sized rod for you. The famous Ugly Stik construction gives these rods an advantage for fighting trophy-sized fish. The Ugly Stik GX2 spinning rod is a favorite among largemouth bass anglers. The next most important specification youll want to consider is the material that makes up the guidesthe loops that lead, or guide, the line from the reel to the tip (the skinny end) of the fishing rod. I will suggest that, if you can accommodate it, a one-piece rod will almost always outperform a two- or three-piece rod. 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. In the next sections, we'll lay out our top 7 picks for the best Ugly Stik fishing rods, including a list of pro's and con's for each one. 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. I put a Daiwa Fuego spinning reel on my GX2 and it HAMMERS bass and trout. All Trademarks and Copyrights belong to their respective owners. If youre looking to spend $200 on a reel, the Spheros is it, with the Quantum Cabo PTSE(more on that model below) so close behind that Id recommend trying both before making a decision based on your own personal preference. (The Battalion has since been replaced by the Battalion II; we have not tested it.) 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. 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