It is a durable rod for a few bucks, so you can buy more than one model. The exposed blank reel seat lets you change reels easily, yet holds the reel securely in place. other critically acclaimed Fishing Rods of this month. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The rod is then highlighted with the classic diamond winding pattern in silver and red right above the grip. Available in lengths ranging from 56 to 66. Ugly Stik Elite rods feature premium cork handles, Ugly Tuff guides for durability and the Ugly Stik Clear Tip design. Ugly Stik GX2 is a top selling option on the higher end of the price range. 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. We are free to use a lot of retrieval techniques. For the average fisher, the 10- to 25-pound maximum drags on any of our picks will suffice. 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. 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 This is critical. The reel-seat design gives you two locking options i.e. A design with more pieces means more jointing and fastening, which usually requires glue. Type in Ugly Stik GX2 durability on YouTube and see what you get. 1) A heavy combofor saltwater surffishing that is better than a $30 Walmart Combo, 2) A new spinning rod to pair up with a Sienna 2500, Thanks. Read the full review of the G Loomis E6X HERE. 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. Tackle Village LLC30 N Gould, Ste 4000Sheridan, WY 82801Phone: (+1) 307 381 6717. PaneraiMan Something that is new, is the addition of the Ugly Stik logo in the butt end of the rod. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Ugly Stik Bigwater is $63.18 more expensive than the average fishing rod ($49.99). Ugly Stik GX2 is the next generation of Ugly Stik, but with the same heritage, strength, and durability of the original. Theyre easy to confuse, and our chosen reel wont fit the casting version. 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. 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. GIVE FEEDBACK All-in-all, we have a quality build paired with modern looks. Here UglyStik (it's a inside joke) Since you are going to be doing most of your fishing from a boat."Tiger" BWS2201 7' one piece, M action,20-50 line, would be my choice. I'm torn on whether I should get a medium (30 reel) or medium heavy (40 reel). Each rod is designed to perform as well as a high-end rod you might only find in a specialty fishing store. The hot pink wrap is attractive, as well. You could easily spend thousands on a fishing rod and reel, but most casual fishers (and even some experts) would be happier with something more versatile and less expensive. You wont have any problems casting lures ranging between 1/4oz to 1oz at distances more than 50 feet. 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. I've snapped rods that cost four times the price, but I've never had an Ugly Stik fail. Ugly Stick and Penn Combo Rods with Reels worth considering? Capable of catching big fishes that require distant casting and heavier lures. We do, however, recommend taking a look at St.Croix Triumph or other critically acclaimed Fishing Rods of this month. 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. Buy at Amazon 5 Models Available Other Shakespeare Rods Available 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. Featuring a corrosion resistant graphite body reel with an aluminium forged spool which is braid ready. 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. The GX2 feels much more smooth than the previous Ugly Stik models. This rod is known for its strength, durability, and versatility. When rinsing a reel, first tighten the drag, sealing it so that water doesnt work into the washers. Light Available In 4 Models: A nice choice for catching those trout and panfish where some extra lifting power is required. Come winter, Why Does Cold Water Fish Taste Better? Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod is $8.03 less expensive than an average fishing rod ($47.98). If youre a beginner, its much easier to pick up than either of the other options, and its far less likely to become tangled than a baitcasting setup. They come in both casting and spinning variants and we have reviewed both of them. 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! Shakespeare has engineered a whole new single piece guide that they refer to as Ugly Tuff. I brought my cheapo Shimano FXS rod on several trips to test beside the others. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. This is something youre likely to find in any mass-produced base-level spinning-rod model; its not something children will notice. Available in lengths ranging from 7 to 76. 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. Another problem with the Ugly Stik GX2 is that the guides are not always perfectly placed. The handle is pretty slim and tapers in a balanced way along the length of the rod. The Penn combos are the oposite, the Penn Battle II combos are $110-130 but those rods Penn includes . The BG's design allows trapped water (a common issue with braided line especially) to drain through the reel. When thinking of an entry-level rod its just nearly impossible to think of an alternative to the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 where you would get as much bang for your buck. Copyright 1997-2023 The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide LLC All rights reserved. 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. | 5 Reasons. 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. The best thing about this rod is its low-price point and attractive features. Its pocket-friendly price allows us to buy multiple Ugly Stiks and they. There's an Ugly Stik Bigwater Rod for just about any application. Designed to have the toughness and dependability you need when trophy fish are on the line, the Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rods provide the ultimate balance of performance, durability, and value. Yes that is correct. For most anglers, the GX2 is the better bet. What is the difference between the GX2 Rod and the Crappie Hunter Rod? The Ugly Stik GX2 was introduced in 2013 as the first major redesign of the Ugly Stik series since its debut in 1976. The clear-tip provides the sensitivity which makes it possible to feel even the lightest strike of the most stealthy fishes. Guide placement becomes more essential when youre fighting trophy-sized fish, which is not something the average angler will put their gear through. 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. Description. A major reason lies in the fact that this rod has always been dependable and durable. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. Piscifun has now released an updated model of this bag. 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. 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. 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. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod is $10.04 less expensive than an average fishing rod ($49.99). This rod is a dependable workhorse, especially when casting heavier lures, but it may be too stiff for bait and bottom fishing. If you buy the combo, I will say the reel on it sucks compared to a higher end reel. Here we have reviewed both the spinning and the casting model, thus further easing out the process of making a choice for you. Medium-Heavy Power Models: Available in lengths ranging from 6 to 7. So you will put more fish in the boat. 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. Having fished on a budget in settings as varied and diverse as the spring brooks of the Adirondack Mountains, the brown sludge that is the Hudson River, and the emerald coastal waters of New Zealand, I can say that a careful selection of the most durable all-around tackle has been essential to me. The famous Ugly Stik rod has been around since 1976 when William Shakespeare, Jr. found a way to manufacture a lighter rod that was extremely durable and had an ultrasensitive flexible tip. Common points from expert reviews summarized. GX2 has more graphite than the original Ugly Stik, yet Elite has more graphite than GX2. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company, Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower, Our spinning-reel pick: Daiwa BG Spinning Reel, updated version of Piscifuns side-sling model, The Best Reel Mower for Your (Small) Lawn, The Best Fish Tank, Heater, Light, and Accessories, Pro Kitchen Tools to Level Up Your Home Cooking. Ugly Stik GX2 is a top selling option in the middle of the fishing rods price range. You can post now and register later. After just a few weeks of use, it showed some early signs of corrosion. Many rods are on the market, but the Ugly Stik Elite is one of the best for small fish. 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. The handles make use of a trig reel seat for a lot more casting movement and lure retrievability. SKU: 1308985 Category: Shakespeare-boat-rods. Its compact enough to handle small fish gracefully, but it has enough drag to land saltwater fish, as well. The more graphite in a rod, the lighter and stiffer it is, but such rods are also more brittle, so you wouldnt want to hand one to a 3-year-old. If youre starting from nothing, a spinning outfit offers the highest chance of success. Each one of us at Fishing Is Bliss is an enthusiast in one area or another. That means a semisealed dragfor keeping out water, dirt, and corrosive salt sprayas well as an all-metal body. The rod is pretty lightweight, owing to the lightweight materials used in the design. So you ask yourself whats new with the GX2? Additionally, keeping your reel packed with grease will reduce corrosion and improve longevity. We spoke with senior editor and lifetime angler Grant Clauser about his preferences for tackle storage. The durability of Ugly Stik has your back and the GX2 certainly doesnt disappoint. It's here. G Loomis E6X Fishing Rod | Amazon Learn more. One piece stainless steel guides are welcomed. I am still a fan of cork personally but this is a very durable alternative. The Quantum Cabo PTSE, which I picked up only after reading a rave review by Alan Hawk, was delightful to cast. For what is advertised to be "unbreakable", what will the company do for you if one IS broken, which is what happened this weekend? The Ugly Stik GX2, however, was only introduced in 2013. I found this video of a guy putting the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 to what I would have to call the ultimate challenge. Not only are bag limits high, but the fish generally taste better through the We all love to know about fishing! 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. That said, most 100- or 120-size reels are probably outmatched by 400-pound fish. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. That (slightly) higher price also gets you a grip thats cork, instead of EVA foam. 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. But the GX2 is more versatile and cheaper. Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. You can purchase a G Loomis E6X starting around $179. Also Penn seem to include 7000 or 8000 reels in their longer Pursuit and Battle Combos with8-10" rods which is an overkill and I do not want anything over 6000 size, ideally a 5000. 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. Though such a composition has been a part of the previous rods before, there is increased use of graphite in the GX2. Shakespeare now manufactures a wide range of Ugly Stik fishing rods, from the inexpensive spinning rod to the Bigwater heavy-duty surf fishing model. Shakespeare makes good reels and rods. We found a great reel, too. The line rating, which goes up to 50 lb, confirms the intention of Shakespeare to design these poles for heavy casting. It is Graphite and Fiberglass like the new GX2 rods are. The Daiwa BG and medium or medium-heavy Ugly Stik GX2 combination is more versatile and durable than anything else in the same price range. Increasing power ratings enhance the capability to cast larger lures effectively. I had an old 1100 series rod that lasted me 15years. I will suggest that, if you can accommodate it, a one-piece rod will almost always outperform a two- or three-piece rod. Your previous content has been restored. The medium-action rod is flimsier as compared to the light-action one on the top. One of the most important features is durability. From all I read Ugly Stick GX2, Big Water or Inshore rods are good but the Shakespeare reels that are on those as a combo are not too good but I am sure much better than that $30 combo rod I bought at Walmart which was not too bad at all so far. Check BassPro Prices The poles stiffer graphite composite also makes it more brittle and less suitable for bait fishing. I also tested the gear on smaller bottom fish, including summer flounder, sea bass, and porgies (or scup), as well as red drum and spotted seatrout in Charleston, South Carolina. 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. This makes it comparable in durability to reels that cost twice as much. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod $49.95 Buy now. Ugly Stik rods are great for the experienced angler or for a kid growing out of their three-foot childs model fishing rod combo. 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. 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. January 8, 2019 in Fishing Rods, Reels, Line, and Knots. I beat up these rods and reels, from the mouth of the Hudson River in New York to the Cook Strait of New Zealand. 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. This is what I am talking about when I say this is a ridiculously durable rod. For more information, please see our 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. $50 from Walmart. Coming at a very low price point, it puts those to shame who brag about how expensive their rod is. Second, while the GX2 is the direct successor to the classic Ugly Stik, which had four decades of acclaim behind it, the Elite series is a newer line. Some other brands offer almost similar functionalities at 2x or 3x the price but arent anywhere near in durability. Ugly Stiks today still wear this brand defining pattern. Fiberglass is heavier but more flexible (slow action) and nearly impossible to break. (The Battalion has since been replaced by the Battalion II; we have not tested it.) Just like the original Ugly Stik, the new GX2 is packed full of value and has some recent upgrades that are sure to get even the most experienced angler excited about adding one of these great rods to his or her arsenal. The expensive rods are good indeed but this isnt bad either. This rod can be your primary goto rod instead of just being a backup. Graphite + Fiberglass give it a clean matte-black finish. The Ugly Stik GX2 series has been a rage among anglers ever since its inception. 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. Every model boasts a fast, flexible tip with hook-setting strength to spare, plus premium Fuji guides and reel seat. Numerous trials and tests have been conducted by consumer protection activists in an effort to see what it takes to destroy these durable rods. Introduced in 1976, the Shakespeare Ugly Stik is something that most of us anglers are familiar with. 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. Additionally, the more pieces that make up the guide, the more pieces with the potential to fall apart. 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.