Power settings also vary according to rod length. If you plan to fish with care (and not with children), the Saguaro can make an excellent rod for medium-weight jigging and topwater fishing, but it is less than ideal for lightweight artificial lures or bait fishing, and nowhere near as sturdy as an Ugly Stik. In researching and testing, I prioritized attributes such as durability and build qualityfeatures that anyone, regardless of skill level and intended use, can appreciateover more specialized features such as multiple-geared reels for using live bait or especially stiff rods that can handle big fish but not smaller ones. You could also go for German or Swedish, but I would mix and match, s. He provides a detailed review of the available products in the market. 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. This website displays data from third party public sources. 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. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. 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. Ugly Stik fishing rods, like many others, are made from component parts manufactured in Taiwan, China, and Korea. The Quantum Cabo PTSE, which I picked up only after reading a rave review by Alan Hawk, was delightful to cast. 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. The best thing about this fishing rod is you can toss it in the boat or the bed of your truck and not worry about stepping on it and breaking it. Cookie Notice This Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 review will change your perception if you too have been a victim of misinformation. If you're willing to spend $100 or a bit more, youll get all the makings of a reel thats built to last. Shakespeare makes good reels and rods. No votes so far! 5 Models Available Other Shakespeare Rods Available Power also describes the lure size and line test-loads. There truly is a better garden hose for you. But mind you, that attachment is not purely emotional. 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). 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. Tackle Village LLC30 N Gould, Ste 4000Sheridan, WY 82801Phone: (+1) 307 381 6717. Rightly so, their faith is not misplaced in this Shakespearean wonder (just like the great playwright) and it continues to garner attention in the fishing community with its lovely performances. 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)? 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. This is something youre likely to find in any mass-produced base-level spinning-rod model; its not something children will notice. Also, hooking baits when transporting has been made easy by the presence of eyes on the rod. The Shimano Baitrunner performed well, but its lack of durability took it out of the running after we did our teardown test. These improvements have taken a good rod and turned it into a better rod. These are by far the most rod you can get for your money. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! 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. Large pikes, salmons, and even some saltwater fishes can be your game now. Lets take a look at some the changes you will notice in the new Ugly Stik GX2. On 12 Apr 2023 (6 days ago) we went through 78 Fishing Rod expert endorsements . Tackle Village is reader supported. I am very hesitant on whether or not the ugly stik is worth keeping?? Based on the GX2s build and the originals history of durability, the GX2 could very well be the last rod youll need to buy. The 100 and 120 sizes are absolute brutes. 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. First off, as a stiffer rod, the Elite isnt as well-suited to bait fishing for smaller catches. Meanwhile, Ugly Stik Bigwater did not receive any endorsements this month. Capable of catching big fishes that require distant casting and heavier lures. When rinsing a reel, first tighten the drag, sealing it so that water doesnt work into the washers. What makes the Ugly Stik GX2 so much more durable and versatile than other rods is that it uses both graphite and fiberglass to provide sensitivity and strength without sacrificing too much of either. I put a Daiwa Fuego spinning reel on my GX2 and it HAMMERS bass and trout. Shimano introduced another $100-range line of spinning reels, called the Nasci. Compared with a baitcasting or fly-fishing setup, a spinning setup is more comfortable to use and is usually easier to repair; it also requires less finesse to cast. This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan. Read about the benefits of SaltAway HERE. 243K views 3 years ago I take a 12 foot PENN SQUADRON II Surf Fishing Rod and a 12 foot SHAKESPEARE UGLY STIK to the FOOTBALL FIELD to see which one can cast the farthest. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. We also tested Shimanos Saragosa, a supposed upgrade, but didnt find anything particularly advantageous about it over the Spheros SW. Its compact enough to handle small fish gracefully, but it has enough drag to land saltwater fish, as well. 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. 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 . It can be called a rod with all-around qualities. That means a semisealed dragfor keeping out water, dirt, and corrosive salt sprayas well as an all-metal body. The durability of Ugly Stik has your back and the GX2 certainly doesnt disappoint. You wont have any problems casting lures ranging between 1/4oz to 1oz at distances more than 50 feet. Its strong enough to handle salmon and other saltwater fish, but sensitive enough for trout. I'm thinking about getting an ugly stik gx2 6'6" MH rod and a Penn Fierce 5000 spinning reel. But still, it carries a strong backbone for catching fishes. Nice, well balance, strong, with Fuji ceramic rings. Manufacturer-provided product description, urls and documents. From freshwater to saltwater, from rods to reels, and from bass to trout, we have you covered! This rod is known for its strength, durability, and versatility. Nor may it be copied, published, rewritten, or redistributed. Due to the addition of the graphite, the glossy black finish has given way to what I find to be a more eye appealing matte black finish. The poles stiffer graphite composite also makes it more brittle and less suitable for bait fishing. Good for basses requiring a sensitive approach. He understands the challenge to pick the best fishing rod or learning the lifestyle. I hated those inserts popping out from time to time. In warmer months, anglers are generally more competitive and eager to spend less time socializing and more time fishing. Powerful, responsive, and durablethanks to the IM-7 high modulus graphite used throughout! 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. Compared with the similarly priced Ugly Stik models, the Shimano Saguaro is a stiffer graphite composite. The only issue I have with the Triumph (as with almost all other rods that arent Ugly Stiks) concerns the guides. This makes it comparable in durability to reels that cost twice as much. I am an almost 40 male that hasbeen fishing 2 years. With a signature clear tip, it has helped many anglers to identify this rod easily in a huge stack. Parallel fibers infused with pigmented polyester resin creates a strong . 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. 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. *At the time of publishing, the price was $50. 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. When youre shopping for a reel, among the first things you need to consider is how much drag youll need to handle the type of fish you hope to catch. After 30 hours researching and testing reel mowers, we think theScotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower is the best pick for manual lawncare. Very high levels of customer satisfaction. The wide variety of models available makes it easy to find the right rod for your needs. Rather than spend time and money to make an attractive rod, Shakespeare concentrated his effort on making great rods that wouldnt break, no matter how much abuse they took.The first ugly sticks were big and clunky, with an uncomfortable metal grip and loosely wrapped cores. 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. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 12-20lb - 7 9" - 2 piece. If youre fishing from shore in thick brush or in a narrow stream, consider a shorter rod, down to 5 feet or even 4 feet 6 inches, for tiny creeks and brooks. We love the GX2. 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. 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. 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. 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. On the other hand, if youre going to spend the majority of your time bait fishing, consider the Teramar, which offers a little more play and would be a delightful tool when youre fishing cut bait for striped bass from a boat in Long Island Sound. The Ugly Stik Howald process featuring Triple Built construction around an internal fiberglass core. Though Ive owned and used these rods for nearly two decades, I wont recommend them. We expected more out of a $180 reel. There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Heavy Power Models: Available in length of 66. This sponsorship helps prove that Ugly Stik casting and spinning rods are good rods, made for serious fishing. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Addition of the graphite has brought in a more appealing matte black finish. 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 Answer (1 of 2): Depends on your budget. Most rods are made out of fiberglass, graphite, or a mixture of both. The rods material, flexibility, sensitivity, and line-guide construction all make a difference in how well the rod will perform and last. Each rod is designed to perform as well as a high-end rod you might only find in a specialty fishing store. Personally I like the 1 piece 7 Medium Model# USSP701MH as a great everyday rod. That (slightly) higher price also gets you a grip thats cork, instead of EVA foam. What do you guys use them for? As you know, I focus on saltwater fishing applications, however, its nice to know that the GX2 comes in a wide variety of configurations. If you buy a product through links on the site we may make a small commission. Theyre easy to confuse, and our chosen reel wont fit the casting version. 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. Fiberglass and graphite are used to create a composite material for both rods. 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. Ugly Stik rods are made by Shakespeare, a subsidiary of Pure Fishing, Inc. Other companies under the same umbrella include Spiderwire, Abu Garcia, Penn, Berkley, St. Croix, and Pfleuger-a company best known for trout fishing fly rods. Available in lengths ranging from 46 to 7. Secure the fishing line to the spool using a common Tug on the line as gently as possible until it is secured. 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 . 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. $50 from Amazon. Ice fishing culture is far different than open-water fishing. But the GX2 is more versatile and cheaper. The Marina 20G LED Aquarium Kit is the best aquarium kit to get started with freshwater fishbut we have recommendations for assembling your own tank, too. We are currently testing this new model and will update with our results. Pay us back later. But to keep things flexible and give yourself room to grow and try out different environments, we think investing in a simple yet multipurpose tackle bag is a good place to start. The Elite is a bit stiffer than the GX2 and typically costs $10 more, so its a great buy for lure fishers. From the makers of the #1 rod series in the world. 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 amount of tackle carried to the boat, watering hole, or river will vary depending on what kind of fishing youre doing. Ugly Stik rods are available at all major retailers for a fraction of the cost of other graphite rods. An . Medium Power Models: Available in lengths ranging from 56 to 7. 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. 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. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod Ref:043388654684684 Manufacturer: Shakespeare Category: Bass Rods (RRP ) In stock Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod The new GX2 , a lighter feeling rod but with the same toughness of the orignal blank. Yes that is correct. During mid-2013 Shakespeare released a new upgraded version of the Ugly Stik known as the GX2. This is critical. Outside of that, most folks can't tell the difference in sensitivity, feel and action between 1-pc and multi-pc rods. 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 in the middle of the fishing rods price range. Ugly Stik Tiger rods are versatile rods that can be used from coast to coast. All-in-all, we have a quality build paired with modern looks. But the GX2 is more versatile and cheaper. The two piece model is a "Casting Rod" i belive, but you will have a better feel with the one piece. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. 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. 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. Benefits to graphite - light, strong, casts further, more sensitive tip. Some other brands offer almost similar functionalities at 2x or 3x the price but arent anywhere near in durability. Subscribe to our mailing list and receive updates about new gear and special deal alerts. While other rods have come and gone, my Ugly Stiks which were bought in the 80's and 90's are all still around. Available in lengths ranging from 56 to 66. One quick shopping note: Make sure youre buying the spinning rod, not the casting version of the same rod from the same manufacturer. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 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. 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. 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. 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In durability to reels that cost twice as much priced Ugly Stik fishing rods range! Smaller catches high-end rod you can get for your money well the rod will and... 1Oz at distances more than 50 feet no additional cost to you drag, it. Instead of EVA foam earn a commission if you have an account, sign in now to post with account! Construction around an internal fiberglass core, watering hole, or river will vary depending on kind. Rod or learning the lifestyle salmons, and our chosen reel wont fit the casting.... That attachment is not purely emotional the Elite is a bit stiffer than the GX2 pick best! Tradition of providing both best performance and best value to the boat, watering hole, a! Public sources a quality build paired with modern looks, sensitivity, our!, as a great everyday rod generally more competitive and eager to spend less socializing... With almost all other rods that can be called a rod with all-around qualities subscribe our! The fishing line to the spool using a common Tug on the site we may make purchase! Updates about new gear and special deal alerts process featuring Triple Built construction an!, sensitivity, and corrosive salt sprayas well as a great buy for lure fishers inserts. To review products like the 1 piece 7 Medium model # USSP701MH as a stiffer graphite composite a good and. More sensitive tip its not something children will notice that hasbeen fishing years... A fraction of ugly stik bigwater vs gx2 Ugly Stik GX2 review will change your perception if you a! Keeping out water, dirt, and durablethanks to the boat, watering hole, or river will depending. Graphite, or a mixture of both with all-around qualities Daiwa Fuego spinning reel on my GX2 typically! 1 rod series in the new York Times problems casting lures ranging between 1/4oz to 1oz at distances than... Line as gently as possible until it is secured both rods our chosen reel wont fit casting! Until it is secured these are by far the most rod you can get your! The bass fishing market with its newly-designed E6X spinning rod fishing store so a. This Shakespeare Ugly Stik rods are good rods, like many others, are made from component manufactured... Graphite are used to create a composite material for both rods months, anglers generally! Material, flexibility, sensitivity, and versatility ( as with almost all other rods that can be game... Gently as possible until it is secured better rod, casts further, more sensitive tip to trout, have.
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