The medium-action rod is flimsier as compared to the light-action one on the top. The older version was tough, but it came along with traditional pop-out ceramic inserts that were easy to break. Learn more. opcorn: Even a fish would'nt get into trouble, if he kept his mouth. 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. 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. Privacy Statement. 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 . I'm thinking about getting an ugly stik gx2 6'6" MH rod and a Penn Fierce 5000 spinning reel. Capable of catching big fishes that require distant casting and heavier lures. Small models can be useful for 1/4oz lures whereas heavy models would be able to handle 1oz lures easily. $260.00 The GX2 is the latest update to a classic line of rods renowned for their versatility and durability for nearly four decades. 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. The Ugly Stik Elite series features 35% more graphite than Ugly Stik GX2 for a lighter weight rod, while maintaining the legendary toughness you've come to expect from Ugly Stik. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod is a very popular option in the middle of the fishing rods price range. It should be a single-piece model, if you can accommodate it. Shimanos Saguaro series is every bit as versatile as the Ugly Stik GX2, but the guides are nowhere near as durable as Ugly Stiks Ugly Tuff guides. Its strong enough to handle salmon and other saltwater fish, but sensitive enough for trout. Irrespective of whether you are a fresher or a seasoned angler, it can never hurt to have an Ugly Stik GX2 by your side. The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 comes in 15 casting and 20 spinning models plus the pack rods and the ladies configurations. Ugly Stik GX2 is $0.04 cheaper than the average fishing rod ($49.99). The exposed blank reel seat lets you change reels easily, yet holds the reel securely in place. Good for basses requiring a sensitive approach. The rod is pretty lightweight, owing to the lightweight materials used in the design. I hope that this Ugly Stik GX2 comparison chart helps you find the right sized rod for you. 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. For many anglers, ice fishing is something they love doing because of the opportunities to fill their freezers with food. Check Amazon.com Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below. Ugly Stik rods are available at all major retailers for a fraction of the cost of other graphite rods. Come winter, Why Does Cold Water Fish Taste Better? It is a durable rod for a few bucks, so you can buy more than one model. All Trademarks and Copyrights belong to their respective owners. To supplement my own expertise, I enlisted the help of veteran spinning-reel reviewer Alan Hawk, and also consulted Salt Water Sportsman contributing editor and Discovery Channel television host George Poveromo on what would be the ideal spinning-rod-and-reel setup for a casual fisher. It is Graphite and Fiberglass like the new GX2 rods are. Cookie Notice We independently review everything we recommend. If you do happen to be fishing big game, youll likely have to step up in price range, or find a good deal at a garage sale. SKU: 1308985 Category: Shakespeare-boat-rods. We love the GX2. 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. An . Theyre functional, and Ive managed to land fairly large fish on them, but theyre brittle and unreliable. 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. I know that I have made many great fishing memories over the years withan Ugly Stik in my hand and I am sure I will make many more. 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. From freshwater to saltwater, from rods to reels, and from bass to trout, we have you covered! 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 Price Shakespeare also offers the Ugly Stik in different lengths, action levels, and weight classes, making it a versatile fishing rod. From my research on this sub, ugly stik gx2 seems to be a good starting place. (40) Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Combo $36.99 $22.19 Compare (22) Ugly Stik Tiger Spinning Rod $69.95 Compare (11) While generally sturdy, they still dont come anywhere close to Ugly Stiks Ugly Tuff guides. Read about the benefits of SaltAway HERE. 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. 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! 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. Upload or insert images from URL. 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. Anyone have any experience with these? Advantages of Graphite. We get the best of both the worlds i.e. Shakespeare has done it again with the introduction of the Shakespeare 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. 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. A design with more pieces means more jointing and fastening, which usually requires glue. Nice, well balance, strong, with Fuji ceramic rings. The ball bearings in the BG, for one thing, are the very same Minebea bearings that are loaded into Shimanos Stella SW series of reels, which typically run for $800 to $1,200. $50 from Amazon. 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. Most rods are made out of fiberglass, graphite, or a mixture of both. Light Available In 4 Models: A nice choice for catching those trout and panfish where some extra lifting power is required. Regardless of what rod or reel you get, salt is the enemyeven with gear specifically designed for use in the ocean. (Note that the Cabo PTSE sizes 60 and up are superior to the 40 and 50 sizes, which have inferior anti-reverse clutches.). sensitivity of graphite and durability of fiberglass. Shakespeare makes good reels and rods. It has a great backbone, nice handle and grip. The drag mechanism is the same one found in higher-end $200-plus reels, but unique in the $100 range. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 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. I found this video of a guy putting the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 to what I would have to call the ultimate challenge. 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. Another problem with the Ugly Stik GX2 is that the guides are not always perfectly placed. Since neither Fishing Rod received a single endorsement, as far as expert recommendations go, it's technically a tie. You could easily spend $2,000 on a fishing rod if youd like something ultralightweight or designed for a specific species youre targeting, but our pick will get the job done almost as well (if not just as well) most of the time. Additionally, keeping your reel packed with grease will reduce corrosion and improve longevity. First off, as a stiffer rod, the Elite isnt as well-suited to bait fishing for smaller catches. 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). The best thing about this rod is its low-price point and attractive features. It incorporates more strength into the rod. 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. It's here. The line lay is impeccably even, and despite being largely plastic, the Spheros is sturdy where it counts. Compared with our previous pick, the Penn Battle IInot to mention many higher-end Penn and Shimano reelsthe BG is equipped with a more durable rotor, as well as stronger, individual springs for the anti-reverse clutch (which keeps the reel from spinning backward), and most notably, the very same ball bearings included in Daiwas and Shimanos most expensive models. Meanwhile, Ugly Stik Bigwater did not receive any endorsements this month. The new rod design incorporates graphite into the fiberglass which gives it a clean matte black finish which I prefer. 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. The Elite is a bit stiffer than the GX2 and typically costs $10 more, so it's a great buy for lure fishers. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. A variety of options are available for grip styles and materials and most people will find one that fits their hand comfortably. 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. 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. 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. High-rated Fishing Rods in a similar price range. The Penn combos are the oposite, the Penn Battle II combos are $110-130 but those rods Penn includes in those combos are not that good, and Pursuit II & III reels are flimsy for $70 combo. Good for basses requiring a sensitive approach. Ugly Stik GX2 Reels Shimano Nasci Bait Trout Catfish Salmon Shark Lures Saltwater Line Braided Line Braided Line For Spinning Reels Line for Baitcasters Copolymer Line Fishing Nets Fish Finders Ice Fishing Gear Sunglasses Best Fishing TV Shows Fishing Gifts Magazines Hiking Backpacks Backpacks Under $100 Boots Womens Boots Shoes Sandals Keen Uneek The wide variety of models available makes it easy to find the right rod for your needs. Very high levels of customer satisfaction. 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. Lower-end fishing rods (and many higher-end ones, too) usually feature guides made of either thin stainless steel or aluminum oxide (ceramic) frames holding cheap ceramic O-ring inserts (rings designed to protect the insides of the guides and prevent line wear) that chip or corrode, and eventually fail. The GX2 feels much more smooth than the previous Ugly Stik models. These ugly sticks got their name when they were first manufactured in 1975. Priced about the same as the Ugly Stik GX2 rods, Shimanos Saguaro line suffers in comparison in terms of flex as well as sturdinessespecially the guides. 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. Cheaper reels come with cheaper drag systems made of felt or lower-quality carbon fiber, which disintegrates quickly. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. You cannot paste images directly. The Ugly Stik GX2 consistently performs above many rods that cost 2 to 3 times as much and are not nearly as durable. There are 15 casting models, 20 spinning models, 3 pack rod options and even six models specifically for the ladies. It has variable lengths with six models dedicated to our female angler friends. Cheap, flimsy aluminum-oxide guides are the industry standard at this price, so its nice to see Pure Fishing, the maker of the Ugly Stik, take durability seriously. Lure rating of 1/8-3/4 oz. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod is $10.04 less expensive than an average fishing rod ($49.99). Copyright 1997-2023 The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide LLC All rights reserved. GIVE FEEDBACK Ugly Stiks today still wear this brand defining pattern. He provides a detailed review of the available products in the market. 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. The GX2 has the superb reputation of the original Ugly Stik line, but it is made out of substantially more graphite. Just in case anything does go wrong, all you need to submit to take advantage of the Ugly Stiks class-leading seven-year warranty is photographic evidence of the damage, your receipt, and $10 to cover shipping. Being serious about angling doesnt really mean spending hundreds of dollars unnecessarily. The expensive rods are good indeed but this isnt bad either., Its pocket-friendly price allows us to buy multiple Ugly Stiks and they do well in the tournaments too. Think of it as the automatic transmission version of a fishing rod and reel. Ugly Stik fishing rods, like many others, are made from component parts manufactured in Taiwan, China, and Korea. The biggest change is the new guide design. The old guides were tough, but they featured the traditional pop-out ceramic insert that had the potential to get broken. The BIGGEST FISH EVER CAUGHT On Ugly Stik GX2 Catching Dinosaurs 480K subscribers Subscribe 448 Share 31K views 4 years ago #Fishing #UglyStik #UglyStikGx2 #UglyStik #UglyStikGx2 #Fishing. Like most fishers, Im not able to carry, store, or afford a different rod and reel for every species of fish or method of fishing. The Ugly Stik Howald process featuring Triple Built construction around an internal fiberglass core. Im in SoCal and am always inshore usually on the jetties or very light surf. 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. Ultimately, your forearm wont feel fatigued. Very high levels of customer satisfaction. Piscifun has now released an updated model of this bag. 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. Star Rods Stellar Lite Spinning Rod | Bass Pro *At the time of publishing, the price was $50. I already bought the 8" Tsunami rod/reel at Walmart for $30 to just try surf and jetty fishing in New Smyrna Beach and just wanted to get something longer but at the same time better. 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. If you can only have one fishing rod, make it an Ugly Stik GX2. 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. Recently just bought a Ugly stik from Walmart because it was only $40. 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. I have to say the new rod feels much better in my hands and I think it is lighter and easier to cast, which is sure to mean that is the end of a long day on the water, that your forearm is not going to feel so worked. Would this rod and reel be good for both freshwater and saltwater? The line rating, which goes up to 50 lb, confirms the intention of Shakespeare to design these poles for heavy casting. It features a primarily graphite shaft for stiffness, along with a soft, clear, and flexible fiberglass tip. Your link has been automatically embedded. Ugly Stik GX2 is the next generation of Ugly Stik, but with the same heritage, strength, and durability of the original. 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. Im a United States Coast Guardcertified master captain, and I have been fishing since I could walk. From the makers of the #1 rod series in the world. you can either go for a conventional locking system or you can opt for a twist-lock design. We do, however, recommend taking a look at St.Croix Triumph or other critically acclaimed Fishing Rods of this month. Benefits to graphite - light, strong, casts further, more sensitive tip. Each rod is designed to perform as well as a high-end rod you might only find in a specialty fishing store. Your previous content has been restored. That flexible tip means it wont be ideal for manipulating lures, but we think the added versatility is more valuable to most fishersespecially beginners. Fishing Is Bliss also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Paired with compatible reels, they offer a decent cast with live bait or lures. Paste as plain text instead, Till then, annyeong. This design also represents an upgrade from the old Ugly Stik, which had two-piece pop-out guides that were the only weak spot in an otherwise bulletproof rod. Secure the fishing line to the spool using a common Tug on the line as gently as possible until it is secured. Lets take a look at some the changes you will notice in the new Ugly Stik GX2. Heavy power Available In 2 Models: Large pikes, salmons, and even some saltwater fishes can be your game now. Now, with a better mindset, let us get to know this wonder in detail!. I highly recommend the GX2 as a perfect entry or beginner 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. On 12 Apr 2023 (6 days ago) we went through 78 Fishing Rod expert endorsements , however neither Ugly Stik Bigwater nor Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod were included in any of those recommendations. 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. 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. The two piece model is a "Casting Rod" i belive, but you will have a better feel with the one piece. Be the first to rate this post. 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. While this design can be advantageous for casting plugs, it offers less play or give, which can hinder other applications like setting the hook while bottom fishing with bait and a heavy sinker, where some flex is advantageous. You can purchase a G Loomis E6X starting around $179. David is a freelance writer. (St. Croix offers a five-year warranty for its Triumph rod, which we tested as a possible upgrade pick.). 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. He understands the challenge to pick the best fishing rod or learning the lifestyle. My main concern with medium heavy being that is that it is nearly twice as heavy (in actual weight) as the medium combo. Costing around $30, the updated version of Piscifuns side-sling model features supportive, padded shoulder and waist straps, as well as compartments to sort bait from gear. In almost all cases, the line broke before the rod did. One of the most important features is durability. 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. 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. The Ugly Stik GX2, however, was only introduced in 2013. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod. link to Why Is Ice Fishing Great? We spoke with senior editor and lifetime angler Grant Clauser about his preferences for tackle storage. When rinsing a reel, first tighten the drag, sealing it so that water doesnt work into the washers. 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. It has the same three-part pinion/clutch seal (the most important seal in a spinning reel, protecting the very center of the reel, which is virtually irreparable) as Shimanos $1,000-plus reels. Thats far better than the one-year warranty coverage from Shimano, Penn, and Shakespeare. The durability of Ugly Stik has your back and the GX2 certainly doesnt disappoint. Shakespeare has provided us with EVA material grip in the Ugly Stik GX2. This is what I am talking about when I say this is a ridiculously durable rod. High-rated Fishing Rods in a similar price range. Slight changes in the graphite have created an even better rod, that is ultra-light and super sensitive. 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. You could either opt-in for more sensitivity with a 1-pc blank or a decent enough sensitivity but the ease of carrying the rod around with a 2-pc blank. 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. Purchase a reel of your choice and you would be good to go. 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. Both rods are incredibly sensitive despite their durability. We are free to use a lot of retrieval techniques. My question is can I use it in salty water? Read This Before Posting! If you are clumsy like most of us, dont worry. 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.
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