Powerful, responsive, and durablethanks to the IM-7 high modulus graphite used throughout! In the Daiwa, you get a reel with build quality and durability comparable to those of models costing $200 or more. Learn more. 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. Thats still a lot of drag for most In other words, you dont need much drag to cover a wide variety of fish. Powerful, responsive, and durablethanks to the IM-7 high modulus graphite used throughout! G Loomis E6X Fishing Rod | Amazon 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 is a top selling option on the higher end of the price range. 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. 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. So you will put more fish in the boat. I keep a few extra GX2 rods on the boat for when I have company come from out of town. 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). Single-piece guides referred to as UglyTuff have a stamped stainless steel design which makes the rod extremely durable and almost impossible to destroy. 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. For less than a meal for two at your local Chilis, you can grab one of these great rods as either your primary go to or simply as a backup or loaner for your friends. For the very affordable price point of around $39.99, this rod makes an excellent gift that anyone would love to get. They are strong! Posted on Last updated: September 20, 2022. One of the first things that come to mind for most experienced fisherman when they think of an Ugly Stik is durability and value. For those of you who want all the details I have provided the chart below. I put a Daiwa Fuego spinning reel on my GX2 and it HAMMERS bass and trout. The Ugly Stik Elite is a rod specifically designed for smaller fish. The dual EVA grips work excellently in wet conditions and are fairly easy to clean. 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. (The Battle II has been replaced by the Battle III, which we have not yet tested.). 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. But mind you, that attachment is not purely emotional. and our By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Check Price If you want to be particularly diligent when cleaning your fishing gear (it will pay off in the long run), you can soak a cloth in freshwater (even with a little soapboat soap works) and wipe everything down. 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 It's in the top 3 bestselling fishing rods and has dozens of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as Piscifun Torrent or Berkley Lightning Casting Rod . Also, hooking baits when transporting has been made easy by the presence of eyes on the rod. Im a United States Coast Guardcertified master captain, and I have been fishing since I could walk. The rod is then highlighted with the classic diamond winding pattern in silver and red right above the grip. 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. The amount of tackle carried to the boat, watering hole, or river will vary depending on what kind of fishing youre doing. 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. Irrespective of whether you are a fresher or a seasoned angler, it can never hurt to have an Ugly Stik GX2 by your side. You can choose out of the following available powers: Imparts extreme sensitivity for setting to the hook and is perfect for catching those small fishes. Fishing Is Bliss also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. This ugly stick was priced for the everyday working man, who could not afford expensive rods. 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. Paired with Shimano reels, these rods let you pull in big fish securely on braided line or monofilament.The durable, one piece graphite blank will bend and twist, but wont break. 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. That (slightly) higher price also gets you a grip thats cork, instead of EVA foam. This makes it comparable in durability to reels that cost twice as much. Regardless of what rod or reel you get, salt is the enemyeven with gear specifically designed for use in the ocean. Here we have reviewed both the spinning and the casting model, thus further easing out the process of making a choice for you. In my experience its definitely worth price checking online vendors first, as the prices can vary on a daily basis. 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. That flexible tip means it wont be ideal for manipulating lures, but we think the added versatility is more valuable to most fishersespecially beginners. 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. The secret to the success of the classic Ugly Stik is the ultra-light, graphite wrapped fiberglass blank. The elongated handle in the longer models allows us to put in more power behind our casts. We spoke with senior editor and lifetime angler Grant Clauser about his preferences for tackle storage. 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. Fiberglass is heavier but more flexible (slow action) and nearly impossible to break. 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Use it for bass fishing, cranking, jigging, topwater use and youll not be disappointed. So you ask yourself whats new with the GX2? Secure the fishing line to the spool using a common Tug on the line as gently as possible until it is secured. A fast action St. Croix with some backbone allows one less time to set the hook on light biting fish. 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. And by the way, the picture used above is not just for the sake of it. 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. One quick shopping note: Make sure youre buying the spinning rod, not the casting version of the same rod from the same manufacturer. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 12-20lb - 7 9" - 2 piece. For the average fisher, the 10- to 25-pound maximum drags on any of our picks will suffice. 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. Light Available In 4 Models: A nice choice for catching those trout and panfish where some extra lifting power is required. The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 comes in 15 casting and 20 spinning models plus the pack rods and the ladies configurations. When rinsing a reel, first tighten the drag, sealing it so that water doesnt work into the washers. (The Battalion has since been replaced by the Battalion II; we have not tested it.) Lure rating of 1/8-3/4 oz. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. link to Why Is Ice Fishing Great? The Ugly Stik GX2 consistently performs above many rods that cost 2 to 3 times as much and are not nearly as durable. Based on the GX2s build and the originals history of durability, the GX2 could very well be the last rod youll need to buy. Answer (1 of 2): Depends on your budget. A design with more pieces means more jointing and fastening, which usually requires glue. Anyone have any experience with these? 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. Upload or insert images from URL. The fore-grip on the GX2 is quite big too, with a trademarked basket weave. 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. 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 downsides of the Ugly Stik GX2 are few but worth noting. The older version was tough, but it came along with traditional pop-out ceramic inserts that were easy to break. High-rated Fishing Rods in a similar price range. 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. Shorter rods with heavy power are great for gaming big fishes that require a lot of lifting strength but they lack in sensitivity. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. 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. Pure Fishing - The World's Best Fishing Brands Pure Fishing 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. 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. Lay the reel out horizontally so that any water that gets in has an easy path out, and dont blast a reel with water to avoid blasting out the grease; just make sure it receives a thorough flow. 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: 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. If you buy a product through links on the site we may make a small commission. The lightweight construction, one-piece line guides, and flexible clear tip make this a great 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 guides have been completely redesigned into a single piece, stamped stainless steel which adds durability to the already rugged design. 5 Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under $100. 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. So pro-anglers, dont overlook this one!. 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)? The rods material, flexibility, sensitivity, and line-guide construction all make a difference in how well the rod will perform and last. Type in Ugly Stik GX2 durability on YouTube and see what you get. 7 Year Warranty Shakespeare backs up the Ugly Stik GX2 with a 7 Year warranty. This rod is known for its strength, durability, and versatility. 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. 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. Available in lengths ranging from 46 to 7. I am still a fan of cork personally but this is a very durable alternative. 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. Anyone have any experience with these? month 2. month 3 . 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 is one of the company's oldest models of fishing rods, having been around since 1976. While other rods have come and gone, my Ugly Stiks which were bought in the 80's and 90's are all still around. Below are their opinions. So you are ready to buy the rod, but where to get it? The Ugly Stik fishing rod stands up to misuse and abuse. We love the GX2. Privacy Statement. The Shimano Baitrunner performed well, but its lack of durability took it out of the running after we did our teardown test. Guide placement becomes more essential when youre fighting trophy-sized fish, which is not something the average angler will put their gear through. *At the time of publishing, the price was $40. Ugly Stik rods are available at all major retailers for a fraction of the cost of other graphite rods. 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 If youre starting from nothing, a spinning outfit offers the highest chance of success. The Ugly Stik GX2, however, was only introduced in 2013. This is what makes Ugly Stik way ahead of its competitors as it continues to be budget-friendly. Think of it as the automatic transmission version of a fishing rod and reel. The two piece model is a "Casting Rod" i belive, but you will have a better feel with the one piece. This website displays data from third party public sources. 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. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Here the big guide remains on the main blank, unlike the earlier version where the blank carried all the guides. But to make sure you get what you need, look for the maximum drag rating on the spec sheet. Still, for medium-weight jigging and topwater fishing, it would be a good choice. 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. Thats far better than the one-year warranty coverage from Shimano, Penn, and Shakespeare. The GX2 is the latest update to a classic line of rods renowned for their versatility and durability for nearly four decades. Piscifun has also released an updated version of the Sling Fishing Tackle Bag. Shimano introduced another $100-range line of spinning reels, called the Nasci. 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. Coming at a very low price point, it puts those to shame who brag about how expensive their rod is. 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. The best thing about an ugly stick is that are cheap and don't break easily. I brought my cheapo Shimano FXS rod on several trips to test beside the others. 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. Be it braided, carbon or monofilament lines, the guides are perfectly fine for all. These improvements have taken a good rod and turned it into a better rod. I just picked up a new Ugly Stik 7ft casting today. For more information, please see our We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Ugly Stik GX2 is the next generation of Ugly Stik, but with the same heritage, strength, and durability of the original. Common points from expert reviews summarized. Lets take a look at some the changes you will notice in the new Ugly Stik GX2. It deserves more. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Good for basses requiring a sensitive approach. Your previous content has been restored. There are some other American brands that are as good, but overpriced, and some that are not. Subscribe to our mailing list and receive updates about new gear and special deal alerts. 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. Ugly Stik fishing rods are among the most affordable on the market, yet they have a reputation for being the most durable rods for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Every model boasts a fast, flexible tip with hook-setting strength to spare, plus premium Fuji guides and reel seat. The Penn combos are the oposite, the Penn Battle II combos are $110-130 but those rods Penn includes . I beat up these rods and reels, from the mouth of the Hudson River in New York to the Cook Strait of New Zealand. 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. 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. Though people are mostly fond of the cork grip, this is a good alternative. Additionally, keeping your reel packed with grease will reduce corrosion and improve longevity. | 5 Reasons. Im thoroughly impressed, especially with the fact that Shimano includes a cold-forged drive gear (usually cast zinc in reels within this price range), though according to spinning-reel guru Alan Hawk, its made more cheaply than the higher-end drive gears. The Ugly Stick by Shakespeare was first introduced in 1976 and has been used by almost all of us at one time or another. It features a primarily graphite shaft for stiffness, along with a soft, clear, and flexible fiberglass tip. No votes so far! SKU: 1308985 Category: Shakespeare-boat-rods. These rods are made to handle large fishes and can really provide some serious power while battling. Read the full review of the G Loomis E6X HERE. The sensitive tip alerts quickly, whether you are fishing onshore or in a boat. 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. You can purchase a G Loomis E6X starting around $179. Baitcasters are predominantly designed to throw heavy lures at considerable distances and therefore we have limited power-settings. Tackle Village LLC30 N Gould, Ste 4000Sheridan, WY 82801Phone: (+1) 307 381 6717. Piscifun has now released an updated model of this bag. Once you are through with the choice of power rating, you can move forward and find the desired length. Copyright 1997-2023 The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide LLC All rights reserved. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below. The data presented is for information purposes only. But still, it carries a strong backbone for catching fishes. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. The old guides were tough, but they featured the traditional pop-out ceramic insert that had the potential to get broken. Good for basses requiring a sensitive approach. 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. 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.

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