Check out with Sezzle and split your entire order into 6 monthly interest-free payments. Shimano introduced another $100-range line of spinning reels, called the Nasci. (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.). It deserves more. Available in lengths ranging from 56 to 9. Medium-Heavy Power Models: Available in lengths ranging from 6 to 7. 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. Available in lengths ranging from 49 to 6. today. By The Elite is a bit stiffer than the GX2 and typically costs $10 more, so its a great buy for lure fishers. Light Available In 4 Models: A nice choice for catching those trout and panfish where some extra lifting power is required. This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan. So, without taking much of your time now we bid farewell. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Similarly, you could go cheaper, but then youd give up reliability. I have the 6'6" Medium power Fast Action one. Small models can be useful for 1/4oz lures whereas heavy models would be able to handle 1oz lures easily. opcorn: Even a fish would'nt get into trouble, if he kept his mouth. 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! It's a #1 bestseller in fishing rods category and has dozens of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as Entsport E Series Camo Legend or Fiblink Travel Carbon Baitcasting . 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). The elongated handle in the longer models allows us to put in more power behind our casts. We expected more out of a $180 reel. 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. Featuring a corrosion resistant graphite body reel with an aluminium forged spool which is braid ready. So you will put more fish in the boat. There truly is a better garden hose for you. 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. Additionally, keeping your reel packed with grease will reduce corrosion and improve longevity. The only issue I have with the Triumph (as with almost all other rods that arent Ugly Stiks) concerns the guides. 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. 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. Let us tell you, nothing could be further away from the truth. You can post now and register later. Also, hooking baits when transporting has been made easy by the presence of eyes on the rod. That said, if you plan to do a lot of bait fishing from boats, buy a conventional open-faced reel with a more dependable dual drag system. (Consider sizes 1500 to 2000 for small freshwater and inshore saltwater species, 3000 to 5000 for medium freshwater and saltwater species, 5000 to 8000 for surf fishing, and 8000 to 10000 for larger fish, including some pelagic fish like mahi mahi and small tuna.). These rods are available in the same wide range of sizes as the GX2 (for the most all-around versatility, wed still recommend a medium to medium-heavy rod in the 6-foot-6 or 7-foot range), but they have a cork grip instead of an EVA foam grip and contain 35% more graphite, which makes them a bit stiffer and lighter overall. The Ugly Stik GX2 spinning rod is a favorite among largemouth bass anglers. Its pocket-friendly price allows us to buy multiple Ugly Stiks and they. 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. Anyone have any experience with these? I just picked up a new Ugly Stik 7ft casting today. 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. 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. Pasted as rich text. Nor may it be copied, published, rewritten, or redistributed. 1. 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. It is Graphite and Fiberglass like the new GX2 rods are. $260.00 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. One piece stainless steel guides are welcomed. I'm torn on whether I should get a medium (30 reel) or medium heavy (40 reel). 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 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. 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. Theyre easy to confuse, and our chosen reel wont fit the casting version. 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. I had an old 1100 series rod that lasted me 15years. For the average fisher, the 10- to 25-pound maximum drags on any of our picks will suffice. sensitivity of graphite and durability of fiberglass. Display as a link instead, A nice choice for catching those trout and panfish where some extra lifting power is required. In warmer months, anglers are generally more competitive and eager to spend less time socializing and more time fishing. An . The main functional difference between the GX2 and the traditional Ugly Stick was the addition of a substantial amount of graphite in a rod. 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. If you can only have one fishing rod, make it an Ugly Stik GX2. 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. In my 20-plus years of fishing, Ive come to learn that when youre shopping for fishing rodsas for any toolpaying a little attention to a few key features can be telling before you even pick up one. 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. The secret to the success of the classic Ugly Stik is the ultra-light, graphite wrapped fiberglass blank. Be the first to rate this post. So you are ready to buy the rod, but where to get it? Available in lengths ranging from 56 to 7. Shakespeare now manufactures a wide range of Ugly Stik fishing rods, from the inexpensive spinning rod to the Bigwater heavy-duty surf fishing model. We spoke with senior editor and lifetime angler Grant Clauser about his preferences for tackle storage. It's here. We are currently testing it and will update. Ugly Stik Elite rods feature premium cork handles, Ugly Tuff guides for durability and the Ugly Stik Clear Tip design. What is consistently stunning about this rod is the price point. The clear-tip provides the sensitivity which makes it possible to feel even the lightest strike of the most stealthy fishes. Type in Ugly Stik GX2 durability on YouTube and see what you get. 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: You can purchase a G Loomis E6X starting around $179. Weve looked over this guide and still stand by our recommendations. 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. Adapted to suit a wide variety of general use. 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. $50 from Walmart. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. The hot pink wrap is attractive, as well. One-Piece Guides Probably one of the the biggest changes that most people will notice is the new guide design. Use it for bass fishing, cranking, jigging, topwater use and youll not be disappointed. For the person that is just getting started, Shakespeare offers several Ugly Stix GX2 combo packages that only add a few dollars to your purchase price. 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. Meanwhile, Ugly Stik Bigwater did not receive any endorsements this month. Dear i have GX2SOIN 1002H 10ft casting weight 20-80Gm i would like to know what is the line rate for the rod as it is not written. Manufacturer-provided product description, urls and documents. Check Amazon.com | 7 Reasons, link to Why Does Cold Water Fish Taste Better? Graphite + Fiberglass give it a clean matte-black finish. 7 Year Warranty Shakespeare backs up the Ugly Stik GX2 with a 7 Year warranty. They are strong! Your link has been automatically embedded. The Ugly Stiks were designed to be unbreakable, but are they really? Subscribe to our mailing list and receive updates about new gear and special deal alerts. Available in lengths ranging from 6 to 7. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. I found that the tip was just sensitive enough to pass for a bait-fishing rod (though Id still primarily designate it as a lightweight artificial/jigging rod). Ugly Stik GX2 is $0.04 cheaper than the average fishing rod ($49.99). 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. There are 15 casting models, 20 spinning models, 3 pack rod options and even six models specifically for the ladies. The durability of Ugly Stik has your back and the GX2 certainly doesnt disappoint. Guide placement becomes more essential when youre fighting trophy-sized fish, which is not something the average angler will put their gear through. Ugly Stik rods are great for the experienced angler or for a kid growing out of their three-foot childs model fishing rod combo. 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. Capable of catching big fishes that require distant casting and heavier lures. In 2021, Matt Robertson became the first Bassmasters Elite Series angler to sign an endorsement deal with Ugly Stik fishing rods. Though people are mostly fond of the cork grip, this is a good alternative. 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. Though such a composition has been a part of the previous rods before, there is increased use of graphite in the GX2. The Ugly Stik GX2, however, was only introduced in 2013. Available in lengths ranging from 7 to 76. In the Daiwa, you get a reel with build quality and durability comparable to those of models costing $200 or more. link to Why Is Ice Fishing Great? Although a good rod and reel are crucial for the beginning angler, managing the necessary tackle (hooks, lines, sinkers, floats, and so forth) for your fishing expedition can also make or break your experience. If you buy the combo, I will say the reel on it sucks compared to a higher end reel. Nevertheless, although machined aluminum makes for a higher-quality, more durable gear, cast zinc still gets the job done and is the industry standard in reels under $300. 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. 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. While other rods have come and gone, my Ugly Stiks which were bought in the 80's and 90's are all still around. 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 9 GX2 SPINNING ROD: The next-gen Ugly Stik, featuring better balance and improved components. 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. He is determined to break this thing. This is what makes Ugly Stik way ahead of its competitors as it continues to be budget-friendly. Nice, well balance, strong, with Fuji ceramic rings. 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. 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. People think they are of lower quality than higher-end rods, Casting with lightweight lures is not quite as accurate as other rods. We do, however, recommend taking a look at St.Croix Triumph or other critically acclaimed Fishing Rods of this month. Now, with a better mindset, let us get to know this wonder in detail!. Available in lengths ranging from 46 to 7. 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. The Penn combos are the oposite, the Penn Battle II combos are $110-130 but those rods Penn includes . 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. 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. The Ugly Stik Howald process featuring Triple Built construction around an internal fiberglass core. In addition to having a durable shaft, the GX2 comes fitted with one-piece stainless steel line guides, which can literally be smashed with a rock and still maintain serviceability. 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. Heavy Power Models: Available in length of 66. It is a development over the classic glossy look. 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. These ugly sticks got their name when they were first manufactured in 1975. PaneraiMan No manufacturer information linked for Ugly Stik Bigwater. Read about the benefits of SaltAway HERE. The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 comes in 15 casting and 20 spinning models plus the pack rods and the ladies configurations. Read This Before Posting! Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. So I picked an affordable, high-quality spinning-rod-and-reel combo that can work in as many fishing conditions and settings as possibleincluding saltwater and freshwater.