Fishing

Ugly Stik GX2 Review: Exceptionally Versatile Spinning Rod

UglyStik GX2 Review

Photo: UglyStik

What We Like

  • Accommodates all line types
  • Solid and lightweight construction
  • Easy to take apart and set up
  • More aesthetically appealing and modern look
  • Highly sensitive and responsive
  • Comfortable and non-slip handle
  • Easy to use line guides

What We Don’t Like

  • Joint between the two sections is not very snug
  • Packaging needs a lot of improvement

Bottom Line

With the capacity to work with almost any fishing line out there, this fishing rod is built to give anglers maximum versatility, and it is also well-built and quite lightweight.

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Introduction

Durability is always what defines a good fishing rod for most anglers, and so the fact that this one is made from a combination of fiberglass and graphite makes it tough enough for them. But, the good news is that its positive traits do not stop there.

This fishing rod includes stainless steel guides that are designed to allow it to work with any line type for increased versatility. And it will also include a clear tip design for maximum responsiveness and a comfortable EVA grip.

UglyStik GX2 Review

Photo: UglyStik

Usage: Works with Any Line for Maximum Versatility

Ugly Stik GX2 is a highly versatile rod that you can be confident will work for you no matter how you intend to use it as it has the strength required to subdue and land almost any fish species out there that you can fish with a rod and reel .

Besides strength, its versatility also stems from the fact that it uses some fantastic one-piece guides that will not only help eliminate pop-outs but will also work with all line types . Hence, whether you prefer using braided or mono lines , this fishing rod will work for you.

And although it will be more preferable to use this fishing line in freshwater, it still seems to work well enough even in saltwater. There is nothing in there that can easily corrode, and so provided you give it a good rinse with fresh water after use, the rod should be okay.

This rod will also be more ideal for use by beginner to intermediate anglers. But if you are a more seasoned angler that likes fishing small to medium fish and some larger fish species like bass, this rod should still be ideal for you.

Performance: Better Than Expected

Many anglers will not expect to land that large and heavy salmon or record-setting bass with budget fishing rods like this one. However, the good news is that this model performs much better than it looks and will also outperform many more expensive models.

One of the key attributes that will ensure it will offer superior performance is that besides being able to accommodate all kinds of lines including braided ones, the guides are also designed to prevent slippage.

By eliminating pop-outs, these guides will help ensure that you have an easier time reeling in your catch and with no interruptions. Besides the uninterrupted performance, minimal friction also helps prevent liner tear-offs.

Because this is a spinning rod, it will offer impressive performance if you are casting live baits and other light lures like plastic. And it can accommodate lure weights of 1/8 to 5/8 ounces, which should be good enough for many anglers.

If you pair this spinning rod with a spinning reel , it will allow you to use any fishing technique and will also be super easy to operate, which always helps improve the overall performance.

Construction: Strong and Balanced

With a strong but still balanced construction, the Ugly Stik GX2 will ensure that you get a rod that is not only easy and comfortable to use for extended periods but also tough enough to serve you well for a long time.

The construction combines graphite and fiberglass both of which are some of the most popular fishing rod materials. This combination results in a strong and still fairly lightweight fishing rod as this rod weighs around 12.6 ounces.

And with the weight perfectly distributed throughout the blank, it will also feel well-balanced when casting and retrieving. Also, this lightweight design will help improve your range of movement when fishing.

The guides on this rod not only ensure maximum versatility by accommodating all line types but they are also well-built from a stainless steel material.

Besides being durable, the construction of this fishing rod is also meant to ensure it will look good. It has a more modern and eye-catching design that will make it more aesthetically appealing to ensure it is both functional and stylish.

Responsiveness and Action: Exceptionally Responsive Tip

Responsiveness of a rod is vital as you will need your rod to be as responsive as possible to ensure you never miss even the faintest movement. The more responsive the rod is the more you are likely to catch something.

To ensure this rod is as responsive as possible, Ugly Stik gives it an innovative and unique clear tip design. This tip is designed to be extra strong and will deliver exceptional responsiveness just when you need it.

The tip is super sensitive to ensure it will pick up even faint nibbles, and this will ensure you can time your fishing hook perfectly. Hence, with this fishing rod, you will have an improved catch rate, which is just what you want in any fishing rod.

When it comes to the action, this is a medium power fishing rod that will give you a fast action. And this means there is less bend on the rod to allow it to take a higher load. While it is meant for small to medium fish sizes, then fast action will allow it to handle even larger fish species.

Handle: Lightweight and Comfortable

The lightweight and more ergonomic handle design on the Ugly Stik GX2 is meant to ensure that you will get all-day comfort when using it. With this handle, you can hold and use this fishing rod all day with minimal hand fatigue.

This handle includes EVA grips that will ensure you get a firm and more comfortable hold of the rod. Hence, it will be easier to overcome even the hard-fighting fish, and hence making it easier to land the fish even if you are not very highly experienced.

Anglers will also love that this handle also makes the rod feel more lightweight and balanced and that the EVA material is also highly effective at absorbing sweet to keep the hands dry in any weather condition. And your range of movement will also improve significantly with this EVA handle.

Price: Budget Fishing Rod

Ugly Stik GX2 is a budget fishing rod that is built to ensure that you do not need to spend a lot of cash to get the services of a top-quality rod. But, despite the smaller price tag, this rod does not compromise on the quality or the performance as it is still strong and high-performing.

For under $50, you can still get many other good spinning rod models out there, but few of them will outperform this one when it comes to the overall versatility and range of movement. And so this rod makes a good buy for that price tag.

Verdict

A versatile fishing rod that will accommodate a wide variety of fishing line types and is also built with lightweight and strong materials.

By combining fiberglass and graphite to make this fishing rod, Ugly Stik ensures that you get a product that is strong and balanced but still lightweight. This fishing rod is also designed to be multifunctional as its stainless steel guides will accommodate all fishing line types, and it also includes a more sensitive clear tip and comfortable EVA grip.

Specs

  • Product Name: Ugly Stik GX2
  • Product Brand: Ugly Stik
  • Rod Blank Material: Graphite and fiberglass
  • Size: 7 feet
  • Rod Design: 2-piece
  • Handle: EVA
  • Lure Weight: 1/8 to 5/8 ounces
  • Line Weight: 6 to 15 pounds
  • Warranty: 7-year warranty

Key Features

  • Graphite and fiberglass blank for a durable and lightweight performance
  • Clear tip offers extra strength and excellent sensitivity
  • EVA grip is more comfortable and will absorb sweat
  • 2-piece design allows you to take it apart storage
  • 1-piece stainless steel guides can be used with any line type
  • Fast action makes it ideal for larger fish species
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