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ICAST 2024 Coverage


 

Still Ugly? The Ugly Stik GX2 Gets a Makeover

 

Date: 7/23/24
Tackle type: Rods
Manufacturer: Pure Fishing - Ugly Stik
Reviewer: Zander








Introduction: America's favorite fishing rod received a makeover this ICAST with the introduction of the GX2 Series, and the changes are more than cosmetic and designed to improve both durability and sensitivity. But the big question is are they still Ugly?

 


Meet the newest Ugly Stik, the refreshed GX2

 

Still Ugly? We all grew up with them and while most anglers think the name "Ugly Stik" refers to the orange, not so-attractive, styling of these rods the name is actually a tongue and cheek way of describing just how "ugly" tough these rods are. But let's face it, for many generations the name as pretty on point as attractive design wasn't high up on the list of attributes for these rods.

 


The GX2 continues to pay homage to the brand with Red and yellow threading and graphics

 

The new GX2 rods pay homage to the previous generation rods but features a much cleaner look, with less obnoxious colors, and improvements in grip and reel seat materials. The red and yellow graphic and threading do a nice job paying homage to the Ugly Stik legacy without being obnoxious, and there are less red highlights than the previous GX2 rods, giving the rods a cleaner more purpose-built look.

 

 
The foregrip is high density EVA

 

The engineers at Pure Fishing prioritized strength, which is certainly on brand, but also wanted to improve sensitivity on these new rods. The new Ugly Stik GX2 is designed to build on its unbreakable reputation, and adds new features that are designed to make it tougher than the original GX2.

 


The GX2's "Ugly Tech" blank remains unchanged as does the popular clear tip

 

The popular Clear Tip design and Ugly Tech construction remain unchanged but the one-piece stainless steel Ugly Tuff guides have been improved upon in the latest series with a proprietary coating to increase wear resistance and prevent corrosion.

 


Guides are improved with a proprietary Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating for more corrosion resistance and improved wear resistance

 

The new GX2 also features a rubberized diamond EVA handle for better grip and improved durability, and a new composite reel seat that is designed for better hand feel and increased sensitivity. The multi-piece models are also more user friendly now with added alignment markings.

 


The biggest cosmetic upgrade that you can feel is a more durable rubberized X-Pattern EVA handle grip

 

The rods match up well with affordable Ugly Stik reels that feature corrosion resistant composite components and a simple yet reliable 3 bearing system. The new GX2 will be available as standalone rods and with combos.

 


Rods can be matched up with a no-frills but well built Ugly Stik reel

 


Reels will be sold as part of combos and standalone. Prices have yet to be announced but we expect combo prices around $69-$79 depending on configuration

 

Our Quick Take: Right before ICAST we got our first look and feel of one of the new rod and perhaps most importantly it still looked and felt like an Ugly Stik. Refreshing the series and completely going away from the identity of what makes these rods so popular would be a mistake. The change in the grip design gives the rod a much higher-end look and adds durability.

 


A look at a Ugly Stik spinning combo

 

Most important of all is that the Ugly Stik still stays true to their DNA. If they had introduced new and improved cosmetics and sensitivity but sacrificed durability it would have been a big miss. It looks like these new sticks, while slightly more refined, are still built to take a beating from fish, and the anglers that wield them.

 


While the new GX2 rods get some cosmetic and performance bumps I'm glad to see that they are still built tough and aggressively priced

 

Also equally important is their value. The new Ugly Stik GX2 rods will retail for $49.95, the same aggressive price as the previous generation. Let's not make any mistake about it, these rods are not Abu Garcia or Fenwick offerings when it comes to performance, but they are not supposed to be. Ugly Stik rods are designed for every angler, and are priced to be accessible to everyone, and even come with a 10 year warranty providing peace of mind for anglers to crank on these rods just as hard as they are intended to be fished. Cosmetic, durability, and sensitivity enhancements... Check. Still Ugly?... Absolutely.
 

 

   

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