Ugly Never Looked so Good, Preview the New GX2 (continued)
 

Ugly Combos: Built around the new GX2 rod series Shakespeare is also offering a complete range of new rod combos designed for everyone from the backcountry angler to the beginner who is making their very first cast. The new line of Ugly Stik GX2 spinning combos will also be available in seven different lengths and actions. The spinning reel is the first Shakespeare reel designed specifically for the Ugly Stik line.

The spinning combo features a reel specifically designed for the series

Featuring a double anodized aluminum spool with oversized bail wire, the reels are also designed to be very durable. Each model has soft touch handle knobs and two pinion bearings that helps reduce overall wear on the reels internal parts. The spinning reel offers a glass filled nylon body and reel sizes 20 - 35 feature a three ball bearings plus one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing. The 40 and 50 combos are built around a two ball bearings plus one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing. Each Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo has an MSRP of only $49.95.

The spincast reel pairs nicely with the new rod as well

A microspin combo is designed for lighter line applications

The spincast combos feature a Shakespeare® Synergy Steel 6 and 10 models as well as a Synergy TI Micro option for anglers looking to target panfish. The micro combos are pre-spooled with 4lb. Stren line while the 6 and 10 size combos are spooled with 6 and 10lb Stren respectively.

The baitcast model will come pre-spooled with 12lb. Stren line

The Ugly Stik GX2 low-profile model will come equipped with aluminum handle, adjustable magnetic cast control and is pre-spooled with 12lb. Stren line.

The Lady Angler rods feature pink highlights to differentiate the series

For the ladies, the Ugly Stik GX2 utilizes the same toughness and durability and is available in both rods and combos. These rods are easily identifiable with pink accents throughout the rod and reel. The Ugly Stik GX2 Ladies features two casting rod models, four spinning rod models and three combos. Rods have an MSRP of $39.95 while combos are available for $49.95.

A spincast combo is also available in this series

Shakespeare wasn't done yet and also designed a new rod series specifically for youth anglers. The GX2 youth combos are geared towards youth eight and up are offered in a spincast and spinning combos with an MSRP of $39.95. These models have bright green accents and split handle Ugly Grips™.

The Ugly Stik Youth Series looks very attractive with split grips and striking green highlights throughout. When was the last time you looked at an Ugly Stik and thought, that looks pretty sharp. Ugly never looked so good!
 

Conclusion: In less than two weeks Shakespeare's new Ugly Stik GX2 will be introduced at ICAST 2013. In advance of the show the team at Shakespeare shipped the media combos for evaluation and what we have seen so far is an impressive blend of improved sensitivity and refinement all without compromising the durability and dependability of the original iconic series. Over the course of this season we have some brutal new field tests planned for these new rods but one thing we can say with certainty is that when it comes to cosmetics the new series hits the mark at a great price for value minded anglers. Ugly never looked so good!