Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo Review
If you are looking for a reliable and affordable ice fishing rod and reel combo, you might want to check out the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo. This is a popular choice among ice anglers who appreciate the strength and durability of the Ugly Stik brand. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this combo, as well as compare it with some similar products on the market. We will also share some customer reviews and provide a link to buy it online.
Features
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo consists of a 28-inch medium action rod and a size 20 spinning reel. The rod is made of a genuine Ugly Stik blank with a clear tip design that enhances sensitivity and power. The reel has a ported aluminum spool that reduces weight and improves balance. The combo also features:
– Twist-lock reel seat with EVA handles for comfort and stability
– One-piece stainless steel guides that prevent insert pop-out
– One ball bearing system that ensures smooth operation
– 4.4:1 gear ratio that provides optimal speed and torque
– Pre-spooled with 6 lb test line that is suitable for most ice fishing situations
Benefits
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo offers several benefits for ice anglers of different skill levels and preferences. Some of the benefits are:
– It is easy to use and set up, as it comes ready to fish out of the box
– It is versatile and can handle various ice fishing techniques and species, such as jigging, tip-ups, panfish, walleye, perch, etc.
– It is durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy fish
– It is affordable and provides great value for money, as it combines quality and performance at a reasonable price
– It is backed by a 7-year warranty from Shakespeare that covers any defects or damages
Drawbacks
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo is not without some drawbacks, however. Some of the drawbacks are:
– It is not very lightweight, as it weighs about 0.5 pounds, which might cause fatigue after prolonged use
– It is not very smooth, as it has only one ball bearing, which might affect the drag and retrieve
– It is not very adjustable, as it has a fixed drag system that cannot be fine-tuned according to different situations
– It is not very stylish, as it has a simple black color scheme that might not appeal to some anglers
Comparison
To help you decide if the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo is the right choice for you, we have compared it with some similar products on the market. Here is a table that summarizes the main features and differences of these products:
| Product | Rod Length | Rod Power | Reel Size | Reel Bearings | Reel Gear Ratio | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo | 28 inches | Medium | 20 | 1 | 4.4:1 | $34.99 |
| Berkley Cherrywood HD Ice Fishing Spinning Combo | 26 inches | Medium Light | 20 | 3+1 | 5.2:1 | $29.99 |
| Frabill Straight Line 101 Ice Fishing Combo | 27 inches | Quick Tip (Ultra Light) | N/A (Inline) | N/A (Inline) | N/A (Inline) | $39.99 |
| 13 Fishing Whiteout Ice Fishing Spinning Combo | 28 inches | Medium Light | 25 | 5+1 | 5.2:1 | $64.99 |
As you can see from the table, the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo has some advantages and disadvantages over its competitors. For example, it has a longer rod length and a higher rod power than the Berkley Cherrywood HD Ice Fishing Spinning Combo, which might make it more suitable for bigger fish and deeper water. However, it has fewer reel bearings and a lower gear ratio than the Berkley Cherrywood HD Ice Fishing Spinning Combo, which might make it less smooth and fast than the latter.
Similarly, the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo has a different design and mechanism than the Frabill Straight Line 101 Ice Fishing Combo, which is an inline combo that eliminates line twist and freeze-up. The Frabill Straight Line 101 Ice Fishing Combo might be more convenient and efficient for some anglers who prefer inline reels over spinning reels. However, the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo might be more versatile and adaptable for different techniques and conditions than the Frabill Straight Line 101 Ice Fishing Combo.
Finally, the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo has a lower price and a longer warranty than the 13 Fishing Whiteout Ice Fishing Spinning Combo, which might make it more appealing and reliable for some anglers who are on a budget or want more assurance. However, the 13 Fishing Whiteout Ice Fishing Spinning Combo has more reel bearings and a higher gear ratio than the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo, which might make it more smooth and fast than the former. The 13 Fishing Whiteout Ice Fishing Spinning Combo also has a more stylish and modern look than the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo, which might make it more attractive and eye-catching for some anglers.
Customer Reviews
To give you a better idea of what other customers think of the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo, we have selected some representative reviews from Amazon. Here are some positive and negative reviews from verified buyers:
Positive Reviews:
– “I love this combo. It is very sturdy and well made. The rod is sensitive enough to feel the bites, but strong enough to handle big fish. The reel is smooth and easy to use. I have caught several walleye and pike with this combo and it performed flawlessly. I would highly recommend this combo to anyone looking for a quality ice fishing rod and reel.”
– “This is a great ice fishing combo for the price. The rod is very durable and has a nice action. The reel is decent and has a good drag system. The line that comes with it is also good and does not freeze up. I have used this combo for panfish, perch, crappie, and bass, and it worked well for all of them. I am very happy with this purchase.”
– “This is my favorite ice fishing combo. It is light, comfortable, and reliable. The rod is very responsive and has a clear tip that lets you see the slightest movement. The reel is smooth and has a good balance. The line is strong and does not tangle or break easily. I have caught many fish with this combo, from bluegill to trout, and it handled them all with ease. I would definitely buy this combo again.”
Negative Reviews:
– “I was disappointed with this combo. The rod is fine, but the reel is terrible. It is noisy, stiff, and hard to adjust. The line that comes with it is also poor quality and knots up easily. I had to replace the reel and the line after a few uses. I expected more from Shakespeare.”
– “This combo is not worth the money. The rod is too heavy and stiff for ice fishing. The reel is cheap and flimsy. The line is thin and weak. I had several issues with this combo, such as line twist, drag malfunction, broken tip, etc. I regret buying this combo.”
– “This combo is okay for beginners, but not for serious ice anglers. The rod is decent, but not very sensitive or powerful. The reel is mediocre and has a low gear ratio that makes it slow and tedious to reel in fish. The line is average and tends to freeze up in cold weather. I would not recommend this combo to anyone who wants a high-quality ice fishing experience.”
Conclusion
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo is a popular ice fishing rod and reel combo that combines the heritage and tradition of the Ugly Stik brand with some modern improvements. It offers several features, benefits, and drawbacks that might appeal to different ice anglers depending on their skill level, preference, budget, and expectation.
If you are looking for a reliable and affordable ice fishing rod and reel combo that can handle various ice fishing situations and species, you might want to give the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo a try. However, if you are looking for a lightweight, smooth, adjustable, or stylish ice fishing rod and reel combo that can provide more convenience, efficiency, or performance on the ice, you might want to look for other options.
If you are interested in buying the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Combo online, you can click on this link to get it from Amazon at a discounted price.
We hope this article was helpful and informative for you. Thank you for reading!
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