Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod Combo

This pole is horrible! I have gone through 3 of them in the past year due to manufacturer defects on the reel. The reel grinds and won't catch the bael when trying to real in.

I give it two stars for the rod; nothing for the reel. As other have stated, the reel is cheap. I intended on buying an Ugly Stick. I didn't need a reel, but it was only $10 more for the combo (when I was shopping). I don't think the reel was worth that. Like others have said, it is cheap.But, here is the most annoying thing, that I wish I would have know ahead of time. It is described as, "plus a one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing." What this means is that the crank does not back up, any. If you are ready for a cast and the line is at the bottom of the spool, you cannot back it up to where the bail is on top. There is not an option to turn this off like on most other reels.I only used this reel for a while and it was so annoying I switched it out, but in the little time that I used it, it already started making noise like it was wearing.

The shakespeare reels that come on this combo are crap. You're basically getting an excellent sturdy rod with a free reel. If you can find an ugly stik by itself for cheaper, get it and put a Penn Pursuit or Fierce2 on it. The shakespeare reels don't last more than one season of weekly fishing.

I ordered the 6 foot medium action and selected the free 2-day shipping option from Amazon Prime. I ordered it on a Friday and it came on Monday as expected. I spooled it with 15 pound test Power Pro braided line and this thing CASTS A COUNTRY MILE!!! I've been using lures that range from senko worms and jitterbugs as small as 1/8 ounce to crankbaits and buzzbaits up to 3/4 of an ounce and it preforms very well. This is my first 2-piece fishing rod. I've never trusted 2-piece rods because I've seen people cast with them and their rod comes apart but I have not had that problem with the Ugly Stik. It's a great combo and it has handled every fishing challenge so far. I caught a 6 pound largemouth bass today with it and the Ugly Stik handled it very well for such a light looking setup. Looks can be deceiving this thing is TOUGH AS NAILS! The reel is very smooth and holds a lot of line. HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS COMBO!

Was totally unable to cast out this piece of garbage it just go out 20 foot and stop. Shakespeare fishing gear is always good. Something has changed. It's garbage. I did better with a cheap one piece outfit from a local Big Box store bring out the price.

This was a fantastic item. I took it out for the first time yesterday and after combining this with fireline fishing line it is unstoppable for the price. I was casting just as far as a friend of mine who has a 200 dollar rig.

Picked this combo up at dicks for Christmas for my brother. He was delighted to see it under the tree. The 6' M rod is durable and all combos come with a pure fiberglass tip for strength. The bail is thick and the line tends to continue to run out and loop. The bail needs to be closed quickly but that's really all that's negative. The combo is great for any angler.

i got this for $35 at walmart. i went fishing and the rod held up but when you cast close the bale fast or else the reel makes a big mess.so i recemend you get a different reel.