Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Spinning Reel and Rod Combo Review

Our Verdict: Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Spinning Reel and Rod Combo

A nearly indestructible combo where the tough rod carries the package and the bundled reel is the weak link.

The famously durable Ugly Stik blank paired with a size 20 reel, sold ready to fish out of the box.

What's the bottom line?

Scored a perfect 10, the toughest rod in this test.

The Ugly Stik Clear Tip graphite and fiberglass build is built to take abuse.

This is the rod you can step on, slam in a truck door, or hand a kid without worry.

I have abused this thing all season and the rod just will not die. The reel is another story, mine got gritty fast, so I would not trust the bundled reel long term.

Annie, Top-Notch field tester

Reasons to buy:

• Near indestructible rod
• Complete ready to fish combo
• Smooth enough reel when new
• Great for kids and rough handling

Reasons to avoid:

• Poor sensitivity for light bites
• Bundled reel is the weak link
• Slow moderate action for finesse

Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results

The Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Spinning Reel and Rod Combo scored 80 out of 100 overall.

It is strongest on durability and weakest on sensitivity.

Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.

Value for Money

Scored a 7.

Around 40 to 50 US dollars for a rod and reel together, which is fair for a starter setup.

The value sits in the rod.

The bundled reel is the weak link and is the part most likely to disappoint.

Some owners call the reel sub par, with one reporting the handle assembly pin fell out during use.

Value for Money	Rating
Best in test	9/10
Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Spinning Reel and Rod Combo	7/10
Category average	7.7/10
Worst in test	6/10

Ease of Use

Scored an 8.

Sold as a matched combo, so there is nothing to balance or buy separately.

Here's what that means:

The size 20 reel has a three ball bearing system that retrieves smoothly enough for small lures when it is working right.

A genuinely simple grab and go option for a beginner or a spare hole.

Ease of Use	Rating
Best in test	8/10
Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Spinning Reel and Rod Combo	8/10
Category average	7.7/10
Worst in test	7/10

Durability

Scored a perfect 10, the toughest rod in this test.

The Ugly Stik Clear Tip graphite and fiberglass build is built to take abuse.

This is the rod you can step on, slam in a truck door, or hand a kid without worry.

The trade off for that toughness is a heavier, less sensitive blank than the pure carbon rods.

Durability	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Spinning Reel and Rod Combo	10/10
Category average	6.7/10
Worst in test	5/10

Sensitivity

Scored a 4, low, and honestly so.

The thick, durable blank that survives everything also dulls the feel of light bites.

Fine for aggressive walleye and pike that hit hard, poor for detecting subtle panfish taps.

If feeling faint bites is your priority, this is not the rod, the St.

Croix or Tickle Stick are.

Sensitivity	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Spinning Reel and Rod Combo	4/10
Category average	6.8/10
Worst in test	4/10

Action

Scored a 6.

A slower, more moderate action than the carbon rods, in keeping with the durable blank.

It loads well into a fish but does not snap into hooksets like a fast carbon tip.

Suited to bigger, harder biting fish rather than finesse jigging.

Action	Rating
Best in test	9/10
Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Spinning Reel and Rod Combo	6/10
Category average	7.3/10
Worst in test	5/10

Should You Buy the Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Spinning Reel and Rod Combo?

A nearly indestructible combo where the tough rod carries the package and the bundled reel is the weak link.

It is best suited to beginners and rough handlers who want a tough grab and go combo.

Want to know the best part?

The big win: Near indestructible rod.

The main compromise: Poor sensitivity for light bites.

We scored it 80 out of 100.

What Other Ice Fishing Rods Should You Consider?

Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.

The Shakespeare Fuel Ice Reel and Spinning Rod Combo is our best ice fishing rod for beginners. The cheapest way to get on the ice with everything included, best treated as a starter kit rather than a keeper.

The Fenwick Eagle Ice Fishing Spinning Rod is our best ice fishing rod for budget. The best rod here for the money, with a crisp action that punches above its low price.

The Fenwick HMG Ice Fishing Spinning Rod is our best high modulus graphite ice fishing rod. The most balanced rod here, with high modulus graphite feel and no glaring weakness.

Specifications

Type	Rod and reel combo
Blank	Ugly Stik graphite and fiberglass
Reel	Size 20 spinning
Bearings	Three ball bearings
Drive	Smooth drag ball bearing system
Best target	Walleye and pike

Conclusion: Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Spinning Reel and Rod Combo

After testing it against the other top ice fishing rods, the Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Spinning Reel and Rod Combo earns its place as our best reel combo ice fishing rod pick.

Its standout strength: Near indestructible rod.

So:

The main thing to weigh before you buy: Poor sensitivity for light bites.

If you want beginners and rough handlers who want a tough grab and go combo, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.

Still comparing? See exactly where the Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Spinning Reel and Rod Combo ranks against the full field in our The Best Ice Fishing Rod guide.

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