# Ugly Stik GX2 vs Shimano SLX: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Ugly Stik GX2 (Ugly Stik) and Shimano SLX (Shimano) among fishing rods. Ugly Stik GX2 is the cheaper of the two at $59.95.

## Side by side

| Spec | Ugly Stik GX2 | Shimano SLX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $59.95 | $99.99 |
| Brand | Ugly Stik | Shimano |
| Configuration | spinning | casting |
| Length (ft) | — | — |
| Pieces | 2 | 1 |
| Power | medium | medium-heavy |
| Action | — | extra-fast |
| Lure weight (oz) | — | 1/4-3/4 |
| Line weight (lb) | 6-15 | 10-20 |
| Rod weight (oz) | — | — |
| Blank material | graphite-composite | carbon-fiber |
| Guide material | stainless-steel | — |
| Handle material | — | EVA |

## Key differences

- Configuration: Ugly Stik GX2 spinning vs Shimano SLX casting
- Pieces: Ugly Stik GX2 2 vs Shimano SLX 1
- Power: Ugly Stik GX2 medium vs Shimano SLX medium-heavy
- Line weight (lb): Ugly Stik GX2 6-15 vs Shimano SLX 10-20
- Blank material: Ugly Stik GX2 graphite-composite vs Shimano SLX carbon-fiber

## What reviewers say

**Ugly Stik GX2** — Three whitelisted testers (Outdoor Life twice, Field & Stream once) rate the GX2 line a durable, dirt-cheap workhorse — 'famously indestructible' and beginner-friendly — across its spinning-rod, travel-combo and baitcast-combo variants. All reviews are qualitative field impressions; none lab-measured anything. Flags: a bit stiff for tiny fish, a heavy combo, and a non-crushproof travel case. (3 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Ugly Stik GX2: https://www.uglystik.com/products/gx2-spinning-rod (uglystik.com, verified 2026-07-13)
- Shimano SLX: https://fish.shimano.com/en-US/product/rods/bass/slx_casting_a.html (fish.shimano.com, verified 2026-07-13)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/fishing-rods/ugly-stik-gx2-vs-shimano-slx/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Ugly Stik GX2 ($59.95) vs Shimano SLX ($99.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/fishing-rods/ugly-stik-gx2-vs-shimano-slx/
License: CC BY 4.0.