Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod

Reviews & Where To Buy

OVERALL RATING
7.9
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£41.99
£59.99
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£59.99
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as of 11 February 2025 13:26
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Top Line

Part of the popular and well-known ‘Ugly Stik’ range of rods from Shakespeare

A great budget spinning rod that is perfect for beginners

Featured in our guide on recommended sea fishing rods

Features & Specifications With Explanation

Feature What This Means
40%-50% Graphite Content A balanced mix of graphite and composite materials that creates a lighter rod while maintaining the legendary Ugly Stik durability.
Ugly Tech Construction Shakespeare’s proprietary Howald Process manufacturing technique creates a virtually unbreakable blank with a slimmer diameter than traditional Ugly Stiks.
Ugly Stik Clear Tip Design A transparent tip section that increases sensitivity for better bite detection while maintaining strength.
One-Piece Ugly Tuff Guides Single-piece guide construction that eliminates insert pop-outs and provides excellent durability for both mono and braid lines.
Skeleton Reel Seat A lightweight, exposed-blank reel fitting that enhances feel and reduces overall rod weight while maintaining secure reel attachment.
Full Cork Grips Traditional cork handle material that provides a comfortable grip and good feel, with added durability from the etched logo area.
Available Models 7′ (18-50g), 8′ (20-50g), 9′ (25-60g), and 10′ (25-60g) versions, all in 2-piece construction for convenient transport.

Manufacturers Description

Shakespeare hasn’t produced a specific description for this rod

How It Scores

OVERALL RATING
7.9
7.5
BUILD QUALITY
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What Does This Mean?

When rating the build quality of a rod, consideration has been given to the basic components.

These include the materials used in the blank, handle, reel seat, and line guides.

We also take into account any additional features that make life on the bank easier for anglers.

8.0
CASTING ABILITY
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What Does This Mean?

How a rod casts is one of the key fundamentals that determine a great rod from a mediocre one.

Easy, frictionless casting that provides accuracy and distance is all rated in this category.

7.5
PLAYING FISH
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What Does This Mean?

The ability to play fish effectively is an important feature of any fishing rod.

Fishing is a sport, and as part of this sport, feeling the pulls, lunges, and the fight of a fish is an exhilarating experience.

This is all taken into account when rating fishing rods.

8.5
VALUE FOR MONEY
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What Does This Mean?

How much any fishing rod costs is always a key factor in an angler's final choice.

A rod can have all the bells and whistles under the sun, but if it is unaffordable, it may not be the best choice for some anglers.

This rating considers how the rod performs in all the other categories versus its price point.

Reviews & Experiences

The Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod builds on the brand’s reputation for toughness while offering improved balance and a lighter feel through its 40-50% graphite construction.

The rod’s Howald Process manufacturing creates a slim yet virtually unbreakable blank, complemented by practical features like single-piece Ugly Tuff guides and a clear tip design for enhanced bite detection.

Available in lengths from 7′ to 10′ with casting weights between 18-60g, the range covers most spinning scenarios across both fresh and saltwater environments.

While maintaining the legendary Ugly Stik durability, this Elite version adds refinement with its full cork handles, skeleton reel seat, and modernised smoke grey aesthetics, all at a competitive price point.

Additional review Sources:

The following video provides an in-depth review of the Ugly Stik Elite, a fishing rod praised for its durability and versatility.

It highlights key upgrades over the GX2, including a full cork handle for improved grip and aesthetics, as well as a redesigned reel seat for enhanced usability. The inclusion of 35% more graphite in the blank makes the Elite more sensitive, allowing anglers to better detect bites without compromising its renowned toughness.

The rod is described as suitable for various fishing applications, covering species such as bass, catfish, and trout, and excelling in bottom fishing and heavy-duty scenarios.

The reviewer emphasises its casting performance, noting the rod’s ability to handle a range of weights and maintain durability even under strain. Overall, the Ugly Stik Elite is presented as a reliable and practical option for everyday anglers, combining sensitivity, versatility, and the robust build Ugly Stik is known for.

This next video provides a detailed review of the Ugly Stik Elite, emphasising its durability and versatility as a budget-friendly fishing rod. It highlights the Elite’s construction, combining tough fibreglass with added graphite for improved sensitivity and stiffness while maintaining its renowned durability.

The rod is described as excellent for treble-hooked lures, offering enough flex to secure hooksets and prevent fish from throwing lures during acrobatics.

The medium 7′ model is praised for its casting performance with lures in the recommended weight range, and its guides, though basic, handle both mono and braided lines effectively.

The cork handle is noted for its high quality, comfort, and durability, making the rod suitable for both freshwater and inshore saltwater fishing, including targeting species like bass, catfish, and redfish. While it lacks the refined fit and finish of high-end rods, the Ugly Stik Elite delivers impressive performance, making it a reliable, all-around option for anglers who prioritise toughness and practicality over luxury.

What Anglers Like (Pros)

Legendary Ugly Stik durability with virtually unbreakable blank
Improved balance and lighter feel over original Ugly Stik
Versatile range suitable for both fresh and saltwater
Excellent value for money given the build quality

What Anglers Dislike (Cons)

Not as lightweight as pure graphite rods
Lacks the refinement of the more premium rods

How It Compares

Here is how the Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod compares against other products in its category. This table shows the overall rating based on the average of the key attributes that go into making a great fishing rod.

Here is how it performed against its peers in the four important attributes of a fishing rod:

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