New Ugly Stiks.

[rolmops]

Just the other day, I ordered a few medium action ugly stik downrigger rods. After receiving them they were not at all what I expected.

The seven footer 2 piece rods have a very stiff bottom piece and the top seems to belong to a noodle rod. Maybe they are useful for walleye , but not for browns and terrible for salmon.

Then there are the guides. We have gotten very used to Fuji guides, but  these rods have stainless steel guides and they are very ugly. These one piece guides are made of a material which is much softer than any other guide material. 

Am I just misinformed or are these new version ugly stiks as bad as they look?

Edited December 22, 2016 by rolmops

[Gill-T]

I believe they are being made in china now. Their legendary value is now in question. Taloras are made with the same process but with better components.

[lost a lure]

They are listed as medium power but no action is listed. When I asked about the old version they said they were medium action. Check with Shakespeare and see what they say about the action.

Edited December 22, 2016 by lost a lure

[rolmops]

Yes ,they are made in China, and yes their value is in question. Bass Pro charges $59 per rod ,but when I got them in the mail and opened the tube,they looked like they were made in somebody's back room in Timbuktu.

Anyway,I sent them right back.

Edited December 23, 2016 by rolmops

[Silver Fox]

They are not the same as many years ago. I've heard of a couple guys having some break on them. I be had mine for over 25 years and haven't broke one yet. When I do replace them it'll be a diff stick for sure.

Lake Ontario salmon fishing charters

[DJ 17]

For a value priced rod I have had very good luck with the Shimano TDR.