Gx2 Casting Rod
Entry-level composite casting rod series for general freshwater bass and multi-species use
- Models
- 14
- Length
- 5.5'–7.5'
- Price
- $64.95
- Type
- Casting
The Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod is a budget freshwater casting rod series built for general-purpose bass and inshore use. It sits in the entry-level price tier around $35–50, making it a common first baitcasting rod for beginning and recreational anglers. The series serves freshwater species, largemouth, smallmouth, catfish, walleye, and light inshore applications. Durability under hard use is the principal design priority over sensitivity or weight reduction. Blanks are graphite/fiberglass composite, prioritizing impact and bend-resistance over low weight.
The signature Clear Tip design places a solid fiberglass tip segment for added strength at the most vulnerable section. Guides are Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel, corrosion-resistant and snag-resistant in rod lockers. EVA foam grips replace the cork found on the Elite series; handles are functional if not premium. Two-piece configurations are available at several lengths for transport flexibility. Fourteen casting models run 5'6" to 7'6". Power spans ML through H; the H-power USGXCA661H (6'6", 20-50lb) stands out as the highest-rated model, suited to catfish and heavy bass work.
Standard baitcasting configurations at 6'–7' dominate with M and MH options for general lure fishing. A pack rod variant (USGXCAP561M, 5'6" M, 8-20lb) provides a shorter option with different handle configuration. The 7'6" ML (USGXCA761ML) is the longest model, made for longer-range casting needs on lighter line.
Deeper Dive
A closer look at notable models.
Pack or pistol-grip variant at 5'6", the P suffix typically indicates an alternative handle style or multi-piece construction. Suited to kayak, backpack, or boat deck-storage scenarios.
The only H-power model in the lineup; 20-50lb line suits catfish, heavy cover bass, and offshore light inshore applications. The GX2 composite construction handles repeated hard loads without the brittleness of pure graphite.
Longest casting model in the series at 7'6" ML; moderate-light power on 6-17lb for finesse casting over longer distances, an uncommon configuration in a casting rod lineup at this price tier.
Rods in this series
| Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| USGXCA562M | 5'6" | M | $64.95 |
| USGXCAP561M | 5'6" | M | $64.95 |
| USGXCA601MH | 6' | MH | $64.95 |
| USGXCA602M | 6' | M | $64.95 |
| USGXCA601M | 6' | M | $64.95 |
| USGXCA661M | 6'6" | M | $64.95 |
| USGXCA661MH | 6'6" | MH | $64.95 |
| USGXCA662MH | 6'6" | MH | $64.95 |
| USGXCA661H | 6'6" | H | $64.95 |
| USGXCA701MH | 7' | MH | $64.95 |
| USGXCA702M | 7' | M | $64.95 |
| USGXCA702ML | 7' | ML | $64.95 |
| USGXCA701M | 7' | M | $64.95 |
| USGXCA761ML | 7'6" | ML | $64.95 |