I saw the Ugly Stick GX2 rod on a saltwater fishing show and was unaware Ugly Stick has a new version. Has anyone heard anything about these rods? Is there a vast improvement compared to previous models? Just curious.

No.  They're still Ugly.  And they're still sticks.  They still use the same technology as going out to the oak tree in the back yard and selecting the branch that best meets your needs.

Hahaha! Brutal review. At least I got a good laugh.

Yeah, they're new, no they're not a whole lot different other than being lighter than the originals, and maybe a little lighter than the Ugly Stik Lites. I don't like 'em for bass fishing, live baiting is fine, and even cranking would be fine if you don't need anything but a flexible rod.

 

So many better rods (IMO) for bass fishing. But for someone looking for a stick they can beat up and not worry about losing a cool wad of cash on, it's fine...for live baiting...

I use them for salt water. Love them for drifting shrimp. Caught the snook in my avatar on a intercoastal model.

I use them for salt water. Love them for drifting shrimp.

 

Good point, and I forgot to mention that we use them in salt water mostly (for live bait presentations).

I don't think I would ever consider them my first choice for bass fishing either, but I can see them being a good striper rod. Lighter is better.