I've already purchased an Abu Silver Max baitcasting combo and now I'm looking for a cheap backup spinning combo. I've done some pricing locally and I can get either an Ugly Stick GX2 combo or a Shakespeare Agility combo for at or under $50 which is my limit on this cheap setup. This will just be used for soft plastics and both combos come in 6'6" and 7' M rods. Which would you choose?

You could also check out Dick's Sporting Goods
and their Daiwa Samurai combos. They're decent
and I believe, on sale now for Father's Day.

Will be well under $50.

I did see those when I went in there. They were actually on sale 2 for $30 for the 6' and 2 for $35 for the 7'. The other two felt a bit smoother. Can't beat that price though. If you guys don't think there is much difference, I'd consider that. I have a 7' Daiwa saltwater setup.

Dick's has Shimano Sienna reels for $20 right now which might be the best new $20 reel you'll find.  I use a Sienna in my surf setup because I don't mind if it gets thrashed and needs to be replaced, but it's entering it's 3rd year of service and still going strong.

I'm looking for a combo as opposed to rod/reel separate.

I've bought a number of 'combos' over the years.  I don't think you should restrict yourself to a combo.  Possibility of saving a couple of bucks...however, you greatly limit your choices.   I suggest you consider 'separates', as well.

I'd gladly welcome separates if I can stay within my budget. I actually thought a $50 combo would be cheaper than buying a separate rod/reel.

I agree with the above statement about combos.   I would also get the Sienna from Dick's (actually bought 2 myself) and pickup a Berkley Cherrywood from Wally world.  

That Sienna is a rock - $20 is insane.  I highly doubt you'll find another reel under $40 that will last as long as the Sienna

The Sienna is that nice huh? I saw it in stock at my local store but didn't think it could be that good for $20. I just might do that.....I'll look for a 6'6'-7' medium rod in the $30 range and see what I can find.

Get the sienna and a berkley lightning rod shock . FFO has the shocks for $22 and they are very nice rods. That should put you around $45 for a nice setup

I agree on the Siennas and the Cherrywood rods- While you are at wally world you can pick up some Spiderwire braid and have a really nice setup.

I was all in for a combo for the price, and the fact that they are aesthetically pleasing with matched colors. Now I'm considering getting the pieces separate if it will be a better overall setup. I'm doing 50lb braid on my baitcaster and was going to either use the 12lb Trilene XL I already have, or try some 10-12lb Flouoclear on this spinning setup. I wasn't considering braid on this for mostly worm fishing. 

Another vote for the Lightning Shock rods. Very good rod for the money.

I use braid or Nanofil on all of my spinning outfits with a fluoro leader because I like the greater casting distance I can get with the thiner, slicker lines and the braid allows me to feel alot more. Just my opinion. 

+2 on the Berkely lightning rods- excellent rods for the money. Casts a mile and good backbone.

I need a two piece rod and it doesn't look like the Berkley Lightning comes in 2 piece. 

Long ago, I used to think that I needed a two piece rod.