I've owned many over the years.
Gave my first one to my Dad for fishing down in Florida.
He was using some really old stuff.
He loved that rod.
After Jeff made me the recent jigging rod, I think I get it.
I always tell neophytes to buy an ugly stik.
For the money, you simply cannot beat them. PERIOD.
And if you buy it at Cabelas, you can always easily return it if it takes a dump.