Ugly Stik · Fishing Tackle & Gear
Ugly Stik 50th Anniversary Spinning Combo
Lower concern fishing gear with common materials not linked to PFAS.
This spinning combo combines fiberglass rod, graphite composite, aluminum spool, and nylon line. The materials recorded are not typically associated with PFAS. The brand has no PFAS statement on record.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
fiberglass rod, graphite composite, aluminum spool, nylon line
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Ugly Stik 50th Anniversary Spinning Combo is made of, ingredients and materials
The rod uses fiberglass and graphite composite, both mechanically inert polymers that do not leach chemicals into water or food. The aluminum spool and reel housing are anodized or powder-coated to prevent corrosion; anodized aluminum itself does not leach aluminum into water under normal freshwater or saltwater fishing conditions. The nylon monofilament line is a stable polyamide that does not degrade or release monomers during typical use, though UV exposure over months can weaken its tensile strength.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Aluminum spool/housing corrosion under saltwater exposure
Anodized aluminum does not leach aluminum ions under normal use, but breaks in the coating from impact or metal-on-metal wear can accelerate corrosion and potential microscale particulate release over years of saltwater fishing.
Nylon monofilament line UV degradation and microplastic shedding
Monofilament left on the reel in direct sunlight for extended periods becomes brittle and can shed microfibers; disposal of degraded nylon contributes to aquatic microplastic accumulation if not properly discarded.
Bacterial growth in nylon line storage or wet reel housing
If the reel is not dried after freshwater or saltwater use, moisture trapped in the spool housing or within braided backing can support fungal or bacterial colonies; this poses no direct chemical hazard but can reduce gear performance and create hygiene concerns.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Lead
Ugly Stik rods use synthetic wrapping thread and modern epoxy guides; no public recalls or disclosures indicate lead or cadmium contamination. Older vintage models may carry different risk.
Source, ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Fiberglass and graphite composites in fishing rods are cured during manufacturing and do not release formaldehyde or significant VOCs during storage or use. No odor complaints or chemical sensitivity reports are documented for this product.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Ugly Stik (Shakespeare Fishing, part of Pure Fishing) has manufactured fishing gear since 1968 with no public safety recalls or chemical hazard disclosures. The brand does not publish material safety data sheets or PFAS statements, which is standard for the fishing tackle industry but reflects a lack of proactive transparency. No third-party certifications for chemical safety exist in this product category.
How it compares in its category
Fiberglass and graphite rods are the industry standard across all price points and manufacturers; this material choice poses no chemical advantage or disadvantage relative to competitors like Shimano, Abu Garcia, or Pflueger combos. Aluminum reels are typical and pose no documented leaching risk in freshwater or saltwater. The nylon monofilament line is chemically indistinguishable from other brands.
If you buy it
Rinse the reel and rod with fresh water after saltwater use to prevent corrosion and salt degradation of the drag mechanism. Replace monofilament line annually or when it shows cloudiness, brittleness, or reduced knot strength; UV and thermal cycling weaken nylon over time. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight to extend graphite/fiberglass durability and avoid adhesive breakdown in any ferrule connections. Do not expose aluminum components to prolonged contact with acidic baits or fertilizer residue, which can pit anodizing.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Ugly Stik has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More fishing tackle & gear grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.