It’s not like the Ugly Stik needed to be improved.

One guy told another to lose weight.

I can lose weight, but you can’t do anything about your looks,
he answered.

Ha.

Ugly is ugly, can't be changed.

But seriously, even if the Ugly Stik could be improved, the rod was a mainstay in fishing for 40 years, arguably because the rod was the most durable yet economical.

Still, Shakespeare, the company that makes the rod, introduced a new version, the Ugly Stik GX2, replacing the original, in 2013.

Now, the company is introducing the Ugly Stik Elite for fall 2014.

“Elite” doesn’t sound ugly, and the rod isn’t.

“Anglers will notice the clean, crisp cosmetics,” Shakespeare says.

That includes cork grips, unlike the original, a newly designed reel seat and a good-looking taper of the rod.

But the rod's "feel" might be most noticeable.

The rod maintains durability, the company says, but is built for increased sensitivity and balance.

The rod is built with 35 percent more graphite than the GX2, for lighter weight and crisper action.

Features also include one-piece, stainless-steel guides for durability.

The Elite includes the clear tip that Ugly Stiks are known for.

The tip, the rod's namesake, is clear fiberglass, and the rest of the rod is black graphite.

The idea is that the tip is flexible, for sensitivity, but strong.

Ugly Stik Elites will be available in 17 spinning-reel models, and five casting-reel models, but also 14 spinning and casting models for salmon and steelhead fishing.

We don’t usually express our opinion in these reviews, and instead only introduce the products.

But Ugly Stik Elite rods really do appear more sensitive and balanced than many rods.

The price is still economical, and if the rod proves as durable as the original, well ...

Maybe ugly can be improved.

At press time, Ugly Stik Elites were yet to be fully included on Shakespeare’s website.

Look for the rods to be featured there afterward.

For more info, watch Shakespeare’s website.