I agree about the tica, your review is right on. Think they are a decent rod for the $$ if you're just playing around with schoolie bass and some small bluefish. The second you start getting into fish with shoulders, you run the risk of snapping them.

As for uglystik, they're not always indestructible. If you match an ugly stik with braid, toss in a couple 15-20lb bluefish, you could break that rod. Great replacement policy, tho.