In order to try to compare the two companies, we’ve referred to two of the popular surf fishing combos made by these brands. One of them is the Shimano Sienna 2500 and the other is the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2. Despite being more budget-friendly, the Ugly Stik features a lightweight design that can allow you to fish for hours on end. This doesn’t mean that it’s any less durable compared to its Shimano counterpart. The combo we analyzed came with a 4 ball bearing reel and a 2-piece rod. The Sienna is an excellent choice only if you have the budget, in that it does feature several components made of more resilient materials. In fact, the combo offers a Catana rod that comes with lightweight Sea Guide zirconian rings and graphite composite blanks. Comparing Shimano and Shakespeare, in general, is like trying to do the same with toothpaste and mouthwash. Each of these two brands uses different materials and creates their products differently.