PowerPro Braid vs Shakespeare Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Spinning Reel: which is safer?
PowerPro Braid is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Our pick
PowerPro
PowerPro Braid
PFAS grade
A 100/100
Overall grade
A 92/100
Verdict
Buy
Hazard flags
⚑ 2
Material
braided polyethylene fishing line
Confidence
72%
PossibleMicroplastics shedding during use
PossibleUV degradation and polymer breakdown
Ugly Stik
Shakespeare Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Spinning Reel
PFAS grade
B 85/100
Overall grade
C 77/100
Verdict
Buy
Hazard flags
⚑ 2
Material
Anodized aluminum spool, stainless steel bail, graphite composite body
Confidence
72%
PossibleAnodized aluminum coating degradation
PossibleLubricant or grease additives
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More fishing line & tackle: see the full ranking