The approach involved incorporating an internal spiral fiberglass core and parallel glass fibers infused with pigmented polyester resin, which were then layered with tape and cured in an oven.
Although contemporary Ugly Stik rods still utilize the Howald process, they have undergone adjustments in materials and techniques to accommodate technological advancements since 1976.
The first Ugly Stik rods were very large, featured metal handles, the graphite color showed through the blank, and the wraps were black with white pinstripes.
Over the years, the appearance of Ugly Stik rods evolved into the now recognizable “red and yellow basket weave” design near the handle, a shiny jet-black finish, and a clear tip.
“Shakespeare also manufactured the first fiberglass radio antennas, golf club shafts, pool cues, archery equipment, and numerous industrial materials”.