ADH-Test: Guideline ULS 2.0 Switch Rod - light, precise & versatile!

Guideline ULS 2.0 Switch – Our Test on the Salmon River

There are rods that seem almost unremarkable at first glance – until you pick them up. That’s exactly the experience we had with the Guideline ULS 2.0 Switch. This series of ultra-light switch rods has quickly earned a permanent place in our gear, as it combines so many strengths that you can’t help but love it. Whether on a flooded local trout stream, fishing for sea trout, or on a summer salmon river: the ULS 2.0 Switch has proven in all situations that it is much more than just a specialized niche rod.

Join us in this video at the Stjørdal in Norway and learn everything about the versatile ULS 2.0 from Guideline.

An ultralight concept – what does 'ULS' mean?

ULS – at Guideline, this stands for Ultra Light Scandi, a concept born in Scandinavia that is gaining more and more followers. The idea behind it is to fish with as light and balanced setups as possible – without giving up power reserves. Especially when classic two-handed rods quickly become too much. We all know these situations: fishing with limited backspace during high water at a trout river, in a densely vegetated Danish estuary for sea trout, or standing at a summer salmon river with low water levels. In such moments, a classic two-handed rod feels bulky – and this is exactly where the ULS 2.0 Switch comes in.

The goal of the developers at Guideline was to build a rod that loads compact shooting heads and full lines lightning fast, effortlessly masters all single-hand and switch techniques, and remains reliable in the fight even when a strong salmon or steelhead runs out drag. And it should always feel so light that you can fish concentrated and relaxed all day long. Guideline has succeeded in this ambitious project. Because the weights of the ULS 2.0 series range depending on the model from only 128 to about 146 grams – and yet we experienced in Norway how confidently it controls big fish.

At first glance, the typical Guideline signature that we know from the LPX Chrome series catches the eye. The design is typically Scandinavian: straightforward, elegant, and understated. The unpolished, matte-sealed blank avoids light reflections and the subtle graphite color gives the blank a timeless elegance. The sturdy snake guides are hard-chromed, the tip-top guides equipped with SIC inserts, and dimensioned so that even thicker shooting heads run smoothly. The slim handle made of premium cork feels fantastic in the hand, whether you cast single-handed or two-handed. Additionally, there is a matte black aluminum reel seat with subtle laser engraving – a detail that not only looks stylish but also pairs excellently with modern reels like the Vosso, Nova, or Scandi from Guideline. Everything about this rod feels thoughtful, robust, and uncompromisingly fishable.

Our Test at Stjordal

In practical use, the ULS 2.0 Switch proves that it impresses not only visually. At Stjordal in Norway, we fished intensively with the #7 and #8 models – and they truly amazed us.

The action can best be described as progressive-fast, with precise recovery and that fine kick you feel when the rod blank loads. This creates tight loops that reliably cover distance even against headwinds. At the same time, the tip remains sensitive enough to present small flies cleanly. Especially with switch casts and roll casts, the rod feels like an extension of the arm. Even with heavy sink tips, it can be powered through strongly – a real advantage when you need to fish a bit deeper.

What continually amazed us was the light weight. After hours of focused fishing and many casts, fatigue was minimal. The balance is so well tuned that you almost forget you’re holding an eleven-foot rod. It’s precisely this combination of lightness, precision, and stability that makes the ULS 2.0 Switch one of the most versatile rods we’ve fished so far.

If you want to know which model suits you best, be sure to check out all the details about the series in our shop.

The 10’6” #5 is the perfect ultralight all-rounder when it comes to trout or smaller migratory fish. It is excellent for small rivers and still waters, remains extremely manageable despite its length, and always provides direct feedback during casting and fighting fish.

For those looking for a bit more power, the 10’6” #6 is the ideal partner for medium-sized rivers, larger streamers, or fishing for sea trout. This rod offers noticeably more backbone without losing the fine feedback. Also ideal for marble trout and similar species!

The 11’ #7 is, in our view, the most versatile model in the series. It covers practically everything – from sea trout and steelhead to strong salmon in small to medium rivers. It especially impressed us in Norway because it has enough power for big fish while remaining light enough to enjoy fishing all day long.

For those needing even more power, there’s the 11’ #8 – the model for salmon, sink tips, and larger flies. Despite its strength, it remains surprisingly comfortable in the hand and can be cast precisely with one or two hands.

One point that is especially important to us: These rods are not only made for experts. Beginners in the exciting switch fishing will also quickly enjoy them. The action forgives small timing errors, loads quickly, and provides excellent feedback. At the same time, you always have the feeling of handling a state-of-the-art tool built exactly for such tasks.

Line Recommendations – Shooting Head or Full Line?

A big advantage of the Guideline ULS 2.0 Switch is its enormous flexibility in line choice. The rods are basically classified as single-hand rods, which means that the casting weight is based on the specifications of a single-hand rod. For example, the optimal casting weight for the #7 is around 17–19 grams, which is clearly marked on the blank. This classification makes it especially easy to choose the right setup.

Basically, the ULS 2.0 can be excellently fished both with shooting head systems and with modern single-hand fly lines. Those who want maximum casting performance and versatility choose, for example, a Guideline ULS 3D+ or 3D+ Compact shooting head (or a comparable system from another manufacturer). With these short heads and a suitable running line, even heavy sink tips can be cast effortlessly.

As an all-around WF solution, we especially recommend the Single Hand Scandi WF from Guideline, which, thanks to its long front taper, loads very smoothly and allows for finer presentations. Also interesting is the Bullet+ WF from Guideline, which is shorter and more compact and performs well in tight spaces or strong winds. This way, you can find the perfect line combination for every situation – whether fishing for trout, asp, sea trout, steelhead, or salmon.

Our Conclusion

The Guideline ULS 2.0 Switch is a true all-rounder that covers an extremely wide range. Whether delicate presentations for small flies, targeted fishing for large sea trout, or powerful casts with sink tip for salmon – this rod can handle it all. It always feels light, precise, and balanced.

Anyone who seriously practices ultra-light Scandi technique or wants to expand their range will find here a tool that fully convinces and is simply a lot of fun.

If you have any questions about the right lines or the optimal setup, feel free to contact us – we’ll help you find the perfect combination.