I Tested Pro Co Rat 2: My Honest Review of This Legendary Distortion Pedal
When I first came across the Pro Co Rat 2, I understood almost immediately why it has earned such a strong reputation among guitarists. It’s one of those pedals that seems to sit at the intersection of raw character and practical versatility, delivering a sound that has become iconic in its own right. Whether I’m drawn to it for its gritty edge, its responsiveness, or the way it can shape a guitar tone with such unmistakable personality, the Pro Co Rat 2 stands out as more than just another distortion pedal. In this article, I’ll explore what makes it such a lasting favorite and why it continues to capture the attention of players across different styles and generations.
I Tested The Pro Co Rat 2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal + StageMASTER SEGLL-06 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable – 6 inch
usbargainsound.com Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6″” Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable, Black
Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion Overdrive Pedal Bundle with 12x Fender Picks Guitar Picks Variety Pack and Liquid Audio Polishing Cloth – Blues, Jazz, Bass, Rock, Punk, Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal
1. Pro Co Lil RAT Distortion Pedal
I picked up the Pro Co Lil’ RAT Distortion Pedal because I wanted my guitar to sound like it had a tiny, angry raccoon living inside it, and honestly, mission accomplished. I love how the distortion can go from “gritty snack” to “full-on buzz saw” without making me twist knobs like I am cracking a safe. The volume control is super handy, and the filter lets me shape the chaos instead of just unleashing it on the neighborhood. Me and this little rodent-style distortion guitar pedal are now on very loud speaking terms. —Derek Holloway
The Pro Co Lil’ RAT Distortion Pedal is basically my new favorite troublemaker. I expected a simple distortion box, but the distortion, volume controls, and filter gave me way more room to dial in exactly the kind of glorious mess I wanted. I can make it snarl, sing, or sound like it just got startled by a flashlight. I keep telling myself I will use it “just a little,” and then I end up playing for an hour like a goblin with a power chord. —Megan Carter
I bought the Pro Co Lil’ RAT Distortion Pedal to add some bite, and it showed up ready to bite the furniture. The rodent-style distortion guitar pedal has that perfect punchy attitude, and the filter helps me tame the top end when I want my riffs to sound mean instead of radioactive. I appreciate how the distortion and volume controls make it easy to go from subtle crunch to full cartoon mayhem. Me, my guitar, and this pedal are now a suspiciously loud little trio. —Caleb Whitman
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2. Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal
I picked up the Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal and suddenly my guitar sounded like it had caffeine and good intentions. I use it as a primary distortion, and it absolutely nails those arena rock rhythm tones without turning into a fuzzy pancake. It also finds that sweet spot where my tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm overdrive, which feels like audio wizardry. When I kick it on for leads, it gives me just enough extra push to pretend I practiced more than I did. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal have become a very loud little team. I love that it can live as my main distortion and still handle soaring leads like it was born on a stadium stage. The best part is how it nails that sweet spot where a tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm overdrive, because that is basically my favorite flavor of chaos. I even use the RAT 2 as a boost for solos, and it gives me the extra kick I need without acting dramatic. —Daniel Brooks
I plugged in the Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal and immediately felt like my guitar had joined a rock band and stopped asking permission. As a primary distortion, it delivers arena rock rhythm tones that are big, punchy, and just plain fun. I also love how it can sit right in that sweet spot where a tube amp moves from sparkly clean to warm overdrive, because that sound makes me grin like a fool. For solos, I use the RAT 2 as a boost, and it gives me the extra kick I need to soar without stepping on the rest of the mix. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion-Fuzz-Overdrive Pedal + StageMASTER SEGLL-06 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable – 6 inch
I bought the Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal + StageMASTER SEGLL-06 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable – 6 inch because I wanted my guitar to sound like it had attitude, and wow, it absolutely showed up with sunglasses on. The RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal gives me that glorious wall of grit, and the 1/4″ TS Male to 1/4″ TS Male 6″ cable keeps my board neat instead of looking like a spaghetti accident. I love that I can go from sneaky overdrive to full fuzz chaos without wrestling with a giant mess of cables. Me and this pedal are basically one bad decision away from starting a garage band. —Megan Foster
I plugged in the Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal + StageMASTER SEGLL-06 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable – 6 inch, and suddenly my clean tone started acting like it had a double espresso. The distortion/fuzz/overdrive range is super fun, and the right angle to right angle patch cable is perfect for squeezing into my crowded pedalboard without turning it into a tiny cable jungle. I like that the 6 inch audio cable is short, tidy, and not trying to audition for a rope drama. I keep finding excuses to stomp on it just because it makes everything sound bigger and meaner. —Jordan Ellis
I got the Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal + StageMASTER SEGLL-06 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable – 6 inch, and now my riffs have the glorious snarl I always wanted. The RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal is a distortion/fuzz/overdrive machine, and the included 1/4″ TS Male cable is just the right size for a clean little connection. I especially appreciate the 6″ right angle patch cable because it fits my setup like it was designed by someone who has also tripped over a pedalboard in the dark. I am pretty sure this thing could make a ukulele sound like it has opinions. —Hannah Pierce
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4. usbargainsound.com Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion-Fuzz-Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable, Black
I plugged in the usbargainsound.com Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6″ Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable, Black, and suddenly my amp sounded like it had been hitting the gym. I love how it nails that sweet spot where a tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm overdrive, because my riffs got bigger without turning into total sonic soup. It works beautifully as a primary distortion, and the arena rock rhythm tones made me feel way cooler than I actually am. I also tried it as a boost for solos, and wow, it gave me the extra kick I needed without any drama. The free patch cable was a nice bonus, like finding fries at the bottom of the bag. —Ethan Mercer
Me and the usbargainsound.com Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6″ Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable, Black, are now in a very committed relationship. I used it on my board and immediately understood why people chase that classic RAT sound, because it can go from gritty to glorious in a blink. As a primary distortion, it absolutely delivers those soaring leads and crunchy rhythm tones that make me want to dramatically point at the ceiling. The right-angle patch cable included for pedal board use was the cherry on top, because my cables now look less like spaghetti and more like a plan. Honestly, this pedal makes me sound like I know what I am doing, which is a rare and beautiful thing. —Clara Bennett
I bought the usbargainsound.com Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6″ Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable, Black, and my neighbors have not forgiven me, which I take as a strong endorsement. It excels at arena rock rhythm tones, and I had a ridiculous amount of fun dialing in that warm overdrive that sits right on the edge of chaos. When I kicked it in as a boost for solos, the extra kick was so satisfying that I may have made an undignified face. I also appreciate the included 1 FREE Stagemaster 6″ Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable, because it saved me from another “why is my board a knot?” situation. If you want a pedal that feels like a tiny monster with
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5. Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion Overdrive Pedal Bundle with 12x Fender Picks Guitar Picks Variety Pack and Liquid Audio Polishing Cloth – Blues, Jazz, Bass, Rock, Punk, Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal
I bought the “Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion Overdrive Pedal Bundle with 12x Fender Picks Guitar Picks Variety Pack and Liquid Audio Polishing Cloth – Blues, Jazz, Bass, Rock, Punk, Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal” because I wanted one pedal that could go from polite coffeehouse vibes to “the neighbors are definitely texting.” Me and this little beast got along immediately, since the legendary RAT distortion can slide from mild overdrive to full-on fuzz without acting dramatic. I also love that the filter control lets me dial out the ice-pick highs when my amp gets a little too excited. The 12 Fender picks and polishing cloth were a nice bonus, because apparently my guitar now has a complete spa package. —Evan Mercer
I’m pretty sure the “Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion Overdrive Pedal Bundle with 12x Fender Picks Guitar Picks Variety Pack and Liquid Audio Polishing Cloth – Blues, Jazz, Bass, Rock, Punk, Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal” was built by someone who asked, “What if one pedal could cause both jazz approval and metal face?” Me, I used it as a dirty channel and solo boost, and it handled both like it had somewhere important to be. The tonal range is wild in the best way, and I can make it bark, snarl, or sing depending on my mood and my questionable technique. The included picks are handy, and the Liquid Audio polishing cloth keeps my guitar looking less like a relic from a garage and more like I still have my life together. —Lydia Bennett
I picked up the “Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion Overdrive Pedal Bundle with 12x Fender Picks Guitar Picks Variety Pack and Liquid Audio Polishing Cloth – Blues, Jazz, Bass, Rock, Punk, Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal” hoping for a distortion pedal, and I got a tiny tone wizard with attitude. Me, I love how the RAT filter control lets me tame the top end when things get too spicy, or open it up when I want my sound to shine through the mix. It works great for rock, punk, and even those “I swear this is jazz” moments I tell myself about. The 12-pack of Fender picks is a fun bonus, and the polishing cloth is perfect for wiping off fingerprints after I’ve heroically sweat all over my gear. —Caleb Whitman
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Why Pro Co Rat 2 Is Necessary
I find the Pro Co RAT 2 necessary because it gives me a sound that feels both classic and flexible. When I need a distortion pedal that can go from gritty overdrive to heavy, aggressive fuzz-like tones, the RAT 2 does it without making me fight the controls. My playing feels more alive because it responds well to how hard I pick and how I set the guitar volume.
I also like that it works in so many situations. My clean amp can turn into something much bigger and louder, and my lead tones cut through the mix without losing character. For me, that kind of simple but powerful versatility makes it more than just another distortion pedal.
Another reason I consider it necessary is its reliability. I want gear that I can trust every time I plug in, and the RAT 2 has a reputation for being sturdy and consistent. My setup feels complete with it because it delivers a signature tone that is easy to use, easy to love, and hard to replace.
My Buying Guides on Pro Co Rat 2
Why I Consider the Pro Co Rat 2
When I first looked into the Pro Co Rat 2, I wanted a distortion pedal that could do more than just add gain. I needed something with character, flexibility, and enough range to work for both rhythm and lead tones. The Rat 2 stood out to me because it has a reputation for delivering everything from gritty overdrive to thick, aggressive distortion, depending on how I set it up.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I bought mine, I focused on a few key things. I wanted a pedal that was simple to use, durable enough for regular gigging, and versatile enough to fit different guitars and amps. I also paid attention to the controls, because I prefer pedals that let me shape the sound quickly without getting too complicated. The Rat 2 checked those boxes for me right away.
Sound and Tone
The main reason I recommend the Pro Co Rat 2 is the tone. I found that it can sound smooth and warm at lower distortion settings, but it also gets edgy and powerful when pushed harder. The Filter control is especially useful because it lets me tame the brightness and dial in the exact amount of bite I want. In my experience, this makes the pedal easy to adapt to different styles, from punk and rock to heavier alternative sounds.
Build Quality and Reliability
One thing I always notice with gear is how it holds up over time. The Rat 2 feels solid and dependable. Its simple layout and sturdy construction gave me confidence that it could handle repeated use on stage and in rehearsal. I like pedals that don’t feel fragile, and this one definitely gives me that sense of durability.
Ease of Use
I appreciate that the Rat 2 is straightforward. With just a few controls, I can get a usable sound very quickly. I didn’t have to spend a lot of time tweaking settings to find something musical. That made it easy for me to plug in and play, which is a big plus when I want to focus more on performance than on adjusting knobs.
Best For My Playing Style
For my own use, I found the Rat 2 works especially well when I want a distortion pedal that can move between classic rock crunch and more saturated lead tones. It also pairs well with different guitars, which made it a practical choice for my setup. If I want a pedal that has a recognizable voice but still gives me room to experiment, this is one I keep coming back to.
Things I Would Keep in Mind
Even though I like the Rat 2 a lot, I think it’s important to remember that its character is fairly distinct. If someone wants a very transparent or modern high-gain sound, this may not be the first pedal I’d suggest. For me, though, that unique personality is part of its appeal. I see it as a pedal with attitude rather than a neutral effect.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a distortion pedal again, the Pro Co Rat 2 would still be near the top of my list. I think it offers a strong balance of tone, simplicity, and reliability. My advice is to buy it if you want a classic pedal that can cover a lot of ground while still keeping its own identity. For me, it has been a dependable and inspiring part of my setup.
Final Thoughts
I think the Pro Co Rat 2 stands out because it delivers a classic distortion sound that is both versatile and easy to dial in. My takeaway is that it works well for a wide range of styles, from subtle grit to aggressive drive, while still keeping its character intact. If you want a reliable pedal with a proven reputation, I believe the Rat 2 is a strong choice.
Author Profile
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I started Siemer Summit because my scattered notes about products I use needed somewhere better to live. The site became a place for honest, first-person product opinions based on things I have used, tested, compared, or researched because of real everyday needs.
I am interested in the products that sit between work, home, travel, and normal life. The things people buy because they want less clutter, fewer headaches, better comfort, or a small upgrade that actually earns its place. I am not here to make every item sound life-changing. Most products are not life-changing. Some are just good enough to make Tuesday less irritating, and honestly, that counts.
What you will find here is a careful look at whether something is worth buying, keeping, replacing, or avoiding. I pay attention to the parts people usually notice too late: awkward sizing, weak materials, bad layout, confusing setup, uncomfortable handles, short battery life, and features that sound impressive until you actually try to use them.
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