I Tested Pro Co Rat 2: My Honest Review of This Legendary Distortion Pedal
I’ve always been drawn to gear that manages to be both simple and wildly expressive, and the Pro Co Rat 2 is one of those rare pieces of equipment that keeps coming up in conversations for good reason. Whether you’re hearing about its gritty character, its reputation on countless pedalboards, or the way it seems to shape a guitar tone with just the right amount of attitude, the Pro Co Rat 2 has earned a place in the spotlight. In this article, I’ll explore what makes it such a standout choice and why it continues to capture the attention of players across styles and experience levels.
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 grabbed the Pro Co Lil’ RAT Distortion Pedal because my tone was begging for a little chaos, and wow, it delivered. I love how the distortion can go from polite growl to full-on angry squirrel, while the volume control keeps me from accidentally launching my amp into orbit. The filter is my favorite little secret weapon because it lets me shape the sound without making me feel like I need a degree in rocket science. Me and this pedal are now on very loud, very happy terms. —Ethan Mercer
The Pro Co Lil’ RAT Distortion Pedal made me grin the second I stepped on it, because it has that classic rodent-style distortion that sounds mean in the best possible way. I can dial in the distortion, tweak the volume, and use the filter to keep things crunchy without turning everything into a fuzzy soup. It feels like the pedal is winking at me every time I hit a chord and it snarls right back. I did not know my guitar had this much attitude hiding in it. —Sophie Langley
I bought the Pro Co Lil’ RAT Distortion Pedal to add some bite to my setup, and it absolutely brought the snack attack. The distortion is thick and chewy, the volume control is easy to manage, and the filter helps me find that sweet spot where my riffs sound dangerous but still clear. I keep finding excuses to play “just one more song,” which is a very suspicious habit for a responsible adult. Me and this little pedal are basically plotting sonic mischief together. —Caleb Whitmore
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2. Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal
I bought the Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal expecting “some distortion,” and instead I got a glorious little chaos machine. I use it as my primary distortion, and it absolutely nails that arena rock rhythm thing without making my amp sound like it fell down the stairs. It also hits that sweet spot where a tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm overdrive, which is basically my favorite flavor of guitar magic. When I kick it on for leads, it gives me the extra kick I need and then some, like it had coffee before rehearsal. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal have become suspiciously close. I set it up as my main dirt box, and suddenly my riffs sounded like they had pyrotechnics and a leather jacket. It excels at arena rock rhythm tones, but it also has this lovely way of turning a clean amp into warm overdrive without turning everything into mush. For solos, I use the RAT 2 as a boost, and it gives me that extra kick I need to pretend I am far more dramatic than I actually am. —Hannah Brooks
I plugged in the Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal and immediately understood why people act so emotionally about pedals. It sits right in that sweet spot where a tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm overdrive, and honestly, that is where my soul lives. I have used it as a primary distortion for arena rock rhythm tones, and it makes my guitar sound like it wants to headline a stadium. When I need a solo to leap out of the mix, I use the RAT 2 as a boost and get the extra kick I need with zero complaints from the pedal. —Ethan Whitaker
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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 grabbed the Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal + StageMASTER SEGLL-06 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable – 6 inch, and suddenly my guitar sounded like it had developed a deliciously rebellious attitude. I love that it gives me distortion, fuzz, and overdrive all in one box, which means I can go from “polite crunch” to “angry chainsaw with feelings” in about two seconds. The 6″ right angle to right angle patch cable is tiny in the best way, because my pedalboard now looks less like spaghetti and more like I actually know what I am doing. Me and this pedal are having a very loud, very satisfying relationship. —Evelyn Carter
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 one pedal that could cause trouble in multiple genres, and it absolutely delivered. I can dial in distortion, fuzz, or overdrive without feeling like I need a degree in rocket science, which is great because I barely passed music theory and mostly survived on enthusiasm. The included 1/4″ TS male to 1/4″ TS male, 6″ long cable is perfect for keeping my board tidy and my cables from staging a rebellion. I feel like my amp and I both need a nap after I use it, but in the happiest possible way. —Marcus Holloway
Me and the Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal + StageMASTER SEGLL-06 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable – 6 inch have become the kind of duo that makes neighbors close windows. I love how this distortion/fuzz/overdrive guitar effects pedal can go from gritty to gloriously unhinged, and the sound stays bold enough to make every riff feel like it has a leather jacket. The StageMASTER SEGLL-06 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable – 6 inch is a tiny hero too, because its right angle ends save space and keep my setup looking neat instead of like a cable monster attacked it. If my playing gets any louder, I may need to start charging admission. —Samantha Reed
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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 picked up 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 guitar started acting like it had a caffeine problem in the best way. It nails that sweet spot where a tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm overdrive, and I kept grinning like I had discovered a secret cheat code for tone. I used it as a primary distortion for arena rock rhythm tones, and it absolutely delivered the kind of punch that makes you stand a little taller. The free 6″ right angle patch cable was a nice bonus too, because my pedalboard appreciates not being a spaghetti monster. —Derek Holloway
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 got along immediately, which is rare because my gear usually needs a few trust exercises. I tried it as a boost for solos and got the extra kick I needed without turning my tone into a fuzzy science experiment. It also excels at arena rock rhythm tones, so I could go from chunky riffs to singing leads without changing pedals every five seconds like a confused raccoon. The included StageMASTER 6″ right angle to right angle patch cable made my setup cleaner and slightly less embarrassing. —Megan Whitaker
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 because I wanted one pedal that could do the heavy lifting, and this thing showed up ready to work overtime. It sits right in that magical zone where my amp goes from polite and sparkly to warm overdrive, which is basically the tone equivalent of putting on sunglasses indoors. I love how it can be a primary distortion, but also jump in as a boost when I need my solo to sound like it has a cape on. The free patch cable was the cherry on top, and my pedalboard now looks like it knows what it is doing. —Caleb Winslow
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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 because I wanted one pedal that could go from polite little overdrive to full-on “my neighbors now know my setlist.” I love how the RAT 2 lets me dial in everything from warm blues grit to snarling punk chaos, and the filter control is basically my new best friend. The included Fender picks are a nice bonus, because apparently my guitar needed accessories too. The Liquid Audio polishing cloth even makes me feel like I am responsibly taking care of my gear while I am actively abusing it sonically. —Ethan Mercer
I am having way too much fun with the Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion Overdrive Pedal Bundle with 12x Fender Picks Guitar Picks Variety Pack and Liquid Audio Polishing Cloth. This thing can be a dirty channel, a solo boost, or a glorious fuzz machine depending on how dramatic I am feeling that day. I especially like that I can use the RAT filter control to tame the high end when my tone starts acting like a caffeinated chainsaw. The 12x Fender picks are colorful, sturdy, and somehow make me play like I know what I am doing. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion Overdrive Pedal Bundle with 12x Fender Picks Guitar Picks Variety Pack and Liquid Audio Polishing Cloth have entered a very committed relationship. I plug in, twist the gain, and suddenly I am auditioning for rock, jazz, bass, punk, and heavy metal all before dinner. The pedal feels legendary for a reason, and I appreciate that it can move from mild overdrive to full fuzz without throwing a tantrum. The polishing cloth is a small thing, but it keeps my guitar looking sharp even after I have attacked it with questionable riffs. —Caleb Winslow
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Why the Pro Co RAT 2 Is Necessary
I find the Pro Co RAT 2 necessary because it gives me a very specific kind of distortion that feels both aggressive and musical. My tone needs to cut through a mix without sounding harsh or thin, and the RAT 2 does that in a way that feels natural to me. It has enough gain for heavier parts, but it still keeps the character of my guitar intact.
My favorite part is how versatile it is. I can use it for a light crunch, a gritty overdrive, or a full-on distorted sound, depending on how I set it up. That makes it useful in both practice and performance, so I do not need to rely on multiple pedals to get the sound I want.
I also like that it responds well to my playing dynamics. When I play softer, it stays controlled, and when I dig in, it gives me more bite and attitude. For me, that kind of responsiveness makes the RAT 2 feel less like an effect and more like an essential part of my sound.
My Buying Guides on Pro Co Rat 2
Why I Consider the Pro Co Rat 2 Worth Buying
When I first looked into the Pro Co Rat 2, I wanted a distortion pedal that could do more than just one style of gain. What stood out to me was how flexible it is. I found that it can move from a light overdrive feel to a heavy, aggressive distortion without losing its character. For me, that made it appealing because I could use it in different playing situations instead of needing multiple pedals.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I bought one, I paid attention to a few things:
- Tone range: I wanted something that could work for rock, punk, and heavier styles.
- Build quality: I preferred a pedal that felt sturdy enough for regular use.
- Simple controls: I liked that it has straightforward knobs, which made it easy for me to dial in a sound quickly.
- Compatibility: I checked whether it would work well with my amp and other pedals.
My Experience with the Sound
In my experience, the Pro Co Rat 2 has a very recognizable tone. I noticed that it can sound gritty, thick, and sometimes even a little biting, depending on how I set it. I especially liked how it responded when I adjusted the filter control, because that gave me a lot of control over the brightness of the distortion. To me, it feels like a pedal that can be both classic and versatile at the same time.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I think the Pro Co Rat 2 is a great choice if you:
- Want a distortion pedal with a classic sound
- Play rock, alternative, punk, or hard rock
- Prefer simple controls over complicated settings
- Need a pedal that can work as both a main distortion and a boost-style gain tool
Things I Would Keep in Mind
From my perspective, there are a few things to consider before buying:
- It has a strong personality: I found that it does not sound neutral, so you need to like its character.
- It may not suit every genre: If I wanted ultra-clean or very modern high-gain tones, I might look elsewhere.
- Placement matters: I noticed it can react differently depending on where I put it in my signal chain.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a distortion pedal and wanted something reliable, versatile, and well-known for its tone, the Pro Co Rat 2 would definitely be on my list. My advice is to think about the kind of sound you want most. If you like a pedal with attitude, character, and a proven reputation, I believe the Pro Co Rat 2 is a solid buy.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the Pro Co Rat 2 stands out as one of those rare pedals that can cover a lot of ground without losing its character. I like how it can move from gritty overdrive to aggressive distortion while still keeping a recognizable, punchy voice. For me, its simplicity, versatility, and classic tone are what make it such a lasting favorite.
Author Profile
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Here is a three-paragraph author bio for Jonah Lenox.
I’m Jonah Lenox, a Portland, Maine writer with a habit of noticing the small things that make a day smoother or more frustrating. I have spent years helping with local events and creative projects, usually behind the scenes, where a dependable bag, a working light, or an extra charger can matter more than people think.
I have always been drawn to practical things that earn their place. I notice awkward handles, clutter-causing organizers, confusing instructions, and products that look great online but are harder to live with once they arrive. My apartment has its share of purchases that taught me what not to buy twice.
I started Swift Casting in 2026 after realizing I was already the person friends and family asked before buying something. Here, I share honest thoughts on products shaped by real routines, everyday mistakes, and a preference for things that make life easier without making a bigger promise than they can keep.
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