Fender Pugilist VS Full Moon (comparison)
Our Verdict and Opinion
While we appreciate the twin series in the Pugilist, the range and spectrum of the Full Moon is just a lot better. It's a better option for those wanting a flexible distortion with a more traditional control scheme. And while this might depend on stylistic preference, it's definitely going to give you more of a "chug" sound, where the Pugilist is more limited to a bluesy tone.
Fender does it all nowadays, even lessons and pedals. Specifically distortion pedals, where the Pugilist and Full Moon are their two flagship offerings. But which one is better and which one would we recommend?
Between the two, we've found the Full Moon to be a far more flexible and more complete distortion pedal, despite the dual series set up in the Pugilist.
The Pugilist is also more limited in terms of the styles it can accommodate.
It's a blues distortion pedal and that's about it.
Fender Pugilist VS Full Moon Distortion: Compare Table
You'll notice the Pugilist omits a three-band EQ in favor of a single knob tone control for each series, both of which are voiced differently. We also wish that the Pugilist had a separate bypass switch for each series, instead of just the blend knob.
Having a dual series distortion that's only one channel is a bit odd.
Note the price difference between these two pedals (the Full Moon is the more expensive of the two).
Pedal | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Fender Pugilist Distortion | n/a | |
| Fender Full Moon Distortion | n/a |
Though we always base our comparison articles on research and real-world experience, it's important to note that these are meant to reflect our opinion and are not necessarily "gospel truth" when it comes to guitar gear. If you have questions or disagree, hit us up in the comments section below and we'll chat about it.
Watch the Review with Simple Bullet Points
Demo Comparison of both Distortion Pedals
Ola Englund does a better job of demonstrating the Full Moon than the Sweetwater demo does with the Pugilist, though we think the difference in tone profile is still pretty fair and clear.
While the Pugilist has some flexibility, we'd want to see more of a range from the EQ, and perhaps more variety between the two series. You get a more responsive and varied tone profile in the Full Moon, making it a viable fit for more aggressive distortion styles.
It's still not "metal" but it gets way closer than the Pugilist does.
Detailed Comparison Table
We've already mentioned the difference in control between the two pedals, and that's the most significant highlight in the specs sheet. The Pugilist could be better with an expanded control scheme, but you'd have to settle for a single-band EQ on either series, which isn't something we're totally crazy about.
Header | Pugilist | Moon |
|---|---|---|
Pedal Type | Gain (overdrive & distortion) | Gain (distortion) |
Presets | None | None |
Channels | Single (dual series) | Single |
Knobs | Tone A, Gain A, Tone B, Gain B, Blend, and Level | Hi-Treb, Treble, Middle, Bass, Level, Boost, and Gain |
Switches | Blend/Series and Bass Boost | Texture and Bite |
Inputs | 1 x 1/4" | 1 x 1/4" |
Outputs | 1 x 1/4" | 1 x 1/4" |
Power Draw | 9V DC power supply required (sold separately) | 9V DC power supply required (sold separately) |
Height | 2.5" | 2.5" |
Width | 3.75" | 3.75" |
Depth | 4.9" | 4.9" |
Weight | 1.2 lbs. | 1.2 lbs. |
Pugilist or the Full Moon?
The Full Moon is an easy choice for us in this particular comparison.
It'll give you more variety and a stronger distortion, especially if you want to use it for higher gain settings. Even with the added expense, we think the Full Moon is the better value and the more complete distortion pedal.
As always, that's our opinion, which should be taken with a grain of salt, and you should always do your own research.
If you have questions, disagreements, or other thoughts, feel free to leave them in the comments section below and we'll chat.
We'll see you there.
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