What's Better, 2 Piece Or 4 Piece

[DaddyO]

I'm going to get a 9ft 8wt rod to begin my adventure of fly fishing for Stripers. I'm wondering what's the difference between a 2 piece rod and a 4 piece rod (besides the obvious answer of 2 more pieces). Is there a benefit of having 4 pieces vs 2 pieces?

[Rolan Duffield]

The 4 piece rod would best be used for Traveling where you need to conserve space. I personally believe this type of rod will not perform as nice as a 2 piece rod. Anytime you add joints to a rod you sacrifice some rod action. The joints make the rod stiffer in those areas and diminish the overall casting quality.

I'll prefer a 2 piece rod -- anyday.

Rolan

[Ham]

I'm certainly not good enough to detect the difference between a 4 piece or a 2 piece rod whilst casting them. I have both and I use both, but the 4 piece sure does pack easier.

[ness]

I think on the majority of rods, the 2 versus 4 piece isn't a BIG difference. Especially on the high-end stuff. But, to satisfy yourself, you may want to try casting one of each. Personally, I don't have any 4-piece. Most of my rods are blanks I finished myself, so I took the easy route. Sadly, all my fishing travel happens in a car.

[Okieflyfisher53]

Daddy-0,

I prefer the 4pc rods for ease of transportation. I fish a 4pc 9ft 8wt for stripers and it works well. I have the TFO TiCr.

Steve

[Terry Beeson]

With the technology available today and the engineering that goes into most of the rods, there is very little difference in the 2 piece vs. 4 piece fly rod. Many anglers prefer the 2 pc. because they are convinced that there is a difference. At one time, there was a difference in feel and casting/fighting performance. No longer is this the case for the majority of fly casters.

The slight difference is the fact that there are three stress points vs. one. But with the tighter tolerances on diameters and other factors, this is still a very slight difference and is more about reliability in terms of how long before the ferrules deteriorate.

I have several 2 pc and 4 pc rods. I'll take the 4 pc any day, especially on a longer rod. They are much easier to store and transport. The only downfall is the extra 10 seconds it takes to put them together.

[fishinwrench]

For comparison I have both 2 and 4 piece St.C LU's in 5 and 6 wt's.(same length) I've never had any of them come unbuttoned, and I definately appreciate the shorter rod tubes. But the 2pc. rods feel better in the hand and they take a lighter reel to balance them out, which means the overall weight is less. We're talking less than 1/4 oz. but it is noticable.

Higher end rods are a different story I'm sure, If you are buying low or mid-priced rods...go with 2pc. But for high end sticks I'd go with the 3 or4 pc. I would personally never consider a 5 or 6 pc. rod though, that's just crazy

[Gavin]

I'd go with a 4pc for ease of transport...Cast a bunch of them and buy the one you like best. Cheers.

[Greg]

A lot of good answers here.

My .02 is that I have a definite preference for 2 pc rods - until I try to travel via plane. Then the 4 pc is much superior.

But I do think I can tell a difference in the casting and "feel" of a 2 pc vs a 4 pc - with the 2 pc being superior and smoother IMHO. This is admittedly a very small difference but it is there (for me anyway). Plus the weakest point of any rod no matter how technologically advanced is the ferrule. So with a 4 pc you have 3 weak points as opposed to one.

Both types have their place. My everday rod for Taney is a 2 pc. But I definitely have a couple of 4 pc rods for long distance travel.

Greg

[DaddyO]

Guys,

Thanks for the input. I've decided to go with the 2 piece rod. I'm purchasing the cabellas rod and reel combo on the cheap and on sale for $90 bucks. I figure, if I really get into fishing for striper and am not satisfied with this rod, I can always purchase a higher end setup. If I decide that I don't like the striper fishing experience then I've only lost $90 bucks.

Again, thanks for all of the input. You guys are great.