[Yukon Jack]

Hello,
What are the advantages of a 4pc rod versus a 2pc rod other than the 4pc is easier to travel with?

Thanks,
Yukon Jack

[MrEsox]

4pc is much easier to travel with. A 2pc can be easy as well but for travel and if your camping, hiking the 4 can be easier. I usually make sure that the rod bends properly with the multiple peaces. I do this with not only fly rods but with all rods I buy. I try and stay away from 2pc for regular fishing since the break in the rod can put the whole rod off. With some of the better quality rods out there you can get away from that. I've noticed that not many fly rods have any trouble when bending in 2 or 4 pcs. I myself have one of each and find no trouble with ether so far.

[plland]

2pc
+cheaper, in general, than a 4pc by the same manufacturer, in the same model
+when you get to a fishing destination, you can get your rod assembled and thus start fishing about 3x faster than someone with a 4pc rod
+in some models, the 2pc will have a slightly smoother action, but modern 4pc rods are built well enough that nobody would be able to tell them apart just by feel, in general
-ungainly packed size for traveling

4pc
+you can fly with it and not worry about having to check it, generally easier to travel with, even in a car
+with modern materials, generally as smooth as a 2pc counterpart
-whenever you are comparing multiple sections held together by joints with a single section with fewer joints, there will be some difference in performance, even if nobody can feel it
-slightly more expensive than a 2pc counterpart

The biggest advantage I can think of for choosing a 2pc is that when you reach a fishing destination, presumably by car, you can start fishing almost immediately, which can make the difference to some people...although I suppose you could always just leave a 4pc rod half stuck together...

[GRN]

Originally Posted by plland

you can get your rod assembled and thus start fishing about 3x faster than someone with a 4pc rod

4pc is A LOT easier to travel with, and 3X a few seconds isn't a deal breaker for most folks...

I have gotten away fro 2pc rods completely with the exception of one I will likely never let go. I'm also not a big fan of 3 & 5+ piece rods. I leave several rods rigged up during the season in two double 2pc reel on rod cases, so for daily travel I only break my 4pc rods down to 2, reel on and fully rigged, ready to go. 3 & 5pc rods don't work in my cases, so I tend to avoid those configurations for the type of rods I fish most. I sure wish Winston would find a happy medium and make the LT and WT both 4pc

[hsmith1313]

It's my understanding that 2 pc. rods were supposed to cast better due to fewer ferrules; however, the word is that modern rod building technology allows >2pc. rods to cast just as well. My first rods was (is) a 2 pc. 890 RPLX that is still my favorite rod, but I have 3 and 5 piece that cast really well. So far I have not had trouble taking my 2 pc. as carry on (knock on wood) but I am always anxious about it before a trip wondering what I will do if the TSA guy decides he won't let me carry on. I will not buy another 2 pc. if I have a choice.

[FISHN50]

Just for the fact that it's easier to travel with makes the 4 pc rod worth it. There is a lot of engineering in the better rod designs to make a 4 pc cast & act like a 2 pc. which they design to cast like a one peice. The time difference to connect the two extra sections is hardly noticable. i like to look around & ck things out while I put my rod together & string it up, so i can decide what fly to start with. i've fished with guys that have jumped out of the car put their waders & vests on, grabbed their rod out of the tube , grabbed the reel & started walking to the stream rigging up as they walked to the river. usually I pass them on their way back to get what they forgot..If you dont travel & have a big car ,get the two peice It even might be cheaper., either way try casting one of each before you buy it.

[Yukon Jack]

Thanks for the replys all. I have been out of the game for awhile and have two 2pc graphite rods, but am look at getting a new one and just wanted to make sure I was not missing something with the 4pc rods. The travel issue is not a big deal for me.

Thanks,
Yukon Jack

[bonefish41]

YJ:

I have one two piece left my 11 wt RPLX...one advantage of two piece IMO when travel is not an issue is... the two piece rods are not current "state of the art" 4s are... but the old two piece "state of the art" e.g.sage rplx or loomis or other models can be had in the used market or leftover new market at reduced prices...

[Joni]

I have read a lot about ODD number of sections being the HARMONIC way to go. Something about the placement of the guides. Most of mine are 4 pc., but I have a couple three and a five and a couple two. That 10' 8wt TLS 2pc is a thrick however LOL Thank gawd for the four piece BIIx.
An IDEAL rod would be a one piece, but over 6' that isn't gonna cut it.
I picked Up some plastic tubing and made it air tight for one of my two piece and it makes a great wading staff.

[randyflycaster]

I believe that 4-piece rods are slightly stiffer than 2-piece.

Randy