2 Piece rods vs. 1 piece?

[deermaster]

Is there any disadvantage of a 2 piece rod?  They are more convenient if you have to package them, or if you have to transport them in a car, but are they weaker than a 1 piece?  What are the cons of a 2 piece rod?

[RandySBreth]

I use 1, 2, 3, 4 and a even 5-piece rods for fishing. Most of the 4-piece jobs are fly rods, but I have a couple of "travel" 3-piece conventional rods that I like a lot, and plenty of 2-piece rods in both spinning and casting. Very handy.

The only real problems you'll face is putting the sections together properly (follow the manufacturers directions) and keeping the sections secure when apart. Especially watch the tips, like a regular rod.

Many of the guys who will bring up the old chestnut about multi-piece rods not being as sensitive as one-piece stick also still use mono that has 30% stretch.  :(Probably not very sensitive, is it?)

[The one that got away]

One of my first rods was a 2-piece Ugly Stick spinning rod. The far end would never stay in alignment with the lower half. It would always twist and I would have to constantly adjust it to keep the guides aligned. There were even a couple times when I failed to check it for too long, and the far end would go flying off when I made a cast.

Granted, it wasn't an expensive rod, so I am not sure if the better rods today are any better- I assume they are - but I have only used a one piece rod since then.

I guess my advice would be "no two piece Ugly Stick". I can't speak for any other manufacturers.

[Hammer 4]

I have a 2pc Shimano Clarus spinning rod..mlxf..I have caught 5lb bass with it..plus a bunch of smaller bass...never had any issues with it. I don't have to worry about transporting issues, so in the end, I prefer 1pc rods.

I think the better rods, are o.k...I wouldn't buy a 2 pc cheapie..

[ejtaylor822]

The only down side to 2-pc, or multi-pc, rods is the possibility of the sections coming apart during casting which can usually be avoided by securely putting them together.  Outside of that, most folks can't tell the difference in sensitivity, feel and action between 1-pc and multi-pc rods.  Years ago, there might have been some noticeable differences.  Today's quality multi-piece rods are similar in all aspects to one-piece rods.

[T.R. Express]

Fished many a season with a 2 piece medium St. Croix. Caught a lot of big fish.  I adjust the eyelet alignment every now and again.  2 piece rods are very travel friendly.  Enjoy!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

A little wax on the ferrule and a quarter twist to align the guides will help hold the pieces in place and keep them from seizing if left together for a spell.

[bass or bass ?]

I've had 2 piece rods come apart on long casts occasionally. I don't have a problem with transporting 1 piece rods, so as I replace rods I'm buying only 1 piece. I just like the performance of a 1 piece better. I do have a 3 piece rod that I keep in my car with a spincast reel on it. It doesn't see much use though.

[bilgerat]

The only down side to 2-pc, or multi-pc, rods is the possibility of the sections coming apart during casting which can usually be avoided by securely putting them together. Outside of that, most folks can't tell the difference in sensitivity, feel and action between 1-pc and multi-pc rods. Years ago, there might have been some noticeable differences. Today's quality multi-piece rods are similar in all aspects to one-piece rods.

Agreed. Back in ancient times (the 70's) most two piece rods had metal ferrules at the joint that killed any sensitivity. Today's worst two piece rods are far superior to anything back then. Like was said, assemble the sections securely and occasionally check for movement and you'll have no problem.

[Big Al23]

The only "con" to a 2 piece rod is the loss of sensitivity, but as answered in previous posts, they are built a lot better now. My brother uses 2 piece rods because of the easier traveling with them. He doesn't have any problem catching fish.

[angler1]

I personally won't fish with a 2pc. I feel that they are less sensitive than a 1pc.

[Rich G]

The only disadvantages I see to fishing two piece rods are finding good quality manufactured two piece rods. I have been building my own custom rods a few years now and have went to building two piece rods only. I used to think they where junk, I could not keep the pieces together. After learning a great deal from web sites like Rodbuilding .org I found that I was assembling them wrong. You want to bayonet lock the pieces together. I still check the sections during the day if there is a great deal of temperature change from the time I started fishing to say mid day. I bayonet lock again at mid day and have never had anymore problems with the two piece rods coming apart. ( I use U-40 ferrule Lube twice a year ) I have two piece rods that are more sensitive than one piece rods, its just how they are built and what components are used in the builds. Advantages to a good two piece rod could be, portability, storage, less mishaps from transporting them, easier and cheaper to ship if you want to sell a rod to try a different model. Two piece rods are more expensive to manufacture ( I think ), but a good two piece rod can be made to be as lite and as sensitive as a one piece rod.  I did not fish a one piece rod last year and was happy not to have too. Have a great day, Rich.