Outdoor Forums: 2 piece fly rod vs. 4 piece??????

Author

Topic: 2 piece fly rod vs. 4 piece??????

YerDugliness
Active Member
Member # 14217

posted

I'm considering the purchase of yet another fly rod (in the words of Jim Carey on The Mask, "Somebody stop me!!!!") and the rod I'm considering is the Reddington 9 foot 6 wieght that is on sale at BPS right now.

In the past I have avoided buying anything other than a one piece rod (mainly spinning gear) b/c it was my belief that the sensitivity and the durability of the multi-piece rods were compromised. However, the White River Fly Shop specialists at my BPS have nothing but praise for the new generation of 4 piece graphite fly rods, and not just the Reddington. I just purchased one of the White River 4 piece fly rods for a friend based on their recommendations.

OK, guys, I'm soliciting opinions. No need for scientific proof, just your own opinion, regarding those two issues--sensitivity and durability comparisons between a 2 piece fly rod and a 4 piece fly rod, given that they would be from the same manufacturer and of the same quality.

Thanks!!!!

Dugly [Cool]

Posts: 374 | From: near Houston, TX | IP: Logged

Kingstonian
Active Member
Member # 11654

posted

Sensitivity isn't really an issue with flyrods like it is on spinning or casting rods. Casting and mending performance are much more important. The area of the ferrules doesn't flex like the rest of the rod, so there is some degree of difference, but most good rods are so well engineered, the difference won't be detectable by most people. Four piece rods might be 1/10 of an ounce heavier.

Four piece rods are a little more expensive because of the extra hardware. Two piece rods are a little harder to carry in the car or when travelling.

Bottom line is that if the additional cost is justified by the ease of transport, go with the four piece. If not, save the money and go with the two piece. Performance differences are pretty much undectable.

And of course, try out whatever you are looking to buy if you can, or be ready to return it if you mail order.

That's the conventional wisdom, anyway.

Posts: 492 | From: Kingston, Tennessee | IP: Logged

bluegillbob
Active Member
Member # 5475

posted

Hi Dug,

With today's technology, a 4 pc rod is pretty much equal to a 2 pc rod in terms of weight, performance, sensitivity, and durability. Most rods that are produced are graphite, which is far lighter than most bamboo and fiberglass flyrods out there. 20 or 30 yrs ago, I imagine the 4 pc rod would perform differently than the same model...but that was before graphite, lighter guides, better manufacturing, lighter feurrles, etc.

I have cast the same model flyrod in 2 and 4 pc models. Except for the ease of transport of the 4 pc, both rods are very similar.

Given the choice, I prefer the 4 pc model over the 2 pc model...I like the compact size of a shorter rod tube over the ones that are over 3' long. I see no difference in sensitivity, durability, performance, or action with the multipiece rods.

2 pc rods were the norm 20 and 30 yrs ago. Today, you have 2,3,4,5, and even 7 pc (Cabela's) models to choose from.

I've had nothing but positive experiences with 4 pc flyrods. The 4 pc rods are light, compact, durable, and throw tight loops like their 2 pc counterparts.

Tight lines,

Robert

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Robert

Posts: 6749 | From: Dudley, NC | IP: Logged

Yetti
Active Member
Member # 1828

posted

Hi,

I have one of the 4 piece White River Rods.

I am no expert - far from it, but it works well for me. I have had a few lessons, back here in the UK, and the casting instructors were very positive about it. More importantly THEY, not me, could cast very well with it.

I am still learning, but I do not regret the purchase at all, and bought a second one for my Brother in law

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Dry lines catch no fish !!

Posts: 166 | From: UK | IP: Logged

bluegillbob
Active Member
Member # 5475

posted

Yetti,

Which White River flyrod did you buy for yourself (Dogwood, Hobbs Creek, Classic, CV2, 270, etc) and your BIL?

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Robert

Posts: 6749 | From: Dudley, NC | IP: Logged

Yetti
Active Member
Member # 1828

posted

Hi Bluegillbob,

Just Checked.

It was a Classic, with a CV2 reel (the reel was a bit over the top for me, but it was my Birthday and the Bait Monkey ....)

My Brother and my Brother in Law both brought the same model Rod with the Classic reel.

Good kit, A little pricey given the use it gets, but it will last and has already given me some great fishin

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Dry lines catch no fish !!

Posts: 166 | From: UK | IP: Logged

Kingstonian
Active Member
Member # 11654

posted

Yetti, and all this time I thought you were from Tibet. Must be a different Yetti.

Posts: 492 | From: Kingston, Tennessee | IP: Logged

Yetti
Active Member
Member # 1828

posted

That sounds like my brother.

Was he tall and covered in hair?

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Dry lines catch no fish !!

Posts: 166 | From: UK | IP: Logged

Kingstonian
Active Member
Member # 11654

posted

THAT'S HIM!!!

He's kind of famous around here. If either of you come to Tennessee, let me know and I will buy you a drink.

Posts: 492 | From: Kingston, Tennessee | IP: Logged

RobertJ
Junior Member
Member # 14538

posted

Four piece rods are the norm for me. They are really handy when one travels. The weight difference is nil to none. They cast great. The price difference is usually not much different. $40.USD in the case of TFO. Most quality companies put dots on the sections to line up the sections.

Posts: 1 | From: Springfield, MO | IP: Logged