2 Piece Vs. 4 Piece-Please Help with Your Opinions

[wcu boy]

Yesterday I visited an Outdoor Provision store near my hometown. I was looking at several different rods from different companies in an attempt to cast the rod that I wanted to purchase if they had that particular rod. As usually, here comes the salesman as one is holding the rod and trying to see how it feels in your casting stroke. You can see the "dollar signs" in his eyes as he approaches his prey, which was me. He asked me what I was looking for exactly. I was looking at a 5 weight RS3 which happened to be a four piece rod. I have always had a biase like our dear friend, Al Campbell who we all loved so much that neither I or Al were fans of multi-piece rods. I like the 4-piece RS3 5 weight rod, but I asked the salesman if he had the same rod in a two-piece. Or maybe even a four weight RS3 in a two piece. His response was "we do not order anything but multi-piece rods here at this store. I felt as a consumer that I had suddenly been "slammed" very hard. He went on "his salesman jag" that the problems with multi-piece rods were no longer any problems like they once were. I quietly left the store disenfranchised with the only fly fsihing store near me had discounted a customer based on their wishes of what they were comfortable with. I personally love 2 piece rods. 4 piece rods are more heavier in feel than 2 piece. Is the salesman's statement true, are 2 piece rods "dying" or are stopres just buying 4 or 5 piece rods because they are little more expensive than 2 piece rods. Please tell share with me dear friends if my bias is not well founded in construction of fly rods. I personally think the multi-piece rods is a little heavier. Is the slighty heavier rod a good trade-off for ease of transport. I would appreciate anyone' help on this issue of 2-piece vs. four piece.

[gutbomb]

He should've offered to order the rod you wanted. I had a fly shop here in Ohio order me a four-piece in the model I wanted, because they only had a two-piece.

Two vs. four piece shouldn't matter if you're buying a quality rod. In my opinion, the portability of a four-piece outweighs any drawbacks.

[CO Flyguy]

Well..... He was somewhat right.

Just as an example, the Sage 590 weighs 3.25 oz and the Sage 590-4 weighs 3.5 oz. That's only 1/4 oz, but it is something.

I prefer 3 or 4 piece rods myself because I have to drive a good bit to get to fly water and the multi-piece rods fit in the car better.

But, yes, he should have done what you wanted...

Just the view from here....

[dudley]

This is just a guess but I'd bet that not only are multi-piece rods a better mark-up but they are also cheaper to ship.
I like 2 piece rods better myself
Less pieces that can break

[Avalon]

Dear wcu boy,

Speaking only for myself, I will never purchase a 2 piece rod again unless it meets one of the following two criteria, 1) It is a vintage rod, bammboo, fiberglass, or graphite that is no longer made that I want to add to my collection, 2) It is an inexpensive rod that I want to purchase primarily for use as a back-up.

If I am buying a modern rod for more than $ 100.00 it will definitely be of a 3 or more piece design. In my opinion the bias towards multi-piece rods should have expired at the same time the aluminum ferrule expired. Even back then the portability and storage advantage was often worth whatever compromises one imagined a multi-piece rod had.

You and everyone else are of course entitled to your own opinions on this, but no one will change my mind. I have sold every 2 piece rod I ever owned and replaced it with a comparable 3 to 5 piece rod except for some rare rods that are not available in multi-piece versions.

Best Wishes,
Avalon

[Helicopsyche]

I have both and will probably never go back to two piece rods, but I can understand where you are coming from. You might consider a multi-piece rod for your next rod just so you have the option of increased portability. They are great when you want to hike in or take it on a plane. Or even just toss it in with a bunch of other stuff for "just in case" moments. I think you would likely appreciate having a rod that is so portable. I don't find that the multiple ferrules bother me and as to weight, well my rod has a hard wood handle so the multipiece means nothing to me.

Adam

P.S. The sales guy should have been much more helpful, sorry that happened to you.

I have enough 3-4 pc rods to cover most situations. I also have plenty of 2 pc rods. If I like a rod the number of pcs it has is my last consideration.
As Avalon suggested some rods just are not available in more than 2 pcs. I could not imagine not buying a Orvis Far and Fine (my favorite trout rod) cuz its not available in 3-4 pc...that would be idiotic.

[Jed]

I agree that the problems with multi piece rods seems to have disappeared. I love all of mine and would not go back. They fit anywhere and are great for travel. Only exception is a 7' piece of 'boo that is a 2 pc. rod.

Other than that comment its too bad they would not consider ordering one for you if you were committed to buying it.

jed

[WarrenP]

I own one 4 piece 6 weight rod and the other 5 rods are all 2 piece. My personal preference is a 2 piece rod. I just like them better. I do not feel, with a quality rod, that there is any difference in the rod action between 2 piece and multi-piece rods. If I should live long enough to actually retire and have enough income to do any traveling to fly fish, I will probably own more multi-piece rods. As it is now, my fly fishing is limited to here at home with 2 rivers and 4 lakes within 20 miles of my home.

Whether 2 piece or multi-piece is for you will need to be your choice. There are just as many pros and cons for both, so, you do what best fits you. Somewhere down the road you will own many more rods! I am sorry that the salesman that you had did not know more about customer service.

[one more cast]

The salesman should order one for you. I would shop elsewhere.

I also prefer two piece rods. I do not fly to fish, a two piece fits nicely in my truck, and it is easier to assemble/disassemble.