2 Piece 3 Piece or 4 Piece?

I have noticed lately that most, if not all of the Rod manufacturers now have more 4 Piece rods than 2 Piece rods. When I started fishing the ultimate rod was a 1 piece and most of my casting rods are just that. Of course Spinning rods and Fly Rods had to 2 piece because of the length. Firstly, the store couldn't get it shipped to them inexpensively and secondly; we couldn't carry it to the streams and rivers where the fish were. The 4 piece rods were called "Pack Rods" and everyone knew you were getting a carryable but inferior rod.

So why now are the upper end rods of most manufacturers 3 and 4 piece rods? I read one opinion that they are easier to build. I can see the advantage of a smaller rod while broken down, but wouldn't a 2 piece still out cast and out feel (for lack of a better word) a 4 piece? I understand that the manufacturers have made great advances in the construction of ferrules, but it still seems to me that no ferrule is better than a good ferrule.

So what information am I missing? Should I pay more to get a shorter rod?


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Clint

Wise men still seek HIM...