1st Rod - 2pc or 4pc?

[gadabout]

Yes overall, the multi-piece blanks will be easier to work with. After doing an 11 foot one-piece surf rod, a multi-piece fly rod is sheer pleasure.

Also, as some others have said, don't worry yourself silly about the spine. I take a few minutes to spine my blanks because that's all it takes and what have I got to lose? Truthfully, I think the concept of "spine" was invented by custom rodbuilders to justify their existence.

[xfishcop]

Speaking as an old geezer with bum knees. I like my 9' 2 piece because I put it in a metal tube, put a cut tennis ball on the bottom end of the tube and use it as a walking stick. It sure helps my knees. Yes - I know this has nothing to do with the fishing quality of the rod but it does allow me to do a little more hiking.
Just my opinion.
Dick
xfishcop