Fishing is an activity that people of all ages can enjoy. But no matter whether you are young or old, choosing the right rod can be a challenge. One has to get familiar with the different types and features of fishing rods to make the right decision.
This article focuses on comparing two of the most popular types of fishing rods: telescopic rods and 2-piece rods. I will discuss their pros and cons, as well as their suitability for different fishing scenarios. Even like using telescopic rod for sea fishing!
Written by
Larry Stark, Founder / Main Editor
Professional fisherman, who loves to review new fishing gadgets.
Table of Contents
Are Telescopic Fishing Rods Good for Angling?
Telescopic fishing rods can collapse into themselves with several sections that slide into each other. These rods are more compact, making them great for anglers who need to travel with a lot of fishing gear. A telescopic rod is the first choice of anglers with limited storage space.
You can easily carry them in a backpack, suitcase, or car trunk without wasting much space or risking damage. Telescopic fishing rods are also convenient to use in places where a longer rod would be impractical or prohibited, such as on a boat, kayak, or pier.
Telescopic rods are also usually cheaper than 2-piece or one-piece rods. Their affordability makes them a good option for beginners or casual anglers.
You can find telescopic rods made of multiple materials in the market. Most are of sturdy materials such as carbon fiber or fiberglass. Aluminum, stainless steel, or glass is used for reel seats, while metallic eyes add to the strength of each section.
Anglers use telescopic rods for various fishing techniques and situations, such as spinning, casting, fly fishing, surf fishing, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, etc. Telescopic rods can also handle different types of fish, from small panfish to large game fish, depending on the rod’s action and power.
Good-quality telescopic rods can achieve everything a traditional rod can. However, on average, they are a bit less durable, and expert fishermen with have room to spare prefer traditional ones. That’s why it is important to understand the differences before choosing one over the other.
Comparing Telescopic Fishing Rods to Traditional Rods
Length
A fully extended telescopic rod can be 20 – 30 feet long. However, they can be as short as 6 inches to 2 feet when collapsed. This makes them easy to transport and store but limits their casting distance and accuracy.
Traditional rods usually range from a few feet to over 10 feet long and are either one or 2-piece. One can detach a 2-piece rod into two parts for more accessible storage and transport. Still, it loses some sensitivity and strength at the joint.
Action
Action refers to how much a rod bends when pressure is applied to the tip. Depending on where they turn when pressurized, rods can be classified into fast, medium, or slow action.
Because of multiple sections, telescopic rods tend to have moderate to slow action compared to traditional ones. The slower action of the rods makes them more flexible but less sensitive.
Traditional rods come in fast, medium, or slow actions depending on their design and material. Anglers choose traditional rods according to their style and fishing environment.
Power
Power refers to how much force a rod can handle. The power of a rod depends on its material, thickness, and diameter. It determines the size and weight of the line, bait, and lure.
Telescopic rods are generally thin and flexible and fall into the light to medium power rod category. Telescopic rods are thus more suitable for catching small to medium-sized fish, such as trout, bass, or catfish.
Traditional rods come in all power levels depending on their design and material. 2-piece rods are inherently more powerful than telescopic rods because they don’t have multiple joints like the latter. Anglers chose the power level of traditional rods depending on their fishing requirements.
Quality
Both telescopic and traditional rods vary in quality depending on the brand and model. Some telescopic rods are cheaply made and prone to breaking, rusting, or jamming. Others use durable, corrosion-resistant material with smooth joints and comfortable handles.
Telescopic rods usually come with a shorter warranty period than traditional rods, ranging from a few months to a year.
Since you will be collapsing and opening the telescopic rod more frequently, they tend to wear down faster than traditional fishing rods. The fit between the individual sections of a telescopic rod can become degraded over time, reducing its life span.
How Do Telescopic Rods Improve Your Fishing Experience?
The accuracy and sensitivity of premium telescopic rods are as good as the reliability of traditional 2-piece rods. The collapsible design of telescopic fishing rods is the best thing that makes them widely popular among traveling anglers.
Convenience
In addition to transportation and storage convenience, telescopic rods are easy to set up and take down. With a simple twist or pull, anyone can easily extend or collapse them.
Adaptability
Telescopic rods can adapt to different fishing environments and waters because you can adjust the length of the rod easily. Generally, telescopic rods are more suitable for catching small to medium-sized fish using the appropriate size and weight of lines, baits, and lures.
Fun
Travelers, campers, surf anglers, and backcountry anglers love telescopic rods because of their unique fishing experience. They are different from traditional rods in appearance, feel, and performance. Telescopic rods can also surprise experts with their capabilities, resulting in salt and freshwater.
Affordability
Telescopic rods are pocket-friendly compared to 2-piece traditional rods, enhancing the fishing experience. Even the premium collapsing rod is going to keep your bank intact. Many anglers keep telescopic rods as a backup option with one or two-piece traditional rods on long trips.
Conclusion
Telescopic rods and 2-piece rods are both popular types of fishing rods that have their own advantages and disadvantages. Telescopic rods are more portable, affordable, and versatile than 2-piece rods but are also less sensitive and robust than 2-piece rods.
If you are anything like me and value storage and transportation convenience over precision and reliability, then a telescopic rod is for you. Of course, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a traditional rod as well.