Originally Posted by Pow4Brains
I have found using a twisting action while putting the pieces together works better than "pushing hard". And yes, you have a cheap rod.
2nd on the 4 vs 2 piece. 2 pieces flex and retain the loading characteristics of a “fast action” rod better, but unless you have unlimited funds to buy multiple rods, why not buy one you can travel and backpack with? As long as you know how to load a rod properly you can get a cheapie to throw 80 ft of line. If you are trout fishing, is there really any need to cast more than 50ft? If you said yes, you are fishing in the wrong location. Just my .02