Now I just have to decide between the two models we're talking about.

There's 1/2 oz difference in the rod weights, 3" length difference, and 1/8 oz difference in the top end.  

Kinda sounds like the bigger rod is more universal 

That's why it's good there's a choice. 

For me, I'd rarely cast more than 3/8 oz on the multipiece - up to 1/2-oz kastmaster.  

My use for an MH rod is limited to big topwaters and Corkys on winter mornings.   

On 6/29/2024 at 9:28 PM, islandbass said:

I would highly recommend getting true travel rod that has more pieces like the already mentioned Ardito. Just speaking from experience. 

Good advice.  If building your own there are a number of fine travel blanks available, but I know nothing of finished rods.  But go 3 piece.  They fish just fine and travel better.

I think the horse has been breezed, run, walked, and stabled

19 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

There's 1/2 oz difference in the rod weights, 3" length difference, and 1/8 oz difference in the top end.  

How would your lighter rod do throwing 1/2oz spinnerbaits, small frogs, stupid tubes, smaller cranks, 1/2oz jigs?

It has plenty of backbone with 1/2 oz, would likely throw 3/4 oz well, also.  

I have a 2-piece baitcaster and spinning and casting 4-piece rods from Cabela's.  If you can find an XML, you'll find the multi- piece rods fish as well as their 1-piece counterparts.  I've been out of the game for a while, but I think the XML is still a solid rod.

I just checked and the is a 2-piece 7 ft XML casting rod (8-17 lb, 1/4 -3/4 oz.) on e-bay

I had a short notice trip come up and I could not wait for delivery. I went to Bass Pro and got this 3 piece. It came with a sock and tube case. I threw everthing from soft platics to jigs and even frogs. I have zero complaints, especially for the price. I liked it so much I went back and bought another one.

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-pro-qualifier-casting-rod

 

I’m interested in a two-piece Megabass Levante casting rod that’s marketed by a JDM online source.  They’re currently out of stock but I’m watching.  I’ll looking at two models for a Canada fly-in trip next summer so I have time.  Levante is a good rod, right?  Has anyone used a two-piece model?  TIA.