Are telescopic rods worth it?

NO. Telescopic rods suck, they're pieces of crap.

If you need a rod for backpacking, get a multipiece pack rod. They aren't all that great, but they're definitely a lot better than a telescopic.

A better alternative would be a travel or also known as a pack rod,and Wright and McGill make some good ones in different styles,like spinning,or even fly rod versions,they are named Trailmaster.They come with a carrying case for both rod and reel,and are compact.Telescopic rods are hollow,and not very strong or suited for heavy fishing usually,I have some very durable ones we use for smelt fishing,which are small fish on light line,and the rods work fine for them,but big fish need a strong rod,and the telescopic just doesn't have it.

Do what I do. Get a rod holder and a 5wt 4pc fly rod. A box of flies doesn't take up hardly any space, and like the previous answer, you can just lash the rod case to the outside of the pack. That's what I do. Plus, if you're backpacking into the mountains somewhere, you're more likely to be catching trout anyways, and there's no better way than on the fly that I've found.

I have never read such utter rubbish that people who claim that telescopic rods are rubbish.

I my opinion they are as good as so called normal rods.

I have two in my collection I have used with great success for over twenty years.

As with all fishing equipment they need to be looked after.

You can buy the most expensive rod or reel ! But if at the end of a trip or season it is thrown in to a garage or shed with out being cleaned and or serviced will not last as long as the cheapest rod or reel that is well looked after!

You can get so called poacher rods or travel rods which break down to a smaller size than normal rods.

Enabling them to fit in to back packs or travel luggage.

The main problem with them is there are more parts to lose.

Other wish they are as good as normal rods or telescopic.

Se Renta ("GMB") is correct, (thumbs up). Telescopic rods tend to be extremely fragile and (typically) have issues retracting back inside themselves over time..

Cabelas makes excellent 3 and 4 piece pack rods. Some come with an aluminum rod tube, (about 3 FT long) which can be attached/strapped to the outside of your backpack- the tube protects the rod.

Here is one example- http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Fish-Eagle1...

Add a Pflueger President reel to the above rod and you've got a truly durable outfit.

Looking for something cheaper, (but less reliable)?? - http://www.cabelas.com/product/Daiwa-Mini-Spin-Tra...

Hope this helps?

UPDATE: Pace Stick (and the others who have thumbs down Merde and my answer) may be referring to telescopic rods from overseas. In other parts of the world (namely Britain & Australia) telescopic rods are popular and much more varied. Here in the US, where there are very few telescopic rods sold, finding a good telescopic is next to impossible- well, for a reasonable price. Anyone who tells you a telescopic rod is more durable or better designed than a 3-4 piece rod needs to do some research on the subject. Many of the large (branded) rod company's are currently making excellent 3-4 piece rods that are as durable and well-designed as a ONE piece rod. However, don't take my word on the subject- do some research at Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops website- see what kind of feedback a telescopic rod typically has. Most importantly, see the SIZE & SPECIES of fish the people who rave about telescopic rods are catching- A 1/4 LB Brook Trout or 3/4 LB Bass won't test a rod, but, anything larger and WHAMMO! No more rod.