taping
We all know taping and untaping can be very unpleasant when you start fishing at daybreak and finish at dusk or when you change pools by driving. Even with good taping ,the ferrules can be loose. I prefer 3 piece spey rods than 4 - one less ferrule to be loose, but more difficult to travel with them. I remember my Sage 9150 (traditional)-the half of rod flew out and hit the rock. Over the years I found the rods with longer length 14'+,heavier tip and line wt. ,and more coating on blank( the previous GLX did not put coating on the blanks) will more likely require taping. I have to tape Sage 9150,10151. I do not need to tape Sage8136,6126,GLX8130,9140,10150,11156 and T&T10150-3. For Sage 9150 with good taping, I have check the ferrules 3 to 4 times while all day fishing. As you see, You have to know your rods and the power(torque) being applied. If you are a good caster and cast less than 60' all day, you don't have to tape the ferrules of any rods. This is my tip for you. When you buy a new rod, fish with it without taping and find out if the ferrules become loose. If ferrules are tight, you do not have to bother taping. Whether the rod is taped or not, make a habbit of checking your ferrules a few times a day especially if you make long casts. Waxing male ferrules can be done only if you don't mind minor scraches on the ferrules.