Thought I'd put my 2-cents in.
I just had a Graphite USA 79F wrapped into a flippin stick.
I don't like telescopin rods, but I do like the length.
This rod is 7'9" and is lighter than most 7"6" flip stick.
I had it spiral wrapped w/ alconite Fuji's / short wraps.
Only 1 in. of cork in front of the reel seat.
3 1/2 in. behind the reel seat then bare blank till the 1 inch butt.
I put a Fuji weighted butt cap on for unreal balance.
The reel seat threads were cut alllowing only the reel to fit on.

I flip into some real thick junk were there are some real strong fish, and this rod allows me the lifting power to at least hold the fish in place to go in after it (if not extract it completely).

I really got this rod to cut down on the fatigue of hevier weighing flip sticks, the 3 extra inches gives me even more reach so I'm fully stoked.If you do alot of flippin and pitchin like I do look into those weighted butt caps you won't believe the difference. I also had the reel seat set way back on the rod for even more reach. I fish that new Castaic Super Free, what a set up. Hurt the wallet though.

Peace

E.B.