The traditional SIX-sided rod is symmetrical and thus meets the same air resistance in both front cast and back cast. This fact facilitates timing and gives front and back side the same impact, so avoiding unnecessary wear.

The more unconventional FIVE-sided rod must fight more resistance on the front-stroke as the guide rings usually are mounted on a flat surface.

However, in the opposite direction the rod will cut the air better due to the sharp edge created by two planes meeting at an angle, and the resistance will be less; its construction is "unsymmetrical". This will cause the rod to wear unevenly in the two planes and, also, the "stiffening edge" gets the bending right across a glue line.

The FOUR-sided rod has its advocates and some rod makers offer " Quad Rods ", probably by image profilation.The four-sided rod concept is sound , but the broader front areas are less aerodynamic and will meet heavier air resistance than the other two . The rod must batter air / wind at such an extent that the casting can be felt as less distinct.

However, if side-stability is of big importance the four-sided is theoretically the best.Of course the ROUND configuration would be ideal, but for obvious reasons no split bamboo rods come in that shape.