Stepped Launch Rods

Recently there was some posts about "Stepped" Launch Rods on TRF.



Here's some I had on hand:
The first two pictures are from older Quest Starter Kits, back when Quest had the three leg PVC launcher.





The upper, smaller diameter rod end is tapered slightly to make joining the rods together a little easier.
The fit of the upper rod is a bit loose. I've never used this rod for that reason.










The third picture is from an MPC launcher. The rod is unused and tarnished darker with age.



Here's a page from the 1970 FSI catalog. Their rods went from 3/16" on the lower end to a 1/8" rod on the top.
"The heavy lower rod helps prevent launch rod whip."

These rods are great - to a point. Years ago I found one in a starter kit where the lower rod hole was drilled crooked.
The upper rod was always off by a few degrees.

I remember getting a stepped rod from Centuri in their black Porta-Pad style launchers. But, I can't be sure after all these years.
EDIT: In later posts some have said they received stepped launch rods from Centuri.