This guy cuts 2 rods from one coat hanger. I usually use 2 coat hanger and make one rod from each one. The rods are longer and you begin to feel the movement sooner. Of course, I do not like his terminology of "witching" but he explains it fairly well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBXmq...eature=related
When I worked on the golf course you could buy rods that had handles that were made of pvc with a bearing in the middle that was attached to the rod so you could hold the pvc handle and the bearing allowed the rod to move freely.