I've had the same issue w/ the extendable tiller sticks .... but I spend alot of time sailing in really light airs in the summertime here on the Chesapeake which means I'm usually sitting on the front crossbar steering the boat. I still have my one-piece tiller sticks but they get hung up in the trap wires and on the shroud when trying to tack or gybe the boat. So I haven't found a better solution yet .....

Harry