Pvc also comes in schedule 40 and the sprinkler guys use schedule 20, or thinwall. Less weight for shipping. 12’ rods will cause you to have at least a 6’ 1” piece of tubing. I recently used polyethylene foam from another package for protecting the butt and tip. You don’t want it cut super tight as that will put pressure on the tip. I cut circles of the foam , I used two, that slide snug but not tight into the tube. Cut the circles and put them onto the rod, and use a stick to push it into the tube, butt section first, til it bottoms out. I put a small piece of tape on the rod to hold the circle in place with no bad effect. Check with the PO about max length. If they say 72” then you have to use test caps, if not, glue one cap on and tape the other.