Mine has to be my first Daiwa ProCaster.  I only purchased one round baitcaster for bass fishing after that first Daiwa and it didn't take long to fall in love with low profile reels.  I still have it, but rarely use it, but it still brings a smile to my face every time I hold it.

7'6" H Daiwa Cielo when TW was closing out the old model. $300 rod for under a bill. And it is an incredible stick.

Love my Mattlures MH swimbait rod and the Curado 301E that I have on it!

 

A close second would be my Powell Max 733 spinning rod. The reel on it keeps changing though (from a Sonora to a Symetre to a Sedona to a Sahara).

 

And a not-so-distant third would be my current jig/T-rig setup: Powell Max 753/ Citica 201D. I haven't caught as many memorable fish on this one as the other two setups, but with the unreal balance this combo has, it's practically weightless, and a pleasure to fish with.

My dobyns champions for sure followed by my lews reels and keeper custom worms

Kistler Zbone LE

All 10 of them.

My first real purchase that put me in the game was a stradic 2500 ci4

Best gear purchases? My Shimano reels. All others have not made the cut.

Best gear purchases? My Shimano reels. All others have not made the cut.

 

Then don't fish the Lexa!! 

Then don't fish the Lexa!!

I have been eyeing that reel. The good reviews have tempted me to try one. Would like to cast one that someone has before I would pull the hammer on a purchase. Its a mag only brake reel right?

Dude, the reel is sweet. I'm a Shimano guy for spinning reels, but when I tried the Lexa 100 I was floored at the quality. I believe it is mag-brake only.... here's the official specs:

 

http://www.daiwa.com/reel/detail.aspx?id=632

Dude, the reel is sweet. I'm a Shimano guy for spinning reels, but when I tried the Lexa 100 I was floored at the quality. I believe it is mag-brake only.... here's the official specs:

 

http://www.daiwa.com/reel/detail.aspx?id=632

Wow

Wow

 

If I were nearby, I'd let you take my 7.1:1 for a spin. It's a sweet reel. I've had it in both salt and fresh water and she's as fresh as the day I bought her. Love it.

If I were nearby, I'd let you take my 7.1:1 for a spin. It's a sweet reel. I've had it in both salt and fresh water and she's as fresh as the day I bought her. Love it.

I llike that it comes high speed.

I llike that it comes high speed.

 

It was weird buying it and it didn't have "Shimano" on the box.

 

But when it comes to reels, Shimano and Daiwa are hard to beat,  

It was weird buying it and it didn't have "Shimano" on the box.

 

But when it comes to reels, Shimano and Daiwa are hard to beat,  

This is true.

My 2 Dobyns rods!

 

And my 2 Pixies....Orange and Red!

 

What absolute JOY in casting they bring!!

Tough, tough question.  Best bang for the buck is easier to answer.  Curado 51E less than a bill,  Falcon Experts at a bill plus shipping, Daiwa Cielo spinning rod for $75 shipped, set of 3 Ambassadeur Black Max 1600 reels for a bill shipped.  Before anyone makes fun of my including the Abu reels, let me say you should first try casting one of these into a strong wind before making any disparaging remarks about a reel costing less than $35.  I really enjoyed using my 51E/6'10" Smallmouth Medium combo last year.  Tuned Fuego/Cumara 7'2" MH Fast is another combo I grab a lot.

 

I've purchased a few more reels since season ended of which I feel 3 will quickly become favorites, Cosmetically upgraded Zillion 100SHLA, tuned Sol, and a like new Purple Alphas 103L (picked up from this site...thanks Eddie).  The Zillion was easy to add considering how much I like my 50th Anniversary model.

 

I *** Silas his red Pixy.  It is a reel I would love to add to my collection.

All of my LTB rods are my best purchases but the best of those would be the 2 of them I bought this winter for $110 each from the bargain room. 2 for less than the price of one for a brand new rod is tough to beat 

powell rods.best gear purchase as far as a deal was the quantum tour edition reel i bought brand new from dicks on a crazy clearance sale for $25.00.

My $30 bubble wrapped spinning reel with the handle sticking out of the package.

Best gear purchase ever?   Without a doubt my set of Cabelas Guide Wear.   Not too heavy, comfortable to wear, I've  had this suit for a number of years now.  I don't wear it all the time, but when the weather turns wet and/or chilly this suit solves the problem.

The year was 1997...I had never heard of a Senko.

 

 

   

My original LEWS BB1N.  in 1979 it was a hundred bucks. It's still (and the other four I own) one of the best reels ever manufactured.  Anyone remember Shag Shegrud ?

8 Curado CU201B's @ 50$ ea......................

 

 

Tight Lines! 

My Minn Kota trolling motor. I can't remember the model but it's an 80lb thrust with the gps auto pilot. This tool changed my fishing more than anything I have ever purchased.

Tons of power and it almost runs itself. Awesome!