I love building a new rod, but I also love tinkering with my reels. I can customize a rod, but I can also do upgrages and get that reel as smooth as butter.  Ahhhhh, I gotta pick one huh?

Okay, okay..............I'm gonna go with reels, no wait......rods, definately rods.  At least until I can find a deal on a Tatula.

I'd have to vote for rods. Reels are nice, but I don't think they feel like anything special until I can see them in action. Theres nothing like picking up a nice rod and feeling how light and perfectly balanced it is.

I was a machine mechanic, machine builder, millwright. I always loved the workings of machinery. A reel is great example of the mechanics I enjoy.

I get more excited about a nice new rod, because in my opinion, it's the more important part of the equation, and I can't wait to see what it feels like in use compared to the countless other rods I've used. Maybe if I get into tweaking reels some day, I'll be more into them; but I keep everything pretty much stock now (except the handle knobs).

For me it's much more buying the reel!

i'm going to say a reel.... mostly because i have little or no fear of breaking them, thus i can spend a little more $$ on them.  that's just my stupid rationalization for it.....