If you are sponsored...be brand loyal. If you are spending your own money....Buy what makes YOU happy. Its good to be open to trying new things. You might find something you like even more or performs better. 

I was always brand loyal to Shimano until recently when I got a Megabass Zonda 68 and a couple of Daiwa Pixys. A PX68 Type-R and a JDM PX68R. The Megabass and the PX68R have been sold and the Type R is for sale. Daiwa is the only other brand that I would have ever considered and I found out that I do like Shimano more and there is no other reason to stray.

17 minutes ago, John G said:

I was always brand loyal to Shimano until recently when I got a Megabass Zonda 68 and a couple of Daiwa Pixys. A PX68 Type-R and a JDM PX68R. The Megabass and the PX68R have been sold and the Type R is for sale. Daiwa is the only other brand that I would have ever considered and I found out that I do like Shimano more and there is no other reason to stray.

WHEW!...I was starting to worry! That was close!....lol. 

Hootie

Spinning reels - Shimano

Casting - shimano, megabass, daiwa, and old abu rounders

Pretty much a shimano nut that ventures over to megabass once a year...