For quite a few years I was accumulating.

 

Then when I was supposed to be satisfied I fell upon

a deal here and a deal there and got more than I 

*needed*.

 

Today I am trying to maintain what I have while buying

what I need most, baits and hooks.

I haven't bought a new reel or rod in quite a few years but i am on the fence right now as i have two spinning rods with broken eyes that I like but i am kind of wanting to try something new.  Now keep in mind also that money is a big factor for me as i decided to change careers to become an elementary school teacher (best decision ever) and took a pretty substantial pay cut so my expendable income isn't what it once was.  I am ok with it though because i bought a bunch of stuff right before i switched   

don't really need to upgrade, love older ambassadeurs. build 2-3 rods each year for myself. so I look for reels online, or garage sales. then upgrade the bearings, gears etc. that.s how I upgrade.

Optimator, 4600c ismy all time fave reel. Im still using 2 of mine I've had for years

A rod will last indefinitely. A reels lifespan can be affected by a number of variables (quality, use, maintenance, conditions etc).  I don't think you can set any firm timetable for replacement. Upgrading for the sake of it is completely up to you. 

I upgraded my stuff this do to a company not standing behind a product. It is a company brand and can't get parts for them. I upgraded all my reels to Lew's Speed Spool LFS and Tournament MB's. I wont be guilty of buying store brand reels again.

31 minutes ago, jeffo21 said:

I upgraded my stuff this do to a company not standing behind a product. It is a company brand and can't get parts for them. I upgraded all my reels to Lew's Speed Spool LFS and Tournament MB's. I wont be guilty of buying store brand reels again.

Hmm, good to know!

The reels were ok reels but When Academy wouldn't stand behind them I lost all interest in using them

 

1 minute ago, jeffo21 said:

The reels were ok reels but When Academy wouldn't stand behind them I lost all interest in using them

 

Thank you for the information!