For several years I liked purchasing the latest greatest rod, reel, bow, phone, etc.., however in the last 2 years I have decided to just be happy with what I have and quit the buying and selling of 1-2 year old equipment to fund the purchase of the latest thing. How about you guys?

Just this.

Otherwise, I'm with you. I did add a Zillion last, but , e.g. new Steez, I have no use for a 32-mm Daiwa.

I’m fortunate to see and handle all kinds of tackle and my most used reels are E series Shimano casting and Ci4+ Stradics. So, no.

I look at the fishing budget alone and most of my budget goes to the boat and maintaining it, keeping it safe and enjoyable.

I catch fish on jigs I make and on equipment - fishing rods & reels - that are considered to be old and middle of the road.

I subscribe to the theory of spending money to make money but I do not make money on anything fishing related so I'm happy with what I have.

No, never have. I do look for the best product that will do what I want it to for the best price.

I use Stradic’s, SLX’s, and St Croix Premier’s

I like to be aware of the latest and greatest but I'm not buying unless it fills a specific need that isn't already covered.

If I'm thinking about equipment then I'm not focused on fishing. If it's not working as expected then it's taking my attention away from what I'm doing. I also don't want to be thinking about how good this new reel is. My expectations for my rod and reel are similar to what I expect from my fork when I'm eating.

If I’m happy with whatever I have regardless of cost and not just fishing gear, I have no interest in the “latest or greatest” and couldn’t care less what it is.

Mike

Since I am neither the latest nor the greatest, I generally don't lean that way.

I would, however, enjoy the reintroduction of better vintage gear if it included some newer materials and slightly upgraded features.

A-Jay

I can appreciate the technology advancements and the looks of the some of the “latest and greatest”, but since it’s often out of my budget, and in some cases totally silly or nothing but marketing, the latest and greatest rarely find their way into my arsenal.

1 hour ago, Tennessee Boy said:

I also don't want to be thinking about how good this new reel is. My expectations for my rod and reel are similar to what I expect from my fork when I'm eating.

I like this perspective. However, sometimes it’s more fun to eat with my Darth Vader fork than it is a regular fork 🤓

I don't care too much about the "Latest and Greatest" but I HAVE found that I am a bit of a reel geek and like the variety.

I find myself saying "Hmmm,.. I don't have one of those. I wonder what they are like". Whether that is new or old doesn't really matter.

I've never fell victim to the lastest and greatest but do like to try gear from different manufacturers.

If we're defining " latest and greatest " as being the most expensive rod or reel then I'll never be in that camp.

About 4 years ago I bought 3-4 top of the line rods. A SC LE, LX and 2 NRX+ rods. I wanted "top of the line" for my bank account. Now my SC Legend Xtreme has been replaced with the LX2 I believe. I'm done trying to keep up with the Jone's. If I can't catch 'em on what I have well too bad.

I don't need to have the absolute best but I want high-end gear. I recently bought a Zillion that was redesigned a few years ago. I bought an original Vanford at a great price when the new model was introduced. Neither were the latest and greatest but both are high-end and excellent.

No. We'll I do like newer & different baits to try and be different.

Not normally in on the newest gear, however I purchased a new twin power when they came out and have a 3000 excense on order.

So I guess I guess yes??

I don't upgrade routinely, but if I need a new rod or reel for some purpose I'm not going to slum it either. There is some logic to saying you can spend less on a moving bait rod because you don't need the sensitivity as much. But then again why spend less when you can spend more!

I was brought up to save, and purchase the best I could afford. Whatever that may be; art, furniture, gear, autos or fishing equipment. Which has been what I have done throughout life. I have just now upgraded to the “latest and greatest “ (if you consider 2021 models) reels but still use the 30 year old GLoomis rods.

Buy quality first and you’ll not have the desire to continuously buy again.

Or at least anytime soon

Yes I do. Always like trying new. No I won't buy more. Too much already. Yes I'm happy with what I have.

Problem with latest and greatest is stuff changes so fast that in a year or 2 its old and dated. I don't really care too much about "new" and if you saw my CRV or boat you'd be far from impressed. I have bought a bunch of new reels this winter, but that is to have the more modern MGL spools. I generally find something i like a just buy newer versions of the same thing forever. For fishing gear I like Shimano casting reels, Pflueger spinning reels, Fenwick and St. Croix rods. I don't see a big reason to deviate too much. Like with anything I like buy once, cry once.

I'm good with what I have now, but I do keep an eye on the new products just in case I need to buy something.

I’m not totally convinced that latest and greatest are inextricably connected.

I stick to high end, but not always the highest end because people consider it as the greatest. Like for example i always considered an Anteres as a waste of money reel, and have no intention of buying any of the new calcutta reels.

Some latest greatest is nothing more than a cosmetic make over or adding a name and calling it a pro series. Some are subtle tweaks like adding a bearing or changing the contours. Now that everyone has access to nano resins the playing field is leveling off. It’s not like we just advanced from reels with bushings and plastic spools or rods with straight handles a wire guides. The availability of affordable rods and reels that really perform has never been greater.