There’s a few things to consider. Someone who has to have the latest and greatest is either a hard core hobbyist or has the same weakness I’ve seen so many in my 40+ years in the financial world. I swear it’s a mental weakness that marketers tap over and over. If your finances can handle it then great, it’s when they can’t that I’ve seen the ruin it can cause. Some have to have the newest car, truck, gear, boat, and will spend money they don’t have to get it.

I haven't bought a new rod in ten years, a new reel in six years. So long as my old stuff works, I'll keep using it.

Do I want the latest and greatest?

Yes and no.

Everything I'm currently buying is top of the line or close to it. So yes, I like the greatest.

However, I'll still be fishing this gear 5, 10 years from now.

So no, I don't necessarily need the latest.

I like nice gear, but ideally I take very good care of it so it lasts a long time.

dicks had the newest lews gen 3 combos for 16$ marked down from 150$ i bought 2 ..id never even buy them unless they was marked that low . see how they go .i use abu 4600s and 1500c mostly collecting them now ..a few revos none bought new...my reel to use now ..is curado citica 100 sizes along with 50es and calcutta 100 or 50s . they fit my hand perfect , set and forget ..all i need ive tried 70 size still like my little shimanos and small abus ..they keep on goin..