Lot of bassers have to budget , I know I do it is what it is. Luckily for me you can find quality stuff( well what I consider quality stuff used) . For example I grew up on Abu Garcia. I got 2 Revo sx reels for 45 bucks apiece in past couple years , just picked up a Revo X on a 7' MH veritas for 70 bucks. If I do purchase expensive gear new I have to wait on an overtime check or income tax, which is fine. Also 39.99 rods have improved VASTLY over the years for instance Lews IM8 speed stick , Berkley lightning rod, Abu gacia Vengeance are three 40 dollar rods I have and they're great . Shoot 5-6 years ago all my rods were stolen , March was coming on and I was in a fix , for around 65 bucks I went an bought 3 Berkley cherrywood rods an they worked just fine , still got one in the Arsenal today, matter fact the other 2 are in great shape STILL just don't use. If it puts fish in my 1,800 dollar bumblebee I'm gonna use it. No patience for brand bashers , ridiculousness really, who cares what somebody else is using . Unless maybe they're catchin em an you ain't lol