Over the weekend I drug out the first casting outfit I ever had. Mine was a red ABU 5000 reel, mounted on a Zebco fiberglass rod, med/hvy action. The reel was a hand me down from my older brother. Holding this combo, then, holding any newer combo I have, the first thing you notice is the weight difference. My old one feels like it's made out of lead in comparison. A lightweight outfit may not make you a better fisherman, but, they sure do make repeated casting much easier, and far less tiring. I hope some of the beginners at bass fishing realize that they're lucky. Thanks to modern materials, you guys took up this sport at the right time. You can easily cast for half a day or longer, without wearing your arms and shoulders out. The new lightweight gear is the way to go. And, they keep getting lighter all the time.
