No right answer to that Q. Only opinions. My $0.02 worth. ... At a point around $125 for a rod, the extra dollars spent have a very rapid decline in value returned per dollar spent; the higher into the stratosphere the less return on the dollar. Obvious examples are GLoomis's $300 to $400 IMX and Lamiglass' $450 Titanium 'enhanced' rod. They are less substantive than they are marketing. If you spent half the amount of the aforementioned rods and bought a Lami Esprite, All-Star Elite, or Loomy GL2 (for examples) you most likely can feel and catch as many fish with it! And not have to worry about that 'sickening' first scratch as much . Just use them comfortably and catch just as many fish. Now that applies to driftfishing and backbouncing where reasonabley good sensativity is an important factor. For most other methods such as pulling plugs, using spinners/spoons, and floatfishing I think it's ... how should I put this ... not a great use of money at all to spend more than on a regular Lami, All-Star, GL2, or even on such a value quality rod as the Berkley 'Buzz Ramsey' IM7 (only $80!). There are custom rod makers that can save you money too. ... I would say essentially the same for reels over $125. We have had this same thread debate before, and I could be wrong; for some people. Opinions?

RT

[ 05-08-2001: Message edited by: RT 1 ]