Gear Costs

[Old Man]

I bought a pair of Dab Bailey's Bare Bones about 20 years ago. I haven't worn waders in about 10 years. Don't need to wear them where I fish. My last rod I bought was a TFO Finesse rod in a 3wt. That was about 10 years ago or so. Don't need rain gear, as I only fish when it's warm out. In Montana I only fish about 3 months. It gets cold even in September. I stocked up on tapered leaders and keep them in the dark. They only see the light of day when I put a new one on.

 

[Tallguy]

One perspective not shared yet: support your communities and local companies, buy made in USA/Canada if you can. I take care of gear and use it a long time, plus I try and avoid accumulating stuff, so I don't buy very much. But I do often try and support USA made, small shop, non corporate, as much as I can when I buy something. That does tend to be more expensive, but to me, that's the true and real cost. I am happy to keep those dollars in our small businesses and towns. Cheap always has costs somewhere, even if we try not to see and think about them much.

 

[Nick Clayton]

Hooks. I do not skimp on hooks.

 

[Buzzy]

Hooks. I do not skimp on hooks.

Good point, Nick. I made this mistake (a couple times) with non-brand name hooks coming in larger volume packaging. I found a lot of varitation in the hook eyes and in the point. A size 14 3671 (clone) should not straighten out when tied to 4X tippet, a couple did.

 

[kmudgn]

I used to only buy new rods. Now I buy used "high end" rods as the only difference is the warranty may/may not be valid. Since most "free lifetime" warranties now require a large payment for the repair I would rather spend 50% of the original cost on a used rod and take my chances.

 

[Brian Miller]

When my life or livelihood depends on my gear, I spend what is necessary or exceeds my needs.

I have only bought 2 new fly rods since the 80's. I still have my first and use it. All the rest of my rods have been bought used. I take care of my rods.
Since I am not a highly technical, super long distance caster I really like my Cortland lines. There is a reason why they have been making Cortland Peach lines for decades --> well-made, less expensive, don't coil, last a long time and get the job done...
Tippets - not a place to skimp on.
Clothes - buy what is necessary and performs as needed.
Boots and PFD - your life depends on them. Do not skimp for sure.

I echo @RCF 's thoughts.
I haven't had to purchase much western fly gear in a long time, except a recent replacement for a worn out float tube that I called around to find an exceptional deal on a new top-of-the-line OSG tube. I also purchase top of the line boots every 3-5 years.

One thing I have learned about about Tenkara gear, designed in the US-built offshore from DRAGONtail in Idaho who has outstanding Customer Service provides the same quality and value attributes as Echo has for western gear; at 20% of the cost of the equivalent quality-value western rod-reel-line setup.