I haven't seen a $800 rod or a $600 dollar reel that catches more fish. I think most of these guys are just on a bad ego trip.
Rods - Echo, Redington, White River and Scott.
Reels - Orvis, Redington and Ross.
Went to Roaring River on Sunday and saw guys fishing expensive rods and dressed like they were on an expedition. But I did not notice one other person catch a fish.