Pretty much just a restatement of what has already been said but you are comparing apples and oranges. Durable goods vs Disposable goods. We're willing to spend more for a rod or reel of high quality with a good warranty because we expect it to last and we only buy a limited number of them, with definitions of "limited number" varying greatly. On the other hand, in an average day on the stream I expect to lose, destroy, give away, throw away at least a dozen flies. One time investment vs constant recurring need. If I bought only "premium" flies I'd spend more on flies in a year than I do on a decent new rod and reel.