None of my gear is expensive, reels included as I'm simply not an equipment junkie. I enjoy the fishing and the rod and reels are the tools albeit cheap ones with me but I do take care of my toys. I have a number of reels holding lines from 3 weight to 8 weight but i dont think any are above the 60 dollar mark, actually that would be my most expensive reel. As long as the reel holds the suitable amount of backing and flyline and has enough drag to place resistance on the flyline when I'm stripping, thats all the requirements i have, then I'm happy. I have caught some nice size trout up to 7lb, and nothing has looked like failing on me at any time