A question in by email - and Castwell with the answer. Or maybe not. What would you advise?

I've been around the base of the mountain a few times, and over the top a couple of times, and speaking only from my limited experience, here's my opinion on JC's dilema. If you have the means to afford the new equipment, you should certainly not deprive yourself from at least trying out the new gear. How else are you going to know what enjoyment it may bring? If it doesn't turn out well, the old gear is still there, and there's always value in quality gear if you want to sell it and go back to the tried and true. Just don't get rid of the tried and true. They're old friends, and even if they're relegated to the den wall, there are still great memories attached. My .02, and probably worth just that much.