I remember when I was a kid back in the 70's

[AKM]

and my Dad bought me a Zebco33 rod and reel combo with my very own little tackle box.I used that rod and reel for everything from Bluegill to Catfish and anything else that would bite.
Then in my early teens I got my first top shelf outfit.I always use to read Florida Sportsman Magizine and I remember seeing the adds for the little Shimano Baitcasters.I got my Dad to take me uptown to Big L and he bought me a Shimano Bantam Mag Plus 250SG and 5 1/2' Fenwick Eagle Grafite.
I have no idea what the line class was on the rod.Heck,I did not even know what line class was back then.I probably put 12lb test on it and every knot that I tied was an Improved Clinch Knot.That was the knot my Dad taught me how to tie and that is the knot that am teaching my Son how to tie.Nowadays,when I buy a rod I always look at the line class and and the type of action the rod has.
Lately,when I buy a reel I look at retrieval speed and number of bearings and so on.
Also,I can't have just one rod.I need a rod for different types of fish and lure weights etc.
Life was real simple when I was a kid and life costs a lot more money as an adult but I sure am having fun spending it on the things that I enjoy.