I started thinking about your post on new baits and i realized that regardless of the new bait craze such as chatterbaits from last year i still rely on my old favorites at the end of the day. I always try the new stuff (within reason) but rarely accept them as tournament tools.
I think my exceptions are the Zoom Horny Toad, Spro Frog and Chatterbait for specific applications.
I really anticipate the new reel designs and rod technology each year as well. Waiting for a heated rod and or reel to be invented....:-)