Why do people use the same rod/reel combos fishing??

[DJD]

The title is lame but the question I have is after seeing so many people, in my various tourney's using 5 to 10 of the same exact set-ups to fish with. What benefit is there to using the same rod/reel combo on all your poles?
I have seen a few that use 5 each of 2 different (1 set baitcaster and 1 set open faced) set-ups and I "sort of" get that, I think.
I am asking because as I get more into the tournaments I would like to start doing things more efficently, and I can see no better place to start than with the equipment. If it would be beneficial to me to work with the same set-ups, then I would like to try it, but I wanted to ask the experienced people I trust here on the board for their thoughts on the subject since I am really still a novice.
I would also love to hear some thoughts on the "set-ups" of choice for a mid-range price person. Is it better to put more into a rod, or reel? What is a good COMPLETE set-up (my prices range would have to stay under $125 to 150 per set at this point, and even then it will take a few years to collect a "set")?
I have a bit of trouble with the "feel" of the med/hvy, and I have heard SO MANY times that this is the best type, so I would prefer to use the med action, unless this is a TOTAL mistake and I just need to **** it up and learn to work with the med/hvy.
Thanks again to everyone who will offer their advice, as I trust your opinions of this board more than any I would get elsewhere. God Bless you all, your families, and the US of A!!

Rob Appleby

Once you find a balanced rod and reel you will love to fish with it. It's nice to know how hard or soft to cast a lure with a rod of a comfortable action. By using same or similiar combo's you get that feel. Thats why I keep most of my rods very close in setups. 7ft rods are my choice and fast-extra/fast actions (med/hvy) has proven to be my rod action of choice.
I would look at Shimano for setups but that's just my preference. I don't know what the latest stuff costs but spend more on the rod and less on the reel. I would say a good rod and good line and then a decent reel.
I would think that a medium would require a harder hookset and more missed fish if fishing plastics and jigs. Crankbaits and maybe spinnerbaits would work well with mediums but I just don't use that action except for Crankbaits. It's all preference and one guy swears his way is right over the other. I think you will and have found that med/hvy is the most common choice out there.
Good Luck