for reels: The best reel for the money is definitely a shimano curado. This compared to similar products from abu or quantum is not even close. the curado is very smooth and has one of the best braking systems i've seen.

as far as rods go: i've owned a few rods so far in my life and the carbonlite from bps is the best yet. its very light and yet still has the backbone too catch nice fish. not for sure on how much a vendetta differs from a veritas but the vendetta is terrible.

all i can say is wait until the spring sale and then go get some good deals or buy online from tacklewarehouse or somewhere similar!