I'm still using Century's Big Bertha and her DD's, and a Shimano Aerlex 8000. Still putting Spombs and spods over 100.
I did get an Abu Segra Spod rod for Ardleigh, but braid wore the guides through, creating grooves, so I bought Big Bertha around 9 years ago. The reel I bought when I was fishing Earith, so thats over 10 years old as well.
I see no reason to change what works for me.