As far as reels, Penn Slammer is a good one. Day to day I use one of those, a couple Liveliners, and a 550ssg they all literally live outside on the deck of the boat 6 months out of the year and never actually get rinsed or maintained. All are fairly similar but for most purposes the Slammer is the best. Very smooth reliable reels, excellent drag, reasonable $$ etc..
I don't put much thought into Striper rods. I just look for the right action & length for the job and are of reasonable quality for the right $$..
The way we use them they get banged around alot, stored on the deck of the boat when not in use, occasionally stepped on etc.. Night fishing takes it's toll, fishing is chaotic in the dark then when you gotta work the next day there's no time to take care of the gear.
Lifespan is short so I hit Ebay, sort through the racks at the fisherman's flea-market for rods. I like to spend < $50 for something that retails around $100. When they break they get a sea burial (like everything else on the boat, makes me feel good anyway
).
Jon