Good stuff is where you find it, and suitability doesn't always relate to price. In my youth,I purchased a lot of military surplus because it was affordable (cheap). Most of it was serviceable, but fairly heavy. A few items were as good as anything available, and remain useful today.

Where I have done thorough study, I have found that usually high end equipment has been a bargain in the long run, but you need to think carefully about intended use.