Why gear recommendations (2026 edition) [v4]

There is a lot of conflicting advice online and most of it is from 2019. Quick context: I am relatively new to this and trying to find my footing.

Not sure if this is the right place to ask, mods please remove if it is not. Not sure if this is the right place to ask, mods please remove if it is not.

Not sure if this is the right place to ask, mods please remove if it is not.