I've tried the Soundgear SR series, EDB and BTB series. Although they are good, but I still prefer my Squier. For some reason I can't really cut out. Maybe because I feel very comfortable playing it. I do have this problem of getting to used to my own gear that when I play someone else's (especially a different make), I just feel like throwing it down and using my own one.
Well there's another reason why my Squier is relatively good. It's one of the more expensive ones (expensive in relation to how average Squiers are). A standard Squier bass cost between RM 300 to RM 400 here and mine cost me Rm 1200. It's a P Bass Special fitted with a traditional split single-coil P Bass pickup and a J Bass® pickup in the bridge. So basically to me it's an all rounder bass. I don't slap cos a) I don't like it and b) I'm just not good, but my slapper friends are pretty impressed with it. I recommend this bass to any Steve Harris fans out there. Powerchording is awesome and galloping is really fun. You can really get the exact ringing from the strings hitting the pickups, just like Harris's signature. This is the two areas which discouraged me from Ibanez's. I couldn't get a perfectly clear powerchord tone/sound and galloping was just heavy (only). I couldn't get that ringing sound as clearly as the Squier I use.
I get what you mean xxx. In fact most of the Squiers I've tried are pretty shit and inconsistent. I used to hate Squiers and was contemplating on either an SX or Ibanez (with a permitting budget). But all this changed when I met my babe

. I wouldn't say Squiers are really good but don't lose hope on it. You could get lucky like me.
As for amps, I don't own one. I've been borrowing from my friends and I'm not sure of the models. All I know is that Dilip lent me his Fender, Hantu lent me his Roland and I've been using Marshall's at the jam studios. Sorry I couldn't be specific on the models.