Is DIY equipment really worth it, compared to professional?

Basically before, I would watch tutorials on how to make my own DIY equipment, and so far I have mad my own boom pole, my own shock mount and my own camera stabilizer. But I find it didn't work as well. However, I never used the real things before, so I can't really compare how much better they are.

For the DIY boompole I got a painter's pole like one tutorial said to, but the problem, is that the painters pole would make rattling noises, when swinging the boom from actor to actor, as the actors took turns speaking. The only solution to to this was to extend the pole all the way, and it was silent at that point, but the disadvantage is, is that the pole was really long all the time, and awkward to be able to move around in small or confined spaces.

For the DIY shockmount, it worked fine if I was holding the boom still on an actor, but if it was a shot, where I had swing the boom from actor to actor, it would cause the mic, to loosen and fall out, thus having to restart the take.

For the DIY steadicam, it works not bad, but if feels like it could work better maybe, if it was built better or more professionally... But what do you think? Should I go spend the extra money, and go pro, or just keep re-inventing with DIY, till I get it right do you think?

I have so far, gotten a professional Rode shock mount, and no mic falling through since. I was going to get a deadcat next, or some sort of wind protection, but my friend told me I shouldn't bother with the extra money, and just make a DIY wind protection. What do you think?