Lots of good advice. Good equipment will help but not as much as transitions. Best advice I can give is transitions runs the stage. Don't try and hide your weaknesses or they will stay your weakness.
Not discussed yet is options starting right to left or left to right on a string. That can change the whole stage and the choices you have. I've done alright using anything from a hammer dbl, 3rd gen Colts to a skb and ss low hammer Rugers. Don't get hung up on the split times.
EMN