Modify the item, or make a new item?

[Wonderlarr]

Hello! In my mod I have a weapon hat is normally identical to a spear, but can be upgraded using different items in it's own inventory slot.

I'm wondering if, since these upgrades essentially change the item to a completely different item, should I use a different prefab for each upgraded version of the weapon, or should I change the components and textures on the fly?