I have a Quantum Tour Edition 6.4:1 that I use for lipless crankbaits and crankbaits such as the KVD 1.5. I am thinking about selling the reel and getting a slower gear ratio reel but I need some feedback on what to do. Will a slower ratio reel work for lipless or is a 6.4:1 better for lipless and lipped crankbaits? Thanks!

I never understand all the debate about gear ration. At 6.4:1 you are right in the middle. Reel faster or reel slower

Mike

You are fine for the baits you mentioned. It's the deep divers with alot of resistence that require a 5 something to 1. Torque is needed when pulling baits with big bills. It will save your wrists.

You are fine for the baits you mentioned. It's the deep divers with alot of resistence that require a 5 something to 1. Torque is needed when pulling baits with big bills. It will save your wrists.

x2. If you decide to experiment with different ratio reels, look at IPT (Inches of line retrieved Per Turn of the handle) which is the most meaningful measurement.

There are a few situations where I actually need a faster (relatively) reel for traps. Usually I can get away with my relatively slow 5.8:1 Daiwa Sol reels, but when I'm ripping bigger baits off weeds in shallow water I literally cannot reel them in fast enough with the Sol, and my Zillion 7.1:1 suits the task perfectly. If you are comparing two reels, side by side, then look at IPT. Really, time on the water will tell you a lot more. Sometimes a reel just doesn't feel right, and no matter what you try - slow down, speed up - you lose focus. Try a different ratio reel. For instance, that Zillion...I can't stand it for spinnerbaits, though on paper it should be perfect. The only time I use something that fast for spinnerbaiting, is for 3/4 oz. Screamin Eagles. Even then, I'm only "comfortable" with it if I'm getting bit.

Sometimes a reel just doesn't feel right, and no matter what you try - slow down, speed up - you lose focus.

Agreed. While I love my Curado 200DPV's for cranking, for some reason I just don't like using them with traps. Not sure what it is, but I never feel like I'm in contact with that specific type of bait unless I'm absolutely going crazy cranking on it. For deep divers though, it just feels perfect.

I never understand all the debate about gear ration. At 6.4:1 you are right in the middle. Reel faster or reel slower

Mike

Ain't that the truth, and in the process you just saved a few hundred bucks too.

Most of my reels are of an older vintage, and anything over 5:1 was considered high-speed. Personally, I don't like the 7:1 ratio for deep cranks. Other than that, I can't tell much difference unless I'm burning a RatLTrap.