Just a curiousity. Say you have 2 reels; one is a 5.0:1 and the other is a 6.3:1 ratio. They are both spooled with the exact same brand and test line,same rods,same lures.

Is it likely to have one cast farther than the other because of the gear ratio difference? I know speed of retrieve would be noticeably different,how about casting distance?

Gear ratio should have nothing to do with casting distance, to my knowledge. On most all reels, everything disengages on the cast, so only the spool is spinnning, controlled by whatever degree of braking system you have in place.

-T9

Gears aren't turning on the cast, so no difference.

Is it likely to have one cast farther than the other because of the gear ratio difference?

No....

It would have more to do with the quality and placement of any bearings in the spool support area of the reel.

FYI

Most LP (low profile) baitcasters gearing dis-engages when in free spool.

BUT

There are the infamous Garcia round reels (and some others) that do use gears to drive the casting abilities of the reels.

Tight Lines All!

Usually the low geared reels have deeper spools and hold more line. This might effect cast distance, But I assume it would be of very little noticable distance.