I have a 7'2" Powell Diesel that I'm thinking of doubling as my bladed swim jig/buzzbait rod.  I'm probably going to purchase a BPS Pro Qualifier for it.  What I'm wondering is what gear ratio would be best for this set up?

6:4, 7:1

I tend to like faster reels for buzzbaits because it makes it easier to keep the lure on the surface. You can always slow down on your swim jig retrieve if need be

I would go with a 6:4:1 just because it is a more versatile gear ratio

I would go with a 6:4:1 just because it is a more versatile gear ratio

 

Most of my reels are in the 6.something ratio for that reason.  Often wonder how the guys managed a few years ago when 5.8:1 was considered fast. 

Either of the higher speed reels will work. It comes down to personal preference when comparing 6.4:1 and 7:1. I like a faster reel for burning baits and for techniques that put slack in the line you may want to take up quickly.

My vote goes to the 7:1

For me ipt is more important then ratio. My 6:3:1 Daiwa I have to reel pretty darn fast to keep the buzzbait on top but my 7:1 I can reel pretty slow and just chug it along on top or speed it up a bit.

My vote goes to the 7:1

For me ipt is more important then ratio. My 6:3:1 Daiwa I have to reel pretty darn fast to keep the buzzbait on top but my 7:1 I can reel pretty slow and just chug it along on top or speed it up a bit.[/quote

I couldn't have said it any better!

7.1 will make the initial start up of the top water bait a lot easier. Can get the buzz bait to the top a lot quicker and maintain the speed needed easier. Like one guy said, you can always slow down your speed if you need to.

Any IPT, save for the real slow cranking reels will work fine.

Thanks guy, I think I'm going to go with a 7:1

Good choice because the Pro Qualifier IPT on the 7.1:1 ratio is only 29 inches. My older model BPS Extreme 7.1:1 is 31 inches. My 6.4:1 ratio Extremes are 28 inches, nearly the same as the PQ at 7.1:1 ratio. The PQ 6.4:1 ratio is just 26 inches. Not saying that it won't work but I'd rather have the faster PQ since it more closely compares to their prior 6.4:1. For buzzbaits you don't want to drop down.

Good call on the 7:1.  I had that rod and paired it with a 7:1 curado E7.  Worked well with buzzbaits, swim jigs, etc.