I currently own a Lews BB1 in 5.1:1 and it sits on my crankbait rod. It's a great reel, really wings those cranks out there. Before this one, I had a Lews TP in 6.4:1 on there. And I gotta say, I think I caught more fish on the 6.4 than the 5.1. 

 

So, whats your preferred ratio for shallow-cranking?

 

Side note: I always hear from Pros that a speedy retrieve is imperitive when cranking at any depth, but those same anglers use 5.somethings to crank with. It just seems counter-intuitive to me.

 

I also like the idea of a 6.4 on my crankbait rod in case I decide to throw a 'trap on it. Good luck ripping a trap with a 5.1...... 

I like 6:1 for shallow and 5 or 4:1 for mid to deep... 

 

Mitch

I mostly use Chronarchs  6.3-6.4 for just about everything.

There's a mechanical advantage in using a low ratio/IPT reel for deep cranking, beyond that it's really personal preference. A 6.x:1 is fine for square bills. 

6.something for squarebills and smallish mid divers, 5.3 or 4.7 for real cranking. It really depends on the baits, and how you are fishing them. My rule is to stay with the highest ratio that works, and let my foream or wrist decide.

Unless the water is very cold, or very dirty, I like 6 or 7:1 reels. If it IS cold and or dirty, I use 5:1

You can use 6 to 7. Some people like to burn their square bills so they use a 7.