I'm looking for a new crankbait reel and I want something with a 5:1 ratio. I basically have my mind set on the Shimano Chronarch 201e5, but I wanted to know if anyone knew of any other reel out there that's a better choice. 

 

Keep in mind, I need something left handed. Thanks everyone. 

The best 5.2:1 would be the new conquest CTCNQ101.

I guess I should have specified that I'm trying to stay under $250...

The Conquest is a sweet reel and E series is tried and true. The Revo Winch and Zillion Crazy Cranker both have followings as well for good reason. While not THE best, the PQ is worth considering just because of the value and multiple configurations it comes in. For my personal use, I just grabbed a Gen2 L-Winch out of the Flea Market that will be Super Tuned and mounted on a custom Lamiglas SR765.

Shimano Calcutta CT51, 5:0.1 

Shimano Calcutta TE 200 Gt or? Shimano Curado 300 E..... You want true power? Those are working reels for those big cranks/ swimbaits or 2 to 4 oz jigs... A rigs... List goes on.. I don't mess with smaller reels for the bigger work... Not saying you can't but I prefer the big gun for my work!! My 200 D was a heck of a power reel too in 5 : 1 so you got some options for sure!

This reel will be used primarily for 1/4 &1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps, small squarebills, and size 5-7 Shad Raps. I don't need anything over powering, just want something with a slower retrieve. Low profile would also be preferred. 

 

The Zillion CC does look nice, but is it worth the extra $$$? I found a new Chronarch 201e5 on Fleabay for $170.

Ok, you're choice in the reel is good for those weights... Yep, I believe you would be fine with that Shimano reel !

Actually, for the shallow type cranking you're doing a standard 6.x:1 will work just fine. DD22's etc are where a low ratio/IPT reel is a real benefit.

4600C3 around 120 great cranking reel and will last forever..

Search and try to find an Alderbaran. For another thirty bones you can pick up an Ss Sv.

Shimano bantam 100 haha at least that's the only 5:1 reel I own....

There are two more contenders:

 

Calcutta

Zillion Crazy Cranker

 

Those two would be the finest, Zillions are very fine reels so in my mind, yes it´s worth the extra cash but if you are finding a Chronarch for $170 it´s no brainer, get the Chronarch.

You can probley find a Shimano Curado 201B5 for around $80 & it will work just fine.

Own the 201e5 Chronarch as well as 6 and 7 awesome reel!!!

E series Shimano will be fine. However the 5x ratio I find to be too slow for anything other than deep cranking. I would go with at least a 6x.

The Lew's Super Duty is a very nice heavy crank'n reel in  5.4:1 @ 23 IPT and very comfortable to palm, well below $175.00 I am very happy with mine.

Since when 5.0 gear ratio is "too slow for anything else" ? Damit, I' ve been doing things wrong since 1980 and all those thousands of fish, including my first 10+ lb, my 13.86 lber PB and a few more 10+ lbers never knew.

Raul, I sent you a friend request on the strength of that post alone!

Since when 5.0 gear ratio is "too slow for anything else" ? Damit, I' ve been doing things wrong since 1980 and all those thousands of fish, including my first 10+ lb, my 13.86 lber PB and a few more 10+ lbers never knew.

I know right! Geez... 5:1 Gear is great for most everything.... In fact, I hear so many people say they can't get bit throwing senkos or certain baits, I always feel like it's more of a over speed issue than anything, oh well, there are those of us who know different.

I love my older Ambassadeur models.  I find that when I use newer, reels with faster speeds, my crankbaits start misbehavin', my spinnerbaits start layin' on their sides, and my slow worm retrieves ain't so slow.

 

I have a small handful of things that I'll go faster than a 21 or 23ipt retrieve for, but those are very limited. 

 

From here on out, I'm also going to stop talking about gearing and start talking in IPT. 

 

As far as I can tell, my old Ambassadeur reels with 4.7:1 gears and the wider spools pull in about as much line as a 5.4:1 low profile, and stay more consistent due to the wide spool.  Line depth doesn't vary nearly as much as on these newer reels.

 

The 4.7:1 Ambassadeurs pull 22" to 24" per turn with full spools.

 

The next reel purchase, after I get done with this very nice 5000c I traded for here on this forum, will be a 5500c3, I think.  That will give me a faster retrieve with the consistency I want for the times I need it.  I have a 5600Mag and it's just a bit larger than I prefer for most things.

 

Regards,

 

Josh

Isn't it neat how we get crazy over silly details.....I love this stuff!

Hootie

Isn't it neat how we get crazy over silly details.....I love this stuff!

Hootie

Lol!! Yep it is! Still fun though!