im lazy, and am going to add 2 more rods/reels to the collection one for worms, and another strictly for texas rig senkos. instead of constantly changing hooks etc.

I been looking at the bps pro qualifier, and it comes in 3 different gear speeds. do you generally want a slower speed or faster? appreciate any help/advice.

I like a 6.4:1 for senkos and worms. Reel faster if you need to, reel slower. 5.4:1 is too slow to reel up the slack and set the hook. I think 6.4:1 is just right for me.

I mainly use a Shimano core 101mg for senkos. It has 6.2:1 ratio and works great for all of my soft plastic.

I like faster reels for feel techniques where you  use the rod for action.  Either the 6.4 or 7.1 will work.  Anything slower are for cranking and big spinnerbaits.

I agree with anything in the 6.1-6.4 range. The only thing I use a faster reel for is when I'm target fishing. Once I'm past the target it gets me in ant too mu next one quicker. Slower is just going to result in either lost or gut hooked fish.

I like faster rods for those presentations, something in 7's or at least the 6's.  Save the 5's for crankbaits.

The 6's can be used for anything in my opinion.  Can't go wrong with those.  

Retrieve speed doesn't matter too much to me, though faster reels are convenient when you want to get a bait in fast to make another cast. Otherwise, the rod moves the fish, and I've never felt any reel was too slow. Mine all range from 5.8 - 7.1:1.

I like a faster reel to make sure I can always catch up to fish.  It doesn't have much to do with reeling in quickly to make another cast, although that is an added benefit.

That's a good reason. I'm on the trolling motor as soon as I hook a fish. Some times it helps when they bum rush the boat. Somewhere I have a great video of me fighting a decent steelhead in bass gear and the the thing jumps, does a 180, and tears off straight at me and the past the boat in the other side. It took what seemed forever to catch up with all the slack. I don't know how it stayed buttoned. Not really related, but you reminded me of that fish. Carry on!

I've had many a Bass take my Senko and make a Bee line toward deeper water. I have started to use 7 speed reels because of this. It helps to catch up to the fish. My 2 cents worth.

I have PQs in both 6.4:1 and 7.1:1. I don't notice much difference in them when it comes to contact baits. I use the higher speed for jigs, worms, and frogs in the slop, and the 6.4:1 for everything else.

Anything 6.2 or higher

I prefer 7s for most things.

Jerbaits i like a 6.2 or 6.4 and i like a 6.2 or less for crankbaits....unless they are lipless

I like a fast reel for everything except deep cranks.... 6.4 or higher.

Something fast

I'd say go with something in the 7.1:1 range.

I use 7:0 and faster for plastics, jerkbaits, and topwater. Only thing i throw on a slower ratio is crankbaits.

For palstics and finesse 6:1 or 7:1, if deep water or long cast are frequent 7:1, but very little difference in IPT with either one.

I like faster reels for feel techniques where you  use the rod for action.  Either the 6.4 or 7.1 will work.  Anything slower are for cranking and big spinnerbaits.

+1 ...What masterbass stated .

Whatever your comfortable with.