I'm looking to pick up a rod and reel combo for throwing 10XDs. I've got a good handle on what I'm looking for in a rod but I'm wide open for a reel. What's your opinion on gear ratio? Is a low 5:X:X ratio a must have? Is extra line capacity needed or can a shimano 200 sized reel hold enough line for say 12 or 14lb FC? As for rods I'm looking at the 13 crankenstein, Cashion 10xd, Dobyns 805/806, but all suggestions will be considered. I'm also interested in how different reels balance on the rod. Thanks in advance!

I use a 3rd Gen Revo Winch, 12lb Invisx, on a Falcon Cara Composite Cranker II.   Smooth and easy.... A 200 sized Shimano will hold more than enough line, probably close to 115-120 yards of 12lb line.     The Dobyns 805 CB is a very balanced rod despite its length.  Most 200 sized reels will feel nice on it.

I know on Ky. Lake guys are using 300e & or 300te reels... Couldn't speak to the rods, I don't recall really... It's a beast of a bait though. I have used/ owned 300d & e reels.. Lotsa power for those high resistance baits, as well as speed..300te's are harder to find, in great shape anyways...

Pinnacle DHC7 series are on sale for $228.88 right now.

The Pinnacle Primmus makes for a beautiful combination.

 

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/review-dhc7-primmus.html

 

 

 

 

As mentioned above, I'm using a Curado 301E on a Cumara umbrella rig rod. The combo handles them exceptionally well.  

A 300 size Shimano is unnecessary in my opinion. I throw them on a Curado 200E5 and have also thrown them on a Lew's BB1 and both work great. I also would suggest throwing them on 10 lb fluoro to help really get them down there and the 806cb is an awesome rod to throw them on!

The only time I used a 10xd was at this years Bass Resource's roadtrip on Wilson Lake this past April.

I picked up a Phenix X11 composite, paired it with a Jm Sig reel, spooled with 12# Yo Zuri which balanced it perfectly.

Mike