Which gear ratio do you guys prefer for a frog reel?

How many IPT for each?   

I use a 7.1.1

I guess what I'm asking is what might an 8.1 give you that a 7.3 won't?  IPT being the same, I'm quite confident that I couldn't tell you the difference between the two blindfolded.  However, if the conventional wisdom is that higher ratios mean a 'power' sacrifice, I can't imagine that you'd need an 8.1 over a 7.3 --- IF it means you can't slice your braid through spatterdock as well.....or haul in a half-cove of salad as easily. To me, it seems to be splitting hairs, but admittedly, I can't tell the difference....so what am I doing posting here, slonez?

I personally don't have much slack when frog fishing. In fact the slack I do have helps the bass take frog. If you are tossing jigs spoons and punch rigs and fall on slack line, then 8+ is more useful.

I'd have to agree with the IPT on the reel to decide what reel I want.  For instance, I have 2 reels, one 7:1, the other 6:6.1 both pick up 28" of line.  Now I also have smaller reels (***'s) in the 8:1 ratio that pick up 31" per turn and then a EXO 7;3.1 that picks up the same amount.  So after all that, look at the IPT and find something that picks up approx 29-34" IPT in the reel you like and go fishing. 

The 7.3 is 29 IPT, and the 8.1 is 32 IPT.

Go with 8.1.1, with a Heavy power rod and that reel you can get that fish out of the salad quickly. You don't want the fish to run back into cover so the 32 IPT will help.

id go with 8 just because keeping tension on the hook is, in my opinion, maybe the most important aspect of frog fishing, so slack should be avoided in any way possible.

8.1, the faster the better for frogging.

7.x would be my choice. 

8.1, the faster the better for frogging.

 

I totally agree. I caught about 25 yesterday on frog and many ran warp speed right at me after the hook set. I had a Metanium XG and was able to tighten the slack quickly, saved me a few fish. I am totally sold on faster reels for froggin. By the way yesterday was a GREAT day of froggin for us.

I prefer as fast as I can get. But I use a 5.3:1 Johnny Morris reel because it's the best reel wit the best drag that I have. I can tighten it all the way down. I have a 7.1:1 BPS Clunn series reel, but the drag is weak to the point I use it for treble lures like topwaters and cranks.