I'm on the fence if I need a slow gear ratio, 5.2:1 or medium gear 6.3:1 or high speed 7.1:1.

 

I'll be using 6" Hudds, S-Waver 168, Whopper Plopper 130, 6" Spro BBZ1 and so on. 

 

What would be a good all around swimbait gear ratio? What reel are you using also?

 

Im using a 7.3:1 for swimbaits up to 8.5"

Are you able to run a swimsuit that fast that a 7.3 is necessary? Maybe I just ought to re-think things!

It's IPT that counts, swimbait reels have a slightly larger spool diameter generally (unless you use a Tatula HD or something).  A 6.? Will pull in more than enough line for most baits/applications.

Forgive my acronym ignorance. IPT

 

Just a dumb airhead here!

2 hours ago, XpressJeff said:

Forgive my acronym ignorance. IPT

 

Just a dumb airhead here!

 

 Inches Per Turn. The amount of line picked up with 1 turn of the reel handle.

 

Mine is a 5.8:1. Not sure what the inches per turn is. I'd say it really depends, if you are a patient person who can reel as slow as they need to and stay sane then the higher gear ratios might be fine for you. If you are like me and need a little help in that department when slow crawling hudds and other soft plastics then the 5 or 6 speed reel might be better. 

A 6.1 seams to be the best of both worlds, also let's me use a heavier top water on the same rod

I have a 5.0 for Hudds and slow moving soft baits, then a 6.2 and a 6.4 I use for everything else.