Looking into one of these but which ratio?  I heard the 8.1 has brass gears which is why is weighs slightly more but does the brass matter at that higher ratio and does the 6.3 have aluminum gears then?  Looking for a reel for jerk baits, spinnerbaits, jigs, worms, senkos, and topwater.  Maybe an occasional small crank (DT6, Bandit 200, Norman, etc.).  Thanks for any/all help and best wishes on the water!

I have a lot of 6.3 reels including 2 steez one original and one ex.  I don't ever need more speed but those that fish tournaments want that extra speed for more casts.  I don't use mine for topwater and sometimes you need a little speed.  The 6.3 is a good all around speed and I think the 7.1 zillions I have are great for frogs.  If I was trying to fish as many different baits as you listed I would go 6.3.

I have a 7:1 and I use it for a lot of different setups. You can always slow down if needed..

I have a natural slow hand so I enjoy my 8, but if I was looking for something universal the 6 or 7 would get the call

Only you can choose which one is going to be better. 

I always opt for faster reels.  My line of thinking is that it's easier to learn to slow your hand down while imparting action than it is to wind like a rabid wild man back to the boat when you're trying to hurry to the next cast.  

 

Also for topwater you you really want to be able to take up slack if you're walking the dog quickly.  Same with jigs- no such thing as a reel too fast for jigs IMO.