I have seen the ipt mentioned in a lot of threads but in this case has no critical change to my issue.  The sv103 uses the same spool as the steez and those are the reels I use most.  Even my regular zillions have a simular size spool.  I can see how some people might not understand or even be comparing simular reels.

It is hard to say for sure, but my hookup ratio this year is significantly better than last with long cast with Jig and plastics with my 8/1's.....to the point that I am getting 2 more.

Bottom line for me.

All plastics get 8's

Top water and swimmers get 7's

 All CB get 6's

I am a recreational fisherman and should care less about the pro's, but in this case they opened my eyes and I tried for myself and liked.

 

Note, most of my plastic movement is rod related, but the 8's help me set the hook set, I am not concerned with the fast retrieve.........

 

So I was in a tournament last Wednesday, I had 4 rods with me as a co-angler.  (3 bc and 1 sp)  2 of the 3 were 6 gear ratios for all around, while the 3rd was a 7 ratio for plastics/jigs.  I have 3 XG (8 Ratio) reels, I would never use them for general purpose nor would I use the 7 ratio as a general purpose, either.   I find the 7 and 8 gear ratios were way too fast for a lot of techniques, I know people argue get the faster one and "slow down".  I don't want to focus on "slowing down", I want to focus on catching fish, enjoying the scenery/nature, relax and have fun.  No need to make "work".

50 minutes ago, lmbfisherman said:

I don't want to focus on "slowing down", I want to focus on catching fish, enjoying the scenery/nature, relax and have fun.  No need to make "work".

That's what it has to boil down to and why there's no one "right answer" that fits everyone.