I need a new reel to pair up with my St.Croix legend glass 7'4" MH rod. I have read that you need a 5 gear ratio reel or else you will be extemely fatigued. Can I get away with a 6.2/6.3:1? That is the lowest I can find on most reels I see. What reel would you guy go for with my budget and what I need? I have been considering the Curado DC, but I'm not really sold on the DC technology. Should I go for the k over the DC? Or any other suggestions?

Are you going to be using large deep diving cranks? If so, the lower ratio reels would be helpful. But if you are planning to use mid depth cranks, 6 or 6.5 ratio should be fine.

Revo winch is my favorite

Tatula Elite

 

   The fatigue comes from fighting against the lure's resistance. If you retrieve slowly or retrieve a lure that does not have high resistance, then a 6-something ratio reel will be just fine.

   As always, though, it can be wise to look to the future.         jj

You’ll be fine with a 6.1, I’m a big fan of both the curado k and the dc. I like the dc, helps get every inch out of your cast which can be very helpful with cranks but the K is going to do a great job as well.

20 hours ago, BassCats said:

Revo winch is my favorite

I’m pretty much a Shimano guy but I’ve been fish a Garcia setup with the Revo Winch. I like it so much I’m in the process of getting another exact setup or very close to it. The Winch Series Rods to me are more of a moderate action which is what I’m looking for. But to each his own.  

 

A Shimano Curado 200K runs about $180

One with a 6.2:1 ratio will provide all the power you need.

 

Roger

7'4" MH glass crankbait rod you will be limited to the size and weight of crankbaits the rod can handle effectively. What lures do you plan to make long casts with? The rod is rated 3/8-1 oz.

Size 100 or 200 low profile reels have small diameter spools. The IPT is reduce up to 50% at 50 yard casting distance about 40% at 40 yards. Reel gear ratio isn't as important as IPT during the retrieve.

Tom

PS, Shimano 300 Tranx 5:8.1 eliminates the IPT issue.

I have three choices for you. Slightly over your budget is a 18 Bantam MGL PG. It's available in a 5.5 ratio. The PG models are only available now from Japan. Available from Digitaka for $273.71 with free shipping. It's the JDM version. I have two PG's I use just for cranking & they are great. 2nd choice is a Scorpion MGL 150 in 6.2:1. It's $203.87 from Digitaka with free shipping. The JDM scorpion is the JDM version of the curado. 3rd choice is a USD Curado 200K in 6.2:1 its available for around $180 like RoLo suggested. You need to check the specs on all three to determine how much line capacity you will need based on what type of line diameter you plan on using. The DC reels are nice if you want to go with a curado DC or Scorpion JDM model.    

Lews bb1 in 5.1 is what I use on my deep divers can be bought for about $120