Wanting to purchase a Tournament Pro for medium divers /chatterbaits maybe some square bill work. The 2 ratios offered are 6.8:1 and 7.5:1. I’m finding mixed advice when researching....maybe I’m overthinking? Thank you in advance for feedback!

6.8:1 (28IPT) is a little faster than I like for crankbaits, but that's the one I'd pick out of the pair.

 

When I was a kid, 5:1 was a popular reel ratio, which ultimately gave way to 6:1.

Even today, I still regard 6:1 as the epicenter, though speeds to 8:1 are common.

 

I'm an old man, yet I still have full control over my cranking speed,

and still opt for a 6:1 ratio for everything. There's a lot to be said for 'familiarity',

and learning the required compensation and nuances and ONE tool.

 

Roger

6.8:1

I f those are the only ones you would consider then go with the 6.8:1. I would get a Lews BB1 in 5.1:1 ratio or about 21" IPT.

I don’t have any reels that slow.  I’d rather slow my cranking to match the bait than have a slow reel.

I was looking at the Tournament Pro on the Sportsman's Outfitters sales. A lot of reels/ratios are sold out. There is a BB 1 in like a 6.4:1 available. (Left handed)

I believe that reel ratio isn't a big deal for most techniques.  It's more personal preference than necessity.  There are some exceptions, like you'll want a high speed reel for buzzbaits so they don't sink immediately, and a low speed reel for deep diving crankbaits or anytime you need lots of torque.  But for most applications, I've found that it's not hard to speed up or slow down a retrieve with most reels to get the results you're looking for.

 

The difference between a 6.8:1 and 7.5:1 is pretty small.  The higher speed reel basically saves you slightly over one turn for every six full turns with the slower reel.  Personally, those two ratios are interchangable to me.

 

Now I'm not saying that you wouldn't enjoy one over the other.  I'm just saying that either ratio would probably work well for you, and neither one would likely cost you any fish, with some slight adjustment on your part.  So I wouldn't lose any sleep over this.  

I would go with the slowest available. I like ratios in the 5s for cranking and big spinnerbaits.  IMO anything over 6’s makes it feel like the reel is working too hard.  The 6.8:1 would work for everything just fine. 

I don't think you are overthinking it - reels are expensive.  Something in the middle 6 range would be good for those.  You can use it for a multitude of other baits if you don't like it.

1 hour ago, cottny27 said:

I would go with the slowest available. I like ratios in the 5s for cranking and big spinnerbaits.  IMO anything over 6’s makes it feel like the reel is working too hard.  The 6.8:1 would work for everything just fine. 

I'm the same way.

Most reels are either 5's or 7's.

5's for all my crankbaits, spinnerbaits and chatterbaits.

 7's for worms/jigs, topwaters and jerkbaits.

Not sure what your budget is, but I received a Abu Garcia Revo X in 5.4:1 left hand for Christmas 2 years ago and was overall pleased with it last year.