Not much help on the reels but as far as ratios, for me it’s a question of perfect v. practical which is self defined.  In my hands, the 6:8 would be more versatile but the 5:8 would be more ideal (all the lures you named are in the medium to deep category).  Outside of deep cranks (5:1, wide spool) and bottom contact (8:1), I think all of my reels are either 7:1 or 7.4.  In a perfect world, I would have the ideal ratios for every technique.  Since that is not practical, I stay relatively close and just adjust retrieval speed accordingly.

23 hours ago, RDB said:

Not much help on the reels but as far as ratios, for me it’s a question of perfect v. practical which is self defined.  In my hands, the 6:8 would be more versatile but the 5:8 would be more ideal (all the lures you named are in the medium to deep category).  Outside of deep cranks (5:1, wide spool) and bottom contact (8:1), I think all of my reels are either 7:1 or 7.4.  In a perfect world, I would have the ideal ratios for every technique.  Since that is not practical, I stay relatively close and just adjust retrieval speed accordingly.

This is very good advice...that's why I think that I'm going to go with the SLX w/ a 6.3:1 gear ratio that I can probably use also for squarebills, lipless crankbaits, and jerkbaits.

On 3/30/2021 at 8:31 AM, Bankc said:

So for me, any reel I own needs to have externally adjustable brakes

Agree...99% of the time it’s the only control I touch.

 

On 3/30/2021 at 8:31 AM, Bankc said:

The Lew's BB-1 has the old style anti-reverse, but don't have an externally adjustable brake.

The only Lew’s I own and it’s on my deep crank rod.

Just started cranking myself. I have an Abu Orra Winch 5.4.1 $100 reel and an Abu Vendetta Winch Rod that cost $75. Many other options out there but I LOVE my Winch. I'd budget 300 bucks. Spend 200 on the setup and 100 on the tackle and CB's. It's what I did. No regrets. Got everything I wanted and didn't destroy my bank account.