i'm looking into getting a new baitcast set-up and am trying to decide what to get. i currently have two 7:1 Curados and an old Team Daiwa 6.3:1. i'm not really interested in getting a bunch of job specific set-ups so i was wondering what else besides deep cranking do you use a 5:1 reel? i saw that skeet used a 5:1 to slow down his spinnerbait in the classic. i only fish a couple of lakes where deep cranking is an option but that could change as i expand on which tournaments i fish. if i am going to have 4 baitcasting set-ups (plus 2 spinning) is it smart to buy something more versatile like a 6.3:1? any one use a 5:1 for shallow (7 ft or less) cranking? thanks for any help.

15 years ago, 5:1 was "high speed."  I like it for quite a few applications - mostly reaction style baits.  For worming and jigging, I prefer a faster reel.

Hard jerkbaits, medium to deep cranks, and IMO that is about all it's good for.

6.3.1 is perfect for just about everything cept' maybe buzzbaits which I never fish....The 7.1's are good for rattle baits, and jigs/worms/other contact baits.

15 years ago, 5:1 was "high speed."

I remember watching a "Uncle Homer" video when I was a kid and when he addressed gear ratios he held up his hand and said five was the magic number. I used to trow buzzbaits on a five to one with no problem, had to crank a little faster but it was not like it was hard to do.