every crank thred i feel like a broken record. lol.

youre not really looking to slow your retrieve with a lower gear ratio reel when DEEP cranking. youre looking to reel that 3/4oz crank through 19ft of water all day without youre arm falling off. the resistance requires more torque.

just like youre car shifting down to go up a hill. same thing.

if youre looking to throw mid to shallow cranks youll do fine with youre citica. actually itll do fine for deep cranking too if you dont mind wearing yourself out. its just easier and more comfortable to use a lower ratio to deep crank.

*sigh* 

Thanks for the suggestions.

If I went with a whole new rod and reel, what would be a good technique to use with my current setup?

I like the 5:1 for all cranks. But you could use whatever ratio you want you just have to slow down the retrieve. A good size rod is 7' it adds distance to your cast compared to 6'or 6'-6", this is helpful when your casting light cranks like griffons. Medium is a good power. I use a kistler mag/ crank rattle and roll and curado E5

How has the Kistler Mag/CRR worked for you?

Dude the Kistler Mag rod is the shizit teamed up with Revo Premier. My favorite set up.