Is 6.4:1 or 7.0:1 better for cranking?

Neither are ideal, but I guess it depends on how deep the cranks are.

Out of those two, definitely the 6.4.  I personally don't like anything over 5.

Out of those two, definitely the 6.4. I personally don't like anything over 5.

x2

I always use 6.4, unless im throwing only deep cranks then ill go to a slower speed reel.

Out of those two, definitely the 6.4. I personally don't like anything over 5.

I also like to stick with the slower stuff.

The 6.4:1 will serve you well as a basic crankbait reel. However, like stated above, if you want to get serious about deep cranking you might want to go to a slower gear ratio. With the added torque, it will make the deep running bait easier to get down to it's running depth, and easier to keep it down there.

I personally can't stand 5:1 reels for cranking like so many guys recommend. I actually use a 7.0:1 instead. 6.4 Isn't bad for all around, but I personally love the high speeds for everything, including all of my cranking. It takes a bit more work when deep cranking, but I feel much more comfortable using a high speed reel for all cranking.

Lot of it is preference, but I hate how fast I have to reel slower reels when I want to fish them fast. Much easier for me to slow down, than it is to speed up.

  If you're unsure, and like most people, the 6.4 is probably a better bet. If you're going to use it specifically on that one rod, it's also not a bad idea to go with a 6.4. I switch all my reels around on different rods, which also is another reason I have all high speed reels.

Out of those two, definitely the 6.4. I personally don't like anything over 5.

x2

X3.

I personally can't stand 5:1 reels for cranking like so many guys recommend. I actually use a 7.0:1 instead. 6.4 Isn't bad for all around, but I personally love the high speeds for everything, including all of my cranking. It takes a bit more work when deep cranking, but I feel much more comfortable using a high speed reel for all cranking.

Lot of it is preference, but I hate how fast I have to reel slower reels when I want to fish them fast. Much easier for me to slow down, than it is to speed up.

If you're unsure, and like most people, the 6.4 is probably a better bet. If you're going to use it specifically on that one rod, it's also not a bad idea to go with a 6.4. I switch all my reels around on different rods, which also is another reason I have all high speed reels.

X2. I've stated the same thing on other threads. The last 5 something to 1 reel I owned drove me nuts.

IMO fast reels are good for slow fishing (jigs, worms, senkos etc). Slow reels are good for fast fishing (cranks and spinnerbaits).

You through a crank or a spinner bait all day with a fast reel and you'll feel it. There is no power to move a heavy bait with drag on it.

6.4

6 or 7 but I'm starting to prefer 7 for most everything.  I can always slow down but Its a pain to speed up.

6:1 for tip-down...7:1 for tip-up.

i tend to lose fish on the slower reels.