I know the the bigger the number means it reels in the line faster. i was wondering whats the benefits to using a 7:1 1 to a 6:4 1. like is one better for crankbaits or worms? also which reel would work better on a medium rod or a medium heavy rod?

I.P.T (Inches per turn)is what you should be looking at. Worm fishing = a higher I.P.T.

Cranks = a lower I.P.T.

Whatever reel you end up with should be put on differant rods to see which ones balance out together the best.You can do this in the store.

I'm using a Revo STX with a 7.1:1 ratio fishing with plastics and I think its working great. Most people go with the lower ratio for plastics, but I'm really liking the higher ratio so far. I had read on line on other forums saying its always easier to slow down your retrieve with a higher ratio than the other way around.

I had recently sold my Revo S's so I could upgrade and decided on the higher ratio STX. If I didn't like it, I could buy a lower ratio and switch rods.

I'm noticing the higher ratio picks up the line faster when the line is slacked and I feel I'm getting more hookups now. Keep in mind that I'm fishing a very slow/finesse presentation and it seems to work great for me.

Brian

Personal preference really factors here. I like a high speed reel for lures that I move with the manipulation of the rod, i.e., plastics, jigs and jerkbaits. I pick slack up quick and retrieve the lure faster for the next presentation. Lures I move via the reel, like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, buzz frogs and so on, I like a slower or less IPT ratio. For lures that generate a lot of resistance in the water, I like a ratio that provides the torque to save my wrists and hands from fatigue. I have found applications for 7.1 to 1, 6.4 to 1 and 5.4 to 1 and cover it all with those ratios or IPT retrieve rates. But that's just me. Efficiency, Effectiveness and Effort.