Let’s talk about speed, reels have 3 Slow, Medium and Fast and like anything these have different applications. A slow speed reel would be a reel with a gear ratio of 5:1. This reel speed is ideal for Crankbait fishing. Allowing to reach the lures max depth and give you superior feel of the lure in the water. The Next speed is Medium which is a 6:1 ratio. This is a work horse of a reel between all 3 so it is the most universal. This reel is perfect for Spinnerbaits, Jerkbaits, Swimming jigs, Topwater baits and more. This reel is perfect for being able to move between different presentations, as it will manage slow, and then fast. Fast is the reel ratio of around 7:1. These reels are perfect for flippin and pitching or worming. Anything that requires you to work the bait for a short while then hustling it in to get to the next presentation. Another great application of the fast reel is if you have a fish hooked and it is charging you. You can catch up quick and with a fast reel this allows you to keep that needed tension on the line at all times
So how do they come up with gear ratio? This is found by taking the number of teeth on the large gear and dividing it by the teeth on the smaller gear. For example if you have a large gear with 70 teeth and a small gear with 10 teeth you have a 7:1 ratio reel.
Maybe I am dense I am still confused, I get was 7:1 means but what is 7.4:1 mean. The 7 and the 7.4 are the same information the number of times the spool turns with each single turn if the reel handle. So it is simple the number in the front (6, 4, 4.2, 7.1, or 5.4) is simple the number of turns of the spool as you crack the handle of the reel “1” time. And there it is the last number in the ratio 1.
So that brings us to the next important part of understanding reel ratio the IPT. As explained earlier the IPT is inches per turn or a measure of how much line is recovered onto the spool with a single handle turn. This is the last piece of the puzzle in understanding what you are getting for your money. The width and depth of the spool has a lot to do with the overall performance of the reel. So if you are look at all parts of the reel not just the ratio but the line recovery as well you will be able to truly know what your reel is really meant for.
By: J. Bernier
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