As a lefty retriever, I often feel discouraged when trying to buy a new baitcasting reel. Only a few brands carry lefty reels with different gear ratio options. And often times, having a variety of gear ratios means buying different brands which isn't the end of the world.
i just learned that Duckett's 300 Series, which only retails for $129, is now available and is available in 5.3:1, 6.4:1, and 7.1:1 in lefty and righty! I'm going to order one to try it out. Hazzah! Maybe Duckett isn't "your" brand of reel, but I'm not judging them until try it out. I'll let you know what I think.