I use 6.8 Lews reels. If you get the 94 mm handle it makes it easier.the key to cranking with a higher speed reel is to pull the bait with the rod then reel in the slack.Roland Martin said he uses 8 to 1 sometimes. I know guys who fish cranks with spinning rods also. They have higher IPT in most cases than baitcasters. They all seem to do it by moving the bait with the rod then reeling in the slack.