It's all about personal preference. Most of my reels are 8.1. I find it easy to slow down and I am usually moving bats with the rod. I also find it easier to slow down with spinners as I get direct feedback. If I were you, I would be grabbing the 7.1, especially since your IPT will be reduced on long cast....Truth be told, my only slower reels are for deep crankbaits and large swimmers. That is just what I prefer.....No right or wrong with questions like this