7.5:1 Gearing

[Heron]

Just saw that one of my favorite reels is now offered in a 7.5:1 gear ratio.

 

It begs the question - Is that in some way too fast, for practical usage?   It seems so.  I prefer the 7.1 but thats just personal preference, and even that seems quite fast.

 

But of course, this particular reel is not offered in the 7.1

[F14A-B]

What reel? Baitcast? Spinning? For Flipping and general jig/ trig work I like the speed... With bigger gear sets you don't loose power anymore. I should say mostly....

[Heron]

What reel? Baitcast? Spinning? For Flipping and general jig/ trig work I like the speed... With bigger gear sets you don't loose power anymore. I should say mostly....

Baitcasting reel. Lews Speed Spool LFS.

[David P]

Never too fast.. My Revo Rockets are 9.0:1 and wish even they'd be slightly faster. Flipping, Pitching, Jig fishing, Senkos, Poppers, Spooks, Buzzbaits, Frogs, the list goes ON. 7.5 is not all that fast. What is the IPT (Inches Per Turn) on the reel you're considering?

[ABW]

More like not fast enough. Go ahead and buy it. I'm sure you'll barely notice any difference jumping from 7:1 to 7:5.1

[Master Bait'r]

I don't understand how people seem unable to simply turn the handle slower.

[Catch and Grease]

I don't understand how people seem unable to simply turn the handle slower.

Some people can just be more comfortable with slower gear ratios, people that like to reel like a madman go with slower ratios and the people that don't mind slowing down can go fast. Some people like slower ratios because they tend to reel to fast and it helps them slow down.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

All else being equal, a .4 increase in the gear ratio is not that drastic. About the same as a 6.5:1 and a 7:1. The catch is that all else isn't equal in many cases. That's why knowing IPT is important. 

[Heron]

All else being equal, a .4 increase in the gear ratio is not that drastic. About the same as a 6.5:1 and a 7:1. The catch is that all else isn't equal in many cases. That's why knowing IPT is important. 

Agreed, it doesnt seem that drastic.   Now that I know there exists reels geared for 9.1.   I havent found the IPT yet, but I would suspect not much more than an additional 4-6 inches.    We shall see. 

[doyle8218]

I don't understand how people seem unable to simply turn the handle slower.

Agreed.

[aavery2]

All of the current model Lews 7.1:1 reels move 31 inches of line per turn.  If you divide the IPT by gear ratio, the result is how much line the spool moves on one rotation.   31 / 7.1 = 4.366.  If you take 4.366 and multiply it by the new gear ratio it will give you the new IPT if the spool is the same size.     4.366 X 7.5 = 32.7.  Probably will be advertised as a 33 IPT reel.

[Heron]

All of the current model Lews 7.1:1 reels move 31 inches of line per turn.  If you divide the IPT by gear ratio, the result is how much line the spool moves on one rotation.   31 / 7.1 = 4.366.  If you take 4.366 and multiply it by the new gear ratio it will give you the new IPT if the spool is the same size.     4.366 X 7.5 = 32.7.  Probably will be advertised as a 33 IPT reel.

Sounds acceptable.  Thanks for the math. 

[Arv]

I wouldn't worry about it. ..

[greentrout]

Is anyone suggesting a reel of 7:5 has the torque and power of a reel 5:1?

 

Old school basser....

[aavery2]

Is anyone suggesting a reel of 7:5 has the torque and power of a reel 5:1?

 

Old school basser....

7.5:1 vs 5.1:1  ?

[Heron]

I wouldn't worry about it. ..

Agreed

[Sam]

Actually, there are two considerations to take into context when purchasing a new reel.

 

1.  The time of year and water temperature.

2.  Personal preference.

 

Time of Year and Water Temperature

You want a slower or faster retrieve depending on water temperature.  Once the water begins to cool in the late fall, winter plus early spring a slower retrieve may be best in the waters you fish. As the water temperature rises above 80* the bass become more active and a faster retrieve is needed.

 

Personal Preference

Some people like a fast retrieve all year in all conditions. In Florida, along the Gulf Coast and into Texas you can use a slow and fast retrieve all year, depending on your bait. Up in the frozen north one usually follows the "slow in winter - fast in summer patterns." In California anything goes.

 

So depending on the time of year; water temperature; and bait selection you need a varied arsenal of reels and rods to fish the many techniques and baits on the market.

 

The Bait Monkey awaits you!