Looking to buy a new setup and can't settle on a gear ratio for the reel

[Glaucus]

I'm looking at a MH rod that I won't mind beating up on random adventures in some tough to reach places I like to go to. Between the car ride and walking through woods gear can take a beating. On these adventures I am also limited on what I can carry. Ideally this rod will throw spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, jigs, Texas rigs, whopper ploppers. I usually use a 6 for the moving baits and a 7 for baits I work with my rod. This rod will do a little of both. I can't settle on a 6.3 or a 7.3. Which do you think would suit me best for what I'm looking to get out of it?

[Jig Man]

My philosophy is I would rather slow down my retrieve than crank like I'm on fire so I opt for fast reels except for A rig setups then I want 5:1.

[CroakHunter]

7 or 8 speed for me

[The Bassman]

Either has its merits.  Years ago faster ratios tended to bog down under load. 7:1 doesn't feel much different than 6:1 these days. I do know with my spinning reels that have high IPT's I have to be careful not to retrieve certain lures at my normal cadence or they'll turn over. BC doesn't pick up line quite as fast because of spool size.

[Dieselfitter]

Go with a 7 to 7.4, sounds like you want a little versatility.   You can slow this down or speed it up and be in the ball park of a 5-6 or 8 gear ratio reel

[Mike L]

Comparing 5's to 8's is a big difference that should be considered. 

From 6's to 7's, the difference isn't enough to worry about for what you want to use it for. 

 

Anyway, all things being equal faster is more versatile 

 

 

 

Mike

[roadwarrior]

From the Home Page:

 

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/gear-ratios.html

 

[OnthePotomac]

6.2:1, or 6.3:1 and you are good to go.  My Curado 100B reels I bought 12 years ago were only in 6.2:1 and I used them for every technique under the sun.  Still use them constantly.

[redmeansdistortion]

I wouldn't pay much attention to gear ratio as I would retrieval rate (inches per turn).  A higher capacity spool with a deeper ratio will retrieve at a similar rate of a more shallow spool and higher ratio.  For instance, some casting reels, while they may have a 6:1 ratio retrieve at 30" per turn, and some 7:1 and even 8:1 reels retrieve at the same rate.  This is due to spool capacity.

[Log Catcher]

I would go with a 6:2:1 ratio or about 26" per handle turn. I find it easier to speed it up a little than forcing myself to slow down.

[Deleted account]

7 hours ago, Glaucus said:

I'm looking at a MH rod that I won't mind beating up on random adventures in some tough to reach places I like to go to. Between the car ride and walking through woods gear can take a beating. On these adventures I am also limited on what I can carry. Ideally this rod will throw spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, jigs, Texas rigs, whopper ploppers. I usually use a 6 for the moving baits and a 7 for baits I work with my rod. This rod will do a little of both. I can't settle on a 6.3 or a 7.3. Which do you think would suit me best for what I'm looking to get out of it?

For what you are describing, I don't think it will make a difference. If you were deciding between a 6 and an 8 (assuming the same model or IPT) might be worth giving some thought. I like to err on the slower side.

1 hour ago, redmeansdistortion said:

 This is due to spool capacity.

Diameter actually.

[Bankbeater]

I tend to lean to the faster ratios. It’s easier to take up the line when the fish makes a run straight at you. 

[FishTank]

If your looking for something that can take beating and be reliable (bullet proof) and have a in between retrieve, my mind thinks of round reels.  If I had to pick, the Abu Garcia C4 comes to mind.