All of my reels I have are 6.3:1 or very close in gear ratio and I believe that I may be retrieving my crank baits too quickly. Having a lot of fish short strike my lures. I find it difficult to slow down my hand as it is just the speed that feels "natural" to retrieve at. So I think I would rather change reel ratios on my cranking rod than try and think every time about slowing down the retrieve and my hand. What ratio do you all prefer on a cranking reel?

5:4 for me

Do you use this ratio for all cranks? Deep diving and square bill/shallow alike?

5(?) for XD6's and bigger deeper cranks. 6:4/1 for all others, because for me (most of the time) I'm using the rod to move the crankbait once I get it into the cover and just picking up slack with the reel.

It depends on what I am cranking. I use a 6-1 for shallow cranks, 5.5-1 for mid, and 5-1 for deep divers.

I use Revo Winch reels for deep diving but 6.3:1 on shallow. A lot of it may just be marketing to get you to buy stuff you don't need. I read that you needed 5:1 ratios for cranking so I bought reels for this. Then I got to fish with Keith Combs and he doesn't use anything under 6:1. He is one of the best cranking pros out there. Your reels are fine for cranking. I think you should vary your retrieves, I don't constantly reel once I reach depth. If the fish want it they will get it. I would try changing colors if they are short striking you. Cheaper than new reels but it will become a comfort and confidence thing. If you believe your ratio is causing you missed fish then getting a low ratio reel may be the only way to gain confidence that you are doing what you need to.

I may pick up a 5.X:1 to have. I know that with my A-rig I could use it then and I can use it for deep divers but I'll at least give it a shot for my medium stuff too.