I'm too big a of a sissy to use high gear ratio on deep cranks. they wear me out!

Quantum Smoke HD 5.1:1

I would like to see someone cover as much water as I do with a 10xd / Cloud 9 C25 on a 8.1

No one has mentioned the shimano tranx


its a 5.81 ratio that due to spool size moves the line of a 7.1

Curado 200E5

Pretty sure a well known crankbaiting TX pro has said he prefers a faster reel.

I don't have arms like Popeye.. so I use a Revo Winch 5.1:1

Watch Timmy Horton videos on cranking.. he points the rod at the bait to minimize the strain on his wrists.. works for me.

BD

It�s easier to make a fast reel go slow than a slow reel go fast.

That said, I use a Shimano Curado I 200PG 5.5-1 on 12-14 pound test depending on the circumstances. Works for me.

This is my go to

5:1 in your favorite reel...go try one and see what feels best.

This is exactly right. The Revo is a good reel also but it does not fit my hand as well as the BB1 so I sold the Revo.

David Fritz always said to use a 4.4-1 gear ratio for deep cranks, KVD said he uses a 5.3-1 for all his cranks in a youtube video, and Keith Combs likes to crank with a 6-1, so it is up to you to choose what you like best. I like a 5-1 gear ratio for deep divers.


I would love to watch someone crank a 10XD with an 8-1 gear ratio reel for a couple of hours and see how they feel after that.

I sold all but 1 of my 5.2:1 gear ratio reels. I use a 5 gear for 10XD's and a 6.3:1 for DD22/6XD and then a 7.1:1 for DT10 and shallower. For me, After re-tying 15-20 times with a 5.2:1 gear ratio reel you have taken off enough line to gear down to a 3 or 4:1, so I stick with a 6.3:1. Same with a faster reel for smaller cranks. The more line you take off, it will still keep up.