I’m sure this thread has been made before, but I just wanted to know what setup everyone likes to throw Alabama rigs on. I have a 7’11” XH Lews Custom Pro with a Lew’s Custom Black 7.1:1. Wondering if I’ll shear my gear splines being underpowered. Thanks for any advice

Won't strip your gears but will be some heavy cranking after a few casts. I use a 6.6:1 ratio and it feels like I'm reeling a deep diving crankbait after a while.

I use a REVO WINCH.

I use a Shimano rod that was designed for the A-rig, but it is no longer made. I bought 2 of them so I have a spare. On it I use a Lews Super Duty 5.4-1 gear ratio because I always throw a 5 wire A-rig. 65# test braid.

Is the Winch a 300 size or a heavy duty reel? I’m unfamiliar with Abu Products

I use a Cara C-rig rod with a 6.3 Tatula. Works good at Rayburn where you might have to reel a little faster to keep the A-rig above the grass.

I use a 6:4:1 Lews Super Duty

Dobyns 795 with a Curado 200K 7.2:1. Sounds like the a-rigs I use aren't as heavy as some, reel handles it just fine. I usually throw 3 teasers and 3 1/8oz heads, bladed 6 wire Hog Farmer Tactical rig.

I want the fast ratio because I use a lot of reel twitches where I want the rig to contract, move fast then expand like a fleeing school.

It is similar to a 200 size

Seems like I need a 200-300 size reel then. At least it would probably making fishing one a more enjoyable experience

yeah, you want a low gear ratio reel. Whatever manufacturer you like. The Lews superduty or Winch are both 5.4 ratio and quality reels and about the same cost.

I spend a bunch of time throwing A rigs when I'm not throwing swimbaits or deep diving crankbaits and I use them same set-ups. For larger A rigs I'm using Tranx 301 HG on a Dobyns 795 SB and for medium size rigs I use the same reel on a Dobyns 805CB or 806CB rod. Like many guys I started out thinking I needed to throw them on a slower reel and a heavy rod but for me faster reels and more parabolic rods work MUCH better.