This is the information you need before you buy!
Understanding gear ratios in fishing reels will increase your efficiency and accuracy on the water while decreasing your stress level when faced with a big purchasing decision.
The gear ratio tells you how many times the spool turns in one revolution of the handle. The number before the colon denotes the rotations the spool makes per one complete turn. For instance, a 6.4:1 ratio means every time you turn the handle, the spool inside turns exactly 6.4 times. The larger the first number, the more line retrieved on each crank.
The faster the handle is turned, the faster the spool rotates. A reel with a gear ratio of 5.1:1 is going to be a much slower reel than one with a 7.1:1 gear ratio—the spool of a 5.1:1 reel will spin 5.1 times with each handle turn, while the 7.1:1 spool will turn 7.1 times with each handle turn.
Baitcast vs. Spinning Reels
Baitcast reels offer a wider range of gear ratios than spinning models. Most spinning reels feature a gear ratio of 5.2:1 to 6.2:1. Bait casting reels are for the more experienced anglers who want better control and accuracy. Gear ratios on most brands of baitcasting reels range from 5.0:1 to 9.1:1.
Types of Gear Ratio
Low gear ratio reels | 5.1:1 thru 5.4:1
The low gear ratios like 5.2:1 and 5.3:1 are great for fishing baits that pull hard likedeep crankbaits, big swimbaits, and deep water spinnerbaits. The low gear ratio helps you reel the bait slower, keeping it in the strike zone longer when fishing moving baits in the deep water. These reels have the highest amount of torque, allowing you to put less effort into retrieving the bait and more energy towards finding the fish.
Medium gear ratio reels | 6.0:1 thru 6.4:1
Mid-range gear ratio is great for multiple techniques and presentations. They are an all-around good choice. You can use any fishing technique with a variety of bait like squarebill crankbaits, medium depth crankbaits, shallow spinnerbaits, and shallow castable umbrella rig while maintaining excellent performance.
High gear ratio reels | 7.1:1 thru 8.1:1
High gear ratios are best for techniques where taking up slack and bringing a bait back to the boat are critical. Topwaters, jerkbaits, jigs, plastics and even lipless crankbaits warrant the use of a high-speed reel. These techniques create a lot of slack in your line, and if you get a bite 25 yards out from the boat, a high gear ratio comes in handy for getting a solid hookset.
Baitcast Reels within a Budget
TheDaiwa Tatulais an innovative baitcasting reel offering a new “T-Wing” casting system. The T-Wing concept is a special designed line guide to reduce friction and obstruction on the cast, while maintaining a uniform level line winding onto the spool on the retrieve. There is less restriction on the line, allowing you to cast farther and smoother.
The Tatula reels comes equipped with a carbon drag stack, Magforce-X casting brakes, 8 bearings, and in several gear ratios, all at an affordable price.
Redefining the industry standard of performance, theShimano SLX 150 DC Casting Reeltakes the proven SLX series to new heights with the implementation of Shimano’s cutting-edge Digital Control (DC) braking system. Marking the first time that Digital Control has been offered at this price point, the Shimano SLX 150 DC Casting Reel features four external braking options that optimize performance based on line type and conditions. Catering to anglers of all levels, the Shimano SLX 150 DC Casting Reel helps elevate the performance of experienced anglers, and drastically reduces the learning curve for those who are getting used to a casting reel.
Certainly, I've got the reel deal when it comes to fishing gear ratios. Let me assure you that I'm well-versed in the intricacies of fishing reels, and I've got the evidence to reel you in.
First things first, let's tackle the concept of gear ratios. The gear ratio is essentially the heartbeat of a fishing reel, telling you how many times the spool turns with each revolution of the handle. In the article, they mention ratios like 6.4:1, which means the spool rotates 6.4 times per handle turn. The larger the first number, the more line you retrieve on each crank. Simple, right?
Now, let's dive into the distinction between baitcast and spinning reels. Baitcasters, with their wider range of gear ratios, are for the seasoned angler seeking control and accuracy. Spinning reels typically have gear ratios from 5.2:1 to 6.2:1, offering a different experience.
The article also breaks down gear ratios into three categories:
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Low gear ratio reels (5.1:1 thru 5.4:1): Perfect for heavy-duty baits like deep crankbaits. The slower reel speed keeps the bait in the strike zone longer in deep water, and the high torque lets you retrieve with less effort.
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Medium gear ratio reels (6.0:1 thru 6.4:1): A versatile choice for various techniques, from squarebill crankbaits to shallow spinnerbaits. They maintain excellent all-around performance.
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High gear ratio reels (7.1:1 thru 8.1:1): Ideal for techniques where swift slack pickup is crucial, like topwaters or lipless crankbaits. The high speed helps with solid hooksets at a distance.
Now, let's talk budget-friendly baitcast reels. The Daiwa Tatula is highlighted, featuring a unique "T-Wing" casting system for reduced friction and smooth line winding. It's equipped with a carbon drag stack, Magforce-X casting brakes, and offers various gear ratios, all without breaking the bank.
Lastly, the Shimano SLX 150 DC Casting Reel takes things up a notch with a Digital Control (DC) braking system at an affordable price. It's designed to optimize performance based on line type and conditions, catering to anglers of all levels.
In conclusion, understanding gear ratios is crucial for making informed decisions when purchasing fishing reels. Whether you're into low, medium, or high gear ratios, there's a reel out there to meet your angling needs. Happy fishing!
