Who uses a 7.X:1 gear ratio baitcast reel?

[tigerbalm2424]

I purchased my first baitcast reel last summer knowing nothing about them. It was a cheap pinnacle 7 with a 6.2:1 gear ratio. I am hooked on baitcasters and I want to buy more but there are so many choices. I think my first criteria would be the gear ratio. This new reel would be intended for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. Using my 6.2:1 last year I found that I really had to spin the reel fast to keep the buzzbaits on top of the water. Would a 7.X:1 gear ratio be better for me? I dont see a lot of them out there. Most common gear I have found is in the 6.2-6.3 range. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have also read a thread that the middle pack baitcasters sometimes come with cheap drag washers that people tend to replace, I would like to use my reel before I have to replace stuff! Budget is 80-150 and would like to buy new.

One other thing, I hope I dont sound too much like a rookie here. Do they make any baitcasters that make some sort of audible sound when the drag is running, like a spinning real? My current baitcast is silent when drag is running, still getting used to this!

[Pherris]

I have a curado that has 7:1 and really like it. I use it any time I need a fast retrieve weather that be jigging heavy cover to throwing crankbaits. The rest of my reels are 6:2:1 which as you mentioned is most popoular on most modles offered. The 5:1 I use mainly for topwater (except buzzbaits they get the 7:1). I think you will see more 7:1 reels in the next 12 months because they are getting more press in the Bass Magazines and on tv. Good Fishing!

[Bushwacker]

My favorite reels last summer were my 7.1 reels. I really haven't found a technique that I don't like them for, except maybe deep cranking.(Like 5.1 for that). Other than that, the 7.1 is great. I use them for frogs, pitching, rattle traps, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, Carolina rigging, and more. I feel like I can always slow down if I want to, but having the ability to "burn" lures is great and that 7.1 gets the fish out of the slop really fast too. My person faves are the Daiwa Zillions, a little out of your range. The Curados are really nice in that range with their $50 rebate, but feel a little bulky to me. A couple of my buddies have them and absolutely love them. I have a couple Quantum TE1170's that I like that you can find in that range too if you look around the net a little. Other than that, my tourney partner has one of the Cabela's brand 7.1 and one of the Bass Pro Extreme series 7.1 that seem like great reels for the money. I think both in the $55-$80 range. You could get two for that price if you are looking to stock up. One thing to notice is the IPT's(inches per turn) on the 7.1's. Some companies are actually less on the 7.1's than other companies 6.3's. So even thow you are getting the "faster" gear ratio, you have a slower reel. For example the Pflueger Summit stand size spool version is 28" IPT, versus the Daiwa Zillion at 31" IPT. Those 3" per turn make quite a bit of difference in number of cranks on even a normal 50' cast. Not that its a huge deal, but the point of the 7.1's is speed.

As far as drag clicking, the only one's that I have seen with that feature are larger round baitcasters, like the Abu Garcia 6500's or Shimano Calcutta 400's. Mainly used for like bait fishing. I haven't run across a low-profile yet with that feature. I think that silent drag will grow on you after a while.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I own the Curado with a 7.1-1 gear ratio.. I use it for carolina rigging for bass... A reel like that is best used when all its job is to pick up slack line. If you were to use that reel for crankbaiting or that such, you may end up with some fore-arm fatigue. In most cases I think a 6.2-1 or something similar in gear ratio is best.

[tigerbalm2424]

Thanks a lot on the suggestions! I guess, regarding the drag clicking, I will just have to get used to it like you said. The first time I have a bigger fish on and it ran I was lost for a couple seconds when I kept reeling and the fish wasnt appearing!

Anyone know the inches per turn on a Pinnacle Super 7 6.2:1? I cant find it anywhere.

[Daze Off]

6.2 or 6.3:1 are good multipurpose reels but the burners (7:0 or 7.1:1) are great in many situations besides spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. Anytime you need to take up a bunch of slack in a hurry - jig/pig when the fish hits and runs at you for example - they work great too. I have a 5.4:1 that I use for pretty much all my cranks except sometimes lipless when I go higher.

My reels are all Quantums (Tour Editions and Energy PT's) with one older Pflueger President and one older Curado.

[tigerbalm2424]

 Originally Posted By: tigerbalm2424

Thanks a lot on the suggestions! I guess, regarding the drag clicking, I will just have to get used to it like you said. The first time I have a bigger fish on and it ran I was lost for a couple seconds when I kept reeling and the fish wasnt appearing!

Anyone know the inches per turn on a Pinnacle Super 7 6.2:1? I cant find it anywhere.

Well, i will answer my own question just in case someone is actually thinking about purchasing this reel in the future, LOL. Not being very precise, I measured 22 inches per turn using my pinnacle super 7 and the spool filled.

So it sounds like I will get what I want if I choose a 6.2:1 and just look for 26-28 IPT.

Thanks all.

[BoxMN]

There is a sponsor of this site, All American I believe, who has the IPT listed for all reels it sells. Very nice info to have.