I've got a 5.1 ratio reel I used to crank with but these days I don't find myself using it at all. Does anybody use low ratio reels anymore? You here about alot more higher ratio reels being made and I'm thinking the lower ratio reel are going obsolete. What are some applications you use your low ratio reel for or should I not use it.
I don't want to hook a big fish and lose it because I can't catch up to it or something....BassMan

A lot of people like the slower ratio reels because it forces you to slow down. You usually will have a tad more cranking power with a lower ratio as well. Personally I use 6:1 for almost everything, because I can slow down or speed up if necessary. 5:1 can be the perfect ratio for slow rolling a spinner bait, crank baits and a lot of people like them for flipping. All of my swimbait reels are 5:1 as well.

I purposely bought the 5:1 Shimano Citica D for cranking and slow rolling spinnerbaits. I used to use my 6:1 Curado but I feel that the lower gear makes it easier to throw large crankbaits (DD-22s)all day and takes less concentration to slow roll a spinnerbait.

I'm in the same boat as SactoJohn, I throw all my cranks on 5:1 reels, its SO much easier to crank all day. The only thing I use a 7:1 for is throwing a buzzbait or when I want to fish my blade really quickly.

Matt

Good, so people do still use these reels. Appreciate the feedback and I'll stick to the 5.1 with the cranks and I'll try the swimbait use as well......BassMan

I like a 5.1 or slower reel for deep cranks, slow rolling, or winter fishing. Personally, I use 3 different reel ratios,depending on time of the year. I have a 6.3 for summer and shallow, agressive fish, so like Speed Traps and Little N style stuff. 5.1 is for cooler water and deep cranks, it's great for anything from a DLN to a DD14 or 22. The slower ratio keeps the bait in the streke zone longer and lets you get down to maximuum depth. And it's not bad for when you need a reel to pump those crank fish out of deep grass.My last ratio is a 4.7:1 BPS Crankin' Reel. It's nice for cranking in early spring or in the winter, when you really do need to slow down. It can really be good for slow craning a Wiggle Wart or somwthing like that in the prespawn.
But think about it. Everyone is fishing baits at a gazillion miles an hour now with high-speed stuff. What's the use of a 7.1 reel if most the time your bait is not in th strike zone long enoguh for the fish to see it? Using a 5.1 is a alternative nobody is thinking about. Slow down and you'll probably catch more fish anyways.:)