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.