How To Decide What Gear Ratio Spinning Reel Is Right For You

If you're in the market for a new reel, do you know what to consider when choosing your spinning reel?

There are many factors to think about about what style of fishing you'll be doing is one of the most important.

Be sure to factor in both gear ratio and "inches per turn" when making your decision about what spinning reel is right for you.

If you want a lighter reel for throwing artificials, a higher gear ratio is probably your better choice.

And if you are using live or dead bait and need more power, the lower gear ratio would be my recommendation.

In this video, you'll learn:

- What inches per turn means
- The difference between high and low gear ratio
- And much more.

Have any questions about gear ratio and inches per turn?

[anthonycolbourne]

One big difference I do see between the reels is the amount of drag available, with the BG limited to 13.2lbs of drag while the Legalis is rated at almost double at 22lbs of drag. It's a difficult aspect to compare two reels and what all those numbers mean in the end. Mount the rod in a holder and try this: If you attach a 6 pack of beer to the end of the line and measure the force you have to apply on the handle of the reel to lift the beer off the ground, that would be a good comparison of how the gear/torque numbers work themselves out inside the different reels. A lower gear ratio should mean less force needed to lift the beer, but just how much less? You could have a higher speed reel with a longer handle that produces the same overall torque as a slower geared reel in the end...

[lawrenceserrano]

Thank you for the gear ratio education. I get it and understand. I gathered that the heavier the fish, the more torque is beneficial.

[PabloEscobar-vmhf]

I got the DAM QUICK MAD 5500FS it’s gear ratio is 4-5:1 and I love it for fishing dead baiting

[rkw]

nice & concise plus very accessible wording for a confusing topic for many of us.

[TomMendoladrums]

I enjoy the content you present. Educational and enjoyable.

[robertdejonge]

Interesting video, thanks for sharing! Maybe its nice to make another video about which gear ratio's are used for which type of fishing styles ( speed jigging, slow jigging, throwing poppers etc. )

[nukimo]

I have to agree with those that would like some type of comparable list(s) be it overall &/or category. Price, gear ratio & inches per rotation… I’m again new to salt water after a lifetime of mountain streams & lakes fishing. With the pandemic & out of stock gear, I’m really at a loss as to the next best of the next best. I’ll miss the season waiting for my ideal reel to arrive! Inland waterway bank, marina, bridge pylon & beach/surf is what I’m looking at reels for.

[maasai-]

Facts about gear ratio
1- slower gears consist of fewer teeth n more deeper thus more torque, in other side fast gear ratio more teeth n shallow thus less torque
2- line retrieval depends upon gear ratio n rotor arm distance

[clivenaidoo]

Hello Justin my question is about the gear ratio 5.8.1 e.g I would like to know what the center Number 8 is there for??

[jimmyjaimes]

Thanks for the information. I'm always interested in learning more about reels . On a good note I got my Slam Shady pack today. Looking forward to trying them out in the morning. Thank you for the deal.

[dixondjallen]

Hi Justin! I was trying to describe gear ratios to a friend of mine trying to decide on purchasing a spinning reel, Penn Slammer, and your explanation is much better than what I was...attempting... to describe lol!
Thx bud!
I'm doing more offshore fishing these days than inshore. You know the water conditions these days in the Merritt Island area.
See you on the water...

[martingray]

Thanks for explaining this always wondered what those numbers really meant

[GreggWaller]

Thank you! Great explanation. Going to your website now.

[martinbecerra]

An explanation even a 5 year old could understand! Great job brotha, thank you for making me well informed 🔥🔥

[McNateDoggYT]

Wonderfully done man very well thought out and very informative for a long time angler ready to get good haha

[AMLuc]

Good video Salt Strong but you should have pointed out that the old Daiwa sizing on BG 2500 is a larger spool circumference than LT sized 2500.
Therefore with a lower gear ratio can retrieve almost as much line per crank as the highter gear Legalis. Personally I prefer Daiwa’s old sizing.

[Charsept]

So pier and reef fishing is when you want a little extra torque?

[fishingbuddyph]

Great information...thank you for sharing! 👍

[purplefurture]

For surf fishing dead bait like cur fish or shrimps or small crabs etc etc but no lure or jug
I want to throw the bait with sinker soooo far
Which or how do i know its for my needs
I will also look for 3.5m to 4m rod medium power fast action i think is my need as rod
But reel i have no idea
I bought daiwa bg60 before 10 years😅 i only knew daiwa is good but the model or spec i have no idea later i checked their website it said its heavy power reel

[gabrielgonsalves]

Is the diwa bg 4500saltwater spinning reel made in Japan and also diwa bg airbail 4500 saltwater spinning reel made in Japan.