How To Read Gear Ratios On Fishing Reels
Understanding Gear Ratios on Fishing Reels
What is a Gear Ratio?
Gear ratio is the number of times a spool of a fishing reel rotates when the handle is turned just once. It is determined by dividing the number of turns of the spool with a single turn of the handle. Generally, the gear ratio of a reel is between 3.8:1 to 6.2:1. For example, if the gear ratio of a reel is 5.2:1, it means that the spool will rotate around 5.2 times with a single turn of the handle. This indicates that the line can be retrieved faster, as the spool rotates quickly.
How to Read Gear Ratios?
Gear ratio is typically expressed in terms of a ratio. A typical gear ratio is marked as 5.2:1, where 5.2 is the number of turns of the spool and 1 is the number of turns of the handle. It is easy to measure the gear ratio by simply counting the number of times the spool rotates when the handle is turned just once. It is important to note that the higher the gear ratio, the faster the line can be retrieved.
Types of Gear Ratios
Gear ratios of fishing reels are classified into three types, namely high speed, ultra-high speed, and standard. A high speed reel has a gear ratio of 6.2:1 or more, while an ultra-high speed reel has a gear ratio of 7.1:1 or more. Standard gear ratio is between 3.8:1 and 5.2:1. High speed reels can be used for a wide range of applications, such as retrieving lures from large depths, while ultra-high speed reels are best suited for jigging and trolling. Standard reels are ideal for bottom fishing and casting.
Why Should You Choose the Right Gear Ratio?
Choosing the right gear ratio for a fishing reel is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you to maximize the efficiency of your fishing expedition. For example, if you are fishing in deep waters, a high speed reel with a gear ratio of 6.2:1 will allow you to quickly retrieve your lure from the bottom. Secondly, it helps to reduce the strain on your arms while retrieving the line. This is because, with a higher gear ratio, the spool rotates faster with a single turn of the handle.
Gear Ratios of Popular Reels
Some of the popular fishing reels have the following gear ratios: the Penn Spinfisher V has a gear ratio of 5.6:1, the Abu Garcia Revo SX has a gear ratio of 6.4:1, the Shimano Stradic Ci4+ has a gear ratio of 6.0:1, and the Daiwa Tatula CT has a gear ratio of 6.3:1. It is important to note that the gear ratio of a reel is not the only factor to consider when choosing a reel. Other factors such as drag, spool capacity, and anti-reverse system should also be taken into consideration.
Conclusion
Gear ratio is an important feature of fishing reels, as it determines the speed at which the line can be retrieved. The gear ratio of a reel is expressed in terms of a ratio and is typically between 3.8:1 and 6.2:1. High speed reels are best suited for retrieving lures from large depths, while standard reels are ideal for bottom fishing and casting. It is important to choose the right gear ratio for your fishing reel, as it helps to maximize the efficiency of your fishing expedition.
