8.5:1, too fast?

cortman · October 10, 2016, 10:21:36 AM

I need some experienced input here.

I have an opportunity to get a new Shimano Metanium XG for a great price. This is the 8.5:1 reel. The Met is one I've had on my wish list ever since they came out.
I would be pairing this with my Megabass Orochi XX EMTF, which I use for jigs and texas rigs. Occasionally I'll throw a moving bait like a buzzbait, spinnerbait, or swim jig with it as well.
Right now I have a 7.1:1 Curado on it and like it pretty well.
My question is, am I going to regret getting such a high gear ratio? 8.5:1 just seems awfully fast.

Dark3 · October 10, 2016, 11:00:51 AM

I wouldnt consider torque to be an issue but It may take a bit of getting used to for the moving baits.

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rockchalk06 · October 10, 2016, 11:02:55 AM

I pay more attention to the IPT Inches Per Turn, than I do the Gearing.

The MET XG has 36 IPT
The Curado is around 30 if I remember right.

Jigs and Texas Rigs, I like as fast as I possibly can get. Buzzbaits are great using a fast reel as you can get them to the surface quicker. Spinnerbaits, I like something around 23-25 IPT as they are taxing in the water. 26 IPT is what I like for Swim Jigs.

I've never been one to reel slower or reel faster. I use the reel itself to control the speed of the baits on the move.

Lee Smith · October 10, 2016, 11:13:14 AM

After using a high speed reel for pitching, I will never go below 8:1 again. The day is so much better at the end and you get way more pitches, I didn't believe it until I purchased the fast reel, but it is a fact.

Love mine!

cortman · October 10, 2016, 11:57:42 AM

Looks like the 8.5:1 is 36 IPT, the Curado 7.2:1 is 30 IPT, and the Metanium HG(7.4:1) is 31 IPT. I'm kind of leaning toward the 8.5, since I have a second rod that is pretty much dedicated to spinnerbaits/chatterbaits anyway.

cortman · October 10, 2016, 01:31:22 PM

Well I decided to go for it. I so rarely use my jig rod for moving baits anyway that it doesn't make sense to insist on a lower gear ratio.
And at the price I'm getting it (not a steal, but a good deal) I should be able to get my money out of it again fairly easily if I decide I don't like it.

rockchalk06 · October 10, 2016, 01:44:57 PM

Quote from: cortman on October 10, 2016, 11:57:42 AM
Looks like the 8.5:1 is 36 IPT, the Curado 7.2:1 is 30 IPT, and the Metanium HG(7.4:1) is 31 IPT. I'm kind of leaning toward the 8.5, since I have a second rod that is pretty much dedicated to spinnerbaits/chatterbaits anyway.

I fish Spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits almost never. When I do, I run them on a Core 6.3:1 with 26 IPT. Any faster and it wears my right shoulder out. If it were me, I'd make those two techniques specific to a slower gear/IPT reel.

earldogg · October 10, 2016, 03:41:11 PM

I have that reel on a bcr864 glx for pitching jigs and t-rigs, and it's perfect. Too fast for spinnerbaits, but good for buzzbaits and swim jigs. Gl

Capt. BassinLou · October 10, 2016, 04:23:02 PM

I recently transitioned into an 8 speed for frogging, and I got to say, I'm thoroughly enjoying the reels entire package. The gearing, drag, and IPT. Having the ability to control a fish in tough situations gives you a significant advantage in landing that fish.

cortman · October 10, 2016, 09:35:32 PM

I agree I think I will like the 8 speed. I already have a 8.1:1 Tatula Type R on my pitching/flipping/frogging rod, and I really like having that speed for those applications. Buzzbaits would be great for this setup too, I know I'm always cranking myself to death when I use the 6x.
I'm mostly looking forward to getting more casting distance from the reel, to be honest. That and I just like the looks.

MAYBE someday when I have money again

I'll put a hawgtech handle on and some color pieces to match the rod, but that day is a good way off... I think...

SFL BassHunter · October 10, 2016, 09:58:50 PM

Recently got an 8:1:1 with a 33.9 ipt and I think its fantastic! I wouldn't have an issue throwing a jig or texas rig on it. Just if you want to work the worm slow, make sure you reel a little slower than usual.

loomisguy · October 11, 2016, 05:17:14 AM

I just started using 8:1 and really like them. Great for jigs/worms , buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. I think even squarebills in the summer time would be fine, really anything but a diving bait.

Smallie_Stalker · October 11, 2016, 04:01:24 PM

Two things to keep in mind here:

1) You can always slow down when using a fast reel but you can't make a slow reel go any faster.

2) IPT (Inches Per Turn) changes throughout the length of the cast. The more line you have out the smaller your "effective spool" becomes and the slower your lure comes back. This is why you will notice that as the lure gets closer to you it appears to be moving faster even though you haven't changed your retrieve speed. It actually is moving faster, because as you reel in line your "spool" gets bigger, so you take up more line as you turn the handle at the same rate of speed.