Tackle Express Blog

I prefer to look at inches-per-crank (IPC) instead of gear ratio because IPC is more accurate.  IPC measures the inches of line that are returned to the reel while you turn the handle.  If you have a tall narrow spool with a slow ratio of say 4:1(for every 1 turn of the handle the spool turns 4 times) the IPC might be 22.  On the flip side you could have a wide spool that has 5.2:1 and have the same 22 IPC.  Gear ratio can tell you a bit about the reel, but knowing the IPC will give you a true gauge of how fast your lure is coming back to you.