Gear ratio vs line per crank: which retrieve number to compare

Two numbers, two meanings

Gear ratio is how many times the spool (on a baitcaster) or rotor (on a spinning reel) turns for one turn of the handle. Line per crank, often written IPT for inches per turn, is how much line comes back for one handle turn. It depends on the ratio and on the spool's working diameter, which changes with spool size and how full it is.

That is why ratio is useful inside one model and misleading across models. A larger spool at a lower ratio can bring back as much line per turn as a smaller spool at a higher ratio.

One spool, four ratios

KastKing's Royale Legend Elite table lists four ratios on the same frame, each with an IPT figure. [1] Divide each IPT by its ratio and you get about 4.2 inches every time, which is what you would expect when only the gears change and the spool stays the same.

• Moving from 6.6:1 to 8.1:1 adds 6.3 inches per turn, about 23 percent more line per crank on these published figures. [1]
• Only two of the four listed ratios were on sale on the access date, so check the cart before planning around a ratio. [1]

When the table leaves it out

Many tables publish ratio only. PENN's Battle IV comparison table lists model, size, gear ratio, retrieve, max drag, bearings and capacities; its Retrieve column shows handedness, Right/Left, not inches per crank. [2] Do not mistake that column for a retrieve rate.

The same PENN table shows why ratio alone misleads. The Battle IV 4000 is 6.2:1 and the 4000HS is 7.0:1, but the two list different line capacities at 8 lb, 270 and 305 yards, which suggests the spools are not identical. [2] Without a published IPT you cannot say how much more line the HS brings back.

KastKing's MegaJaws page lists ratios from 5.4:1 to 9.1:1 and the Kestrel BFS is sold at 7.5:1 and 8.4:1, but neither page we read gives an inches-per-turn figure. [3] [4] Record line per crank as unstated and ask the seller if it matters to your choice.

An invented worked example

Suppose fictional reel A is listed at 6.0:1 and 30 inches per turn, and fictional reel B at 5.2:1 and 33 inches per turn. Reel B brings back 3 more inches per turn despite the lower ratio, because its spool is larger. Put both IPT numbers in the same row and let that column decide.

Now suppose reel B's page gives no IPT. The worksheet entry should read unstated, not an estimate. Spool diameters are rarely published, so a figure you calculate yourself is a guess. This example does not describe any real product.

Our call on picking a retrieve speed

All figures are seller specifications read on the access dates. We have not measured any retrieve.

• Decide the job first: fast slack pickup for moving baits, or slower, controlled retrieves.
• Pass the size and capacity check before comparing retrieve speed.
• Compare published IPT among the candidates that pass; if two are within a couple of inches, let price, weight and return terms decide.
• If no IPT is published, compare ratios only between versions of the same model and size.

Sources & verification

Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.

1. KastKing Royale Legend Elite baitcasting reel: product specifications Accessed 29 Oct 2026
2. PENN Battle IV spinning reel: model comparison table and size guide Accessed 29 Oct 2026
3. KastKing MegaJaws baitcasting reel with AutoMag dual braking: official product page Accessed 30 Oct 2026
4. KastKing Kestrel BFS baitcasting reel: official product page Accessed 30 Oct 2026