For crankin I would absolutely go with the lower speed ratio. Two things that are beneficial from the lower speed IMO...It will prevent you from over working your crankbait and won't wear your arm out if you are throwing deep divers. The lower gear ratio reels are much easier to crank on deep diving crankbaits because they have more power. Think of it like a bike and how you can go up a hill much easier in first gear then 5th gear.