Made a trip to Jordan Lake today to check out the performance of this New KVD Lew's Baitcast reel. I added this Lew's reel to my 7'10" Rainshadow Judge blank. On this "Judge" I added a set of Microwave Micro guides wrapped to the blank with smoke grey/garnet thread. The Lew's KVD reel has a 6.2:1 gear ratio which KVD recommends best for crankbaits. Honestly this reel is really well worth the cost. Quieter than I thought it would be on the long cast. For any fisherman here in the market to use those Christmas gift cards I highly recommend this reel. Smooth casting and weight isn't bad, great for casting either DT10 or 6 size baits with no trouble.