gear ratio is how much line is cranked in each handle turn, and for spinner baits a faster gear ratio is better( like a 7:1:1)

The ratio indicates how many times the spool will turn for each revolution of the handle. So, 6.4:1 means for each time you turn the handle a full revolution, the spool will spin 6.4 times. This ratio is important to understand for two reasons - how fast the bait comes back to you and how much energy you expend reeling it in. For the speed question (how fast the retrieve), the ratio is important but also go to the manufacturers' web sites and look for the Inches per Turn (IPT) rating. (For some reason on store web sites you always get the gear ratio but rarely get the IPT - both are important to understand how fast the retrieve.) The gear ratio is also important as an indicator of torque, or how much energy is expended to reel the bait back. Low ratios = more torque. So, for big crankbaits get a low speed reel (5.0:1 or less) and you have to fight the bait less to reel it back in. Believe me, over a long day of fishing it makes a big difference. For spinnerbaits, the "best" gear ratio depends on whether you want to burn them back to you or slow roll them along the bottom. If you aren't sure what you want I'd recommend a ratio of 6.3:1 to 6.4:1 as a good, all-around reel, with an IPT of about 24" to 26". Hope this helps.