Economical Reel for Double Bladed Lures

I haven't been using double buck tails or other heavy baits due to the fact that all of my musky rods have Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500's. The gear ratio of those reels just don't cut it for those high-drag baits. I'd like to upgrade to a reel with a lower gear ratio. I've done searches on the forums for good reels. Most that are suggested are $200+ reels. I don't fish muskies enough to justify that cost. Are there any good low gear ratio reels out there under $150?

For the money abu 7000, there big but they do the job.Point the rod right at the lure when retrieving,in effect shortening the rod and that also makes them pull easier.

Shimano Calcuta 400B - its around $200 long rods help too (over 8ft).... The Abu Garcia's will work but they are not ideal they also get worn out after a while and the gears start slipping....but all reels of lower price will also do this.

You do have few options. The Bass pro Shops Muskie reel that Pete Maina endorses is an ok reel for the $109 and it comes in a standard 5.2 and a Low gear ratio 4.2-1 and includes a power handle. Definatly use the low ratio for big blades. However, these are NOT GOING TO HOLD UP for long pulling big blades, and are very slow. A good option is the Daiwa Saltist 20HA.($160) However it has no spool brake for casting so you really have to keep thumb on the spool when casting or "mega-backlash". Takes practice but lots of people (and me) use them for Cowgirls. It has a high gear ratio, pulls in alot of line and reels big blades EASY due to the huge power handle and a big spool. ...Hope this helps some -jon Oh, another option would be a BIG Abu 7000ci. Mine pulls big blades Easy- but kinda slow. ($125-$150)