Dave, FWIW the 6:1 was the first thing I replaced on my boat after the main halyard and tramp lacing, both of which were about to let go. (Actually the tramp lacing DID let go in the back and my butt got all wet.) Definately noticable and definately worth it. My 1972 fiddle block did not have any sort of rachet mechanism, however, so that might influence your decision.