A shore Anglers tackle box...

[OldTimer]

Considering spinning REELS - it's the reel spool diameter, and not so much the mechanical parts of the reel than can greatly influence distance.

Too large and the line will unfurl in a big cone and choke at the first (closest-largest) guide, and in extreme cases could possibly slap against the rod.

Too small - and on a long cast - the line will disappear quickly and be low in the spool causing line friction against the spool lip as it unfurls.

The above assumes that you have the spool properly filled with the correct amount of line to start with.

The idea being - to avoid quick changes in direction of the line as it exits.

Cheers,

OldTimer