Best 1st gear ratio with 2.94 differential

Hey gang, looking for opinions on which 4-speed first gear is best with 2.94 rearend. I'm currently running a 2.44 first gear in my e-body project and it scoots - but I have to rev the engine and feather the clutch to start if there's a slight uphill. So I'm wondering whether a trans with 2.66 or 3.09 first gear would be the way to go? Running 26.5" tires, goal is a highway cruiser. Thanks!