I've been running a 44-17 on my winter/rain/city commuter fix gear for 30 years. On my best fix gear I run either a 42 or 43 in front and 16, 17 or 18 in back. 42-17 for very long rides. Running a flip-flop, I often leave on either an 18 or 17, then flip to one tooth higher 5-8 miles out.
I started riding fixed in 1976. Picked a gear and basically never changed it except go up a tooth as the racing season neared. 2005 I picked up a used frame to be a light, fun summer fix gear. Loved the bike but the dropout was short and even with the chain fine-tuned with a half-link, I could just barely use 3 cogs on the dropout.. Ran a 48-19 almost all the time. 2011 I ordered a custom with a long dropout that could handle any cog and the fun started. Now I often change cogs before rides.
That bike, running a 17 and 23 and a 12 carried on the toolbag. Chainwhip on the top tube:
Jessica J
Ben