I like My IPA's around 1.070 OG, which puts them at about a 1.5 IPA as the top end of IPA is 1.075, and the bottom end of IIPA is 1.070. The higher the gravity, the less specialty malts you will need. This will avoid the "cloying" effect as well. In addition to mashing at lower temps, I'll occasionally cheat and work some sugar in as well on the really high gravity ones.