Centrifugal Brakes.

[lecisnith]

I just got my first dual brake system reel. I've only been casting in the yard due to the lakes looking like they belong on the ice planet of Hoth, but I've been casting a 1/2 oz frog with no pins engaged and just playing with the mag brakes. So how important are the centrifugal brakes to have on? I'm primarily going to be throwing squarebill cranks under 1/2 oz.

[BrianinMD]

The centrifugal brakes help at the very beginning of cast, if you are able to cast without backlashes with them turned off leave them off. They are another tool to help eliminate backlashes only. There is no "right" way to set them, everyone is different and needs to find what works for them.

[Alpha Male]

Depending on the weight of the bait, the rating on the rod, the wind, the distance im trying to cast, and the aerodynamics of the lure i usually use 2 on and then just adjust the mag brakes. My point is that there are alot of factors that go into what i think i need for brakes. J/K

In all reality if you dont need them dont use them. When you start throwing lighter baits it helps.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Centrifugal brakes are most effective when distance casting and throwing heavy baits that cause high start up speeds.

[lecisnith]

Centrifugal brakes are most effective when distance casting and throwing heavy baits that cause high start up speeds.

So if I'm really trying to put some power behind it, I should turn them up? That could explain why I backlash occasionally on my other reels with only mag brakes. I forget my strength sometimes and have to really be cognizant of making a smooth motion, using the rod and not me to make the cast.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Regardless of braking, muscling a cast is the surest way to back lash. Use a fluid stroke and let the rod do the work.

[lecisnith]

Well, as a fairly large, strong, slow-witted guy, I should probably just get used to the occasional forgetful backlash. Good to not get my hopes up.

[CRANKENSTIEN]

if you keep pushing it you can learn to cast farther.  Line can play a big factor as well.  I usually have 2 breaks set and loosen up that tension knob.

[lecisnith]

I usually get 30-40 yards on an easy cast. It's just sometimes I try to test my limits. The results aren't always pretty.

[Krappiehog]

I prefer centrifugal over magnetic. Once adjusted correctly they are soo nice... Have both that sounds like it maybe too good to be true! Lol

I like to more control on the front and less on the back side of the cast... But you can't really fine tune with a duel like that.

DVT YOU ARE SOOOOOOO RIGHT, I could have save so much on line if had that advise the first 3 months learning to cast!

[AQUA VELVA]

DVT is absolutely right. Some of my early attempts at bait casting resulted in some truly nuclear bird nests that had to be cut out until I figgured out that whole centrifugal-magnetic-spool tension-smooth cast thing.

[WIGuide]

The dual breaking systems are nice because they allow you to fine-tune the braking to your own personal cast. The centrifugal brakes work best and apply the most braking pressure at the beginning of the cast. The mag brakes tend to do a better job feathering the end of your cast. If you notice where the backlash is happening during the cast you can adjust accordingly. Once you have the brakes set, you won't have to move them a whole lot. Most of the time a few clicks of the tension knob will adjust for changes in bait weight and wind. If you're getting by just fine without any centrifugal brakes there's no need to change it. 

[Glenn]

Here's a video that explains how to adjust your reel properly using multiple braking systems:

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/cast-adjust-baitcast.html

[lecisnith]

Here's a video that explains how to adjust your reel properly using multiple braking systems:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/cast-adjust-baitcast.html

Idiot's guide to baitcasting brake systems: when I say: centrifugal, I mean pin, when I say: spool tension, I mean centrifugal. First time I've actually ever watched a how-to on casting. So I guess what I meant in my original post was what's the importance of the pins, as opposed to mag brakes. Which was answered in the video.