Why does my PQ backlash but not my SS LFS?

[U-boat Aficionado]

I got my first baitcasters last month and have been practicing casting whenever it's warm enough to get outside. I have a BPS PQ and a Lews SS LFS and started with #12 mono on each reel. Overall it's been a lot easier and fun then I thought it would be and I haven't had a backlash that didn't take more then a few seconds to clear. I've now put on #8 mono with no problems.

The problm is I'm finding the Lews much easier to cast with hardly any backlashes while the PQ is a lot harder to control.

I'm using the same line and same weight lure on the same rod. I'm trying to adjust the brakes the same but the PQ also has the centrifugal brake, and even turning three of the six on doesn't seem to help; it seems like the spool is over accelerating. I can really chuck the Lews and nearly every cast is perfect but the PQ gets a backlash quite often.

Any suggestions or is the Lews just better? I thought the dual breaking system on the PQ would be easier to learn on but the Lews is just simple and accurate  

 

 

[K_Mac]

I have several PQs. I have used them for years with no issues. Three or four brakes is usually plenty. I generally use from one to three depending on bait and conditions. How are you adjusting the spool tension? If that is set correctly then what's left is the magnetic braking. It should take little mag breaking if everything else is right, but don't be afraid to play with it. 

[lmbfisherman]

I have three pqs absolutely no issues for me and it isn't hard to dial so you won't backlash.  Maybe needs a check up or cleaning?  

[new2BC4bass]

Check out the best baitcast reel for $100 or less threads.  The PQ gets mentioned in every thread.  Some people that can afford more expensive reels choose to stick with the PQs.  I've never used one, but have to assume there is a problem with that particular reel.  Consider sending it to Mike at DVT.  The dual braking system reels I have can all be set up to where it is almost virtually impossible to backlash them.

[U-boat Aficionado]

I'll see if further adjustment of the centrifugal brake works better. It certainly doesn't backlash all the time, it just seems a lot more sensitive than the Lews. Cast distance seems about the same with both. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Even reels of identical model often have a personality of their own. Each may require fine adjustment or more or less thumb control. Deep cleaning would make both act differently (better). A deeper heavier spool acts differently too which might be the case. 

[MO_LMB]

15 hours ago, U-boat Aficionado said:

; it seems like the spool is over accelerating.

Gotta be your spool tension knob. 

[WIGuide]

Although I don't have a PQ yet (it's on the way to my door) I've got 5 other BPS reels with the same braking system the PQ has. The PQ's have the DBS system or dual braking system, so it has both magnetic and centrifugal brakes which on these reels help the most during different parts of the cast. The centrifugal brakes have more effect on the startup and beginning of the cast when the spool rpm's are at their highest. The magnetics do more to feather the last part of the cast. Pay attention to when in your casts you're getting the backlashes and adjust accordingly. If it's happening in the middle, or sporadically, throughout your cast it's usually has to do with the line tension knob. Adjust usually it's not tight enough so give it a click or two and try again. When dialed in correctly, you shouldn't be having any issues. 

[The Fisher]

Make sure the centrifugal brakes are set up opposite each other. For instance if you want 3 of 6 on then have 1,3,5 on. If you have 1,2,3 on the spool will be unbalanced. I have 2 PQs and they are very smooth reels.

[U-boat Aficionado]

I went out for an hour and it was better after tightening the spool tension. Only two minor backlashes but overall still not the amount of control I feel with the Lews. I'll keep working on practicing with it. Thanks. 

[new2BC4bass]

If spool tension is too heavy, you have to cast harder.  I learned that way.  Casting hard while learning is not a good thing.  The guy who cleaned and tuned my first few reels said he couldn't cast a 1/4 oz. lure with them the way I had the spool tension set.  Backing off and filling the spool to the bevel (as he suggested for better distance) had me basically learning to cast all over again.....because I didn't learn the right way the first time.  Normally my reels are now set with just enough tension to remove side-to-side play.  I would not suggest learning this way.  Takes a lot of thumb practice with most reels as the spool is pretty free spinning.  Have enough spool tension to let the lure slowly drop.  I'd start with 4 centrifugal brakes on.  Use 8-10 on the magnetic dial to start although 5-7 may work fine.  I wouldn't know without trying.  This set up will cut distance some, but as long as there is nothing wrong with the reel it should allow for very few backlashes and still give decent fishing distance casts.  As your thumb gets better, both brakes and spool tension can be backed off.

I run my Shimanos with 3 brakes on.  I can cast with 2 on, but 3 is pretty much hassle free so that is where they normally stay.  My Patriarch XT has one centrifugal brake on and 3 on the magnetic dial.  I have to admit that these are lower brake settings than on any of my other dual brake reels.  Not all reels of the same model will react the same way.  My Zillion 50th Anniversary is a set and forget reel.  My Zillion 100SHLA is touchier.  Well......not exactly the same model, but have the same braking system.

 

EDIT:  Also as Mike (DVT) said, a heavier spool will act different than a lighter spool.  What weight lures are you casting?  I tried to cast an unweighted 10" ribbontail worm with my Trion as the spool spun very freely when I disengaged the spool.  It came spooled with light braid.  Was a disaster.  Backlash city.  Sent it to Mike for cleaning.  He suggested heavier line and to use heavier lures with it.  I spooled on some 17# mono and mounted it on a 6' 10" HF Tour Edition.  Hasn't backlashed once since.  It is now a casting machine.  Not every baitcast reel is a finesse reel.