Casting ability between reels.....brain teaser question

[The Rooster]

First my disclaimer.....I don't plan to purchase one of these reels, this question is purely for educational purposes only.

Now, here we have two reels.....

1. Bass Pro Shops Extreme, 2009 model with magnetic brakes only, weighs 8.6 oz.....$80 retail

2. Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier, 2009 model with dual magnetic/centrifugal brakes, weighs 8.8 oz.....$100 retail

Not much price difference at all, not much differences in terms of features either, same number of ball bearings and all, but I believe the PQ is supposed to be a higher end reel than the EX is with the braking differences. Actual mechanical differences between them (as they are virtually the same reel otherwise) would be that one has dual brakes and weighs 0.2 ounces more than the one with only magnetic brakes (if I haven't missed anything). I'm assuming the extra 0.2 oz. comes from having the centrifugal apparatus on the spool and the drum for the brakes to ride in.

Now....let's assume that all centrifugal brakes on the PQ reel are turned off, or locked down so they don't move when the spool spins. So both reels are operating on only magnetic brakes. Same rod, length and all, same line, same line capacity, and all other parameters are equal as well, except that the PQ has the heavier spool due to the extra braking equipment it's carrying.

Both reels are being asked to cast a light weight lure, 1/4 oz. or less.

Will the cheaper Extreme reel outcast the more expensive Pro Qualifier due to being unencumbered by the extra weight of parts riding on the spool and therefore get a quicker start up speed of the spool??

And if so, then why would a person pay more for a reel that would not cast as well, what use would you use a reel with dual brakes for then?? Heavier lures??

[K_Mac]

Rooster I have 3 of one and 2 of the other and IMHO the PQ will out cast the extreme every time. The spool seems to start quicker and it is a smoother reel in every way. The dual control alone is worth the extra couple of dollars. Just my .02

[MarauderYak]

It's a question of inertia.  The lighter the spool, and the closer the weight is to the axis, the less inertia the spool will have.  So when you cast, a spool with less inertia will take less energy away from the lure when it starts to rotate.  However, with less inertia the spool will also DECELERATE more quickly, and may take additional energy from the lure later in the cast.

With very light lures I'm sure the Extreme should outcast the PQ.  With heavier lures (3/8 oz & over) I'm sure the PQ should outcast the Extreme.

[cart7t]

First of all, the New PQ reel is being built on the Pure fishing Revo style frame.  The Extreme isn't so you're talking about 2 completely different reels.  Thus a pure one on one comparison can't be made.

The most difficult part of the cast to control is the beginning of the cast, that's where centrifugal brakes come into play.  Due to the snapping action of the wrist and arm, control of the spool is most difficult at that time vs the end of the cast.  Most of us are experienced enough to control a cast at the end where the magnetic brakes come into play.  The only time mag brakes are advantageous are when you're throwing high profile baits or light baits with a wind blowing.

I use dual braking reels.  I normally have the mag braking off.  If the wind picks up or I start tossing a lighter lure or a high profile one I'll make mag adjustments accordingly.

One of the most important parts of getting correct spool spinup is your spool tension knob being adjusted correctly and using a smooth casting action and follow through. 

[SWMIBASSER]

It's a question of inertia. The lighter the spool, and the closer the weight is to the axis, the less inertia the spool will have. So when you cast, a spool with less inertia will take less energy away from the lure when it starts to rotate. However, with less inertia the spool will also DECELERATE more quickly, and may take additional energy from the lure later in the cast.

With very light lures I'm sure the Extreme should outcast the PQ. With heavier lures (3/8 oz & over) I'm sure the PQ should outcast the Extreme.

Hit the nail on the head perfectly. You also have to have a rod that works in concert with the inertia of the spool.

My BPS Fritts Crankin' reel will BOMB bigger cranks on the Horton crankbait rod it's on, but with little cranks the spool will try to overrun and cause backlashes (need to adjust the brake or a faster tipped rod)

[flechero]

The correct answer is your brain's ability to interpret feedback and control your thumb.   

[Tin]

The correct answer is your brain's ability to interpret feedback and control your thumb.

x2

Too many of the threads in this section seem to go with the idea of better or the best equipment makes someone a better fisherman. It is all about what you can do with the stuff in your hand.