Centrifugal Vs. Magnetic Breaking

[Bitethis]

Last year was the first year I committed to using a baitcaster for the majority of my fishing. I grew up on trout, so eggbeater was in my blood. Baitcaster was viewed as something for the ocean only...I have matured a little since then

When I first picked up one, it was an Abu BlackMax...after hours and hours of practice, i put it down. When talking to a guy at basspro, he insisted on trying again, but using a real that had 2 breaking systems like their ProQualifier or JohnnyMorris Carbonlite. So I did...I got the proqualifier, which has Centrifugal AND magnetic. Made a huge difference for someone as inexperienced as me. I experience 0 backlash. once I became confiident, I got an H20 Mettle from Academy, Centrifugal only breaking system...to my surprise, it works like a champ! I purchased these reels because they were what I could afford, and it was a reasonable price for someone learning to use the reel...both under $100.

I see a lot of fellas using Lews, Shimano, Abu (not as much anymore), and other high end units. I see Lews uses mostly magnetic breaking systems, and Shimano uses mostly Centrifugal systems. For you seasoned fishermen that have much more experience than I...whats the difference, what are the pros and cons? Why should I spend $200 for one of these better reels? And why don't manufacturers put dual break systems on more reels?

Thanks in advance for your valuable input!

[moguy1973]

Centrifugal are usually 'set it and forget it' brakes where magnetic brakes allow you to dial in the casting sensitivity for different lure weights and line diameters. Having both like on the PQ gives you the best of both worlds of course. Some manufactures do really well with one or the other though.

[jpb2187]

I prefer the dual brakes, Like a Pro Qualifier or a Lew's Tournament Pro. Just my personal prefence. I think I whip my wrist a little too much at the beginning of casts, so if I had to pick just one, I would pick centrifugal since they cover me in that regard. My thumb can worry about the end of the cast.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I think it depends a lot on how old and smart your thumb is. I grew up with baitcasters and using the spool knobs to add pre-tension, I was in High school before I saw a fancy French reel called a spinning reel. I like to set my reels light and finish with my thumb.

I have some better Daiwa's with magnetic and Shimano's with centrifugal and my choice is the centrifugal generally.

For me the magnetic is slightly better with heavier lures and the centrifugal with the lighter ones, but the reel construction males a difference also. A heavier spool is generally better with heavier lures and lighter with light.

[KC Bass Fanatic]

When designed well both work extremely well independently of each other. I use Abu reels almost exclusively. Abu uses magnetic on some models (Revo SX, Revo S) and centrifugal on others (Winch). Both work well. Personally I prefer the magnetic because I like the adjustability on the fly but that is a personal preference. I've never owned a reel with dual systems but I can only imagine that is a positive and not a negative - although I'll add that I'm not sure why you would need both since single braking systems work well on quality reels and have for years. Unfortunately reels are one the things in this world where the old adage "you get what you pay for" tends to hold true. Expect an inferior reel to have an inferior braking system.

I'm sure others will chime in here but I'll put my .02 in. (Keep in mind I'm talking normal conditions here, meaning you cast out and don't hit the boat, a tree limb, etc.) Every reel is different. Until you learn how to dial it in, you are going to experience some pro-overruns, no matter what the braking system. Once dialed in, backlash is near zero. For instance, I have multiple Revo SX, I know where the mag brake needs to be for every lure I'm going to throw in every condition. Backlash under normal conditions is nearly non-existent.

I've found that the best way to minimize backlash is to find a reel you are comfortable with, learn it inside out, and buy multiples. This is beneficial for a variety of other reasons as well - ease of repair, familiarity of use, etc.

[Bitethis]

I just don't get the dual braking system. I think its just a marketing ploy. I got a pro qualifier and don't need the extra weight of the magnets. Why not add another bearing, or better yet a lighter spool?

Coming from a novice...the duel breaking system makes it dummy proof. Its almost impossible to backlash it. The centrifugal takes care fo those who wrist whip their rod at the beginning of the cast, and the magnetic kicks in more at the end from what I understand. Combined...backlash free.

Now, if you are a baitcaster master (or just well experienced), I do believe you can just get away with centrifugal. My beginners luck with Magnet only (although, to KC Bass's point, it was a cheap Abu BlackMax), was horrible!

[dtrs5kprs]

I think it depends a lot on how old and smart your thumb is. I grew up with baitcasters and using the spool knobs to add pre-tension, I was in High school before I saw a fancy French reel called a spinning reel. I like to set my reels light and finish with my thumb.

BT...Wayne is on to it. My guess is the Academy reel worked b/c you developed some thumb. To me the Lews reels are much "faster" than my Shimanos and the magnets help keep that in check.

Think the mags give you a bit more flexibility when adjusting to lure weight, but keep in mind how much your rod plays a role in that.

Don't limit yourself to house brands. I have Lew's ranging from the least expensive model to the tmt pros and they are all good reels. For right at $100 you can get into a Lew's that will perform very nicely.

[abkeenan]

I have Lew's, Shimano's and BPS PQ's. I like all of them but I seem to prefer the centrifugal's myself. But the PQ's are very nice when you get them for $65 a pop during the spring sale with a old reel trade in. If you are worried about backlashes then the PQ is the easiest of the bunch to throw without getting any. People bash on BPS brand stuff and rightfully so on lots of it but the BPS PQ's are one of the good ones. They're a winner in my book. I would have no problem if every reel I owned was a PQ...they get the job done.

[Seth]

Another vote for centrifugal here. My mag brake reels do fine with heavier lures but I haven't mastered throwing lighter stuff on them yet.

[Old plug]

I think it depends a lot on how old and smart your thumb is.

X2. Im old school. Even today I can still cast a fast reel. Except for windy conditions and a few lures I still have my anti backlash or brake backed off as far as possible. I also loosen the spool adjustment so it just barely wobbles. I keep my drag pretty light as well. It has cost me a few stung thumbs but they do not last long and I feel in better control. As I age however it is getting harder to do.