Nubie here.    Brakes don't seem to prevent backlashes.   If you set your spool tension knob correctly and train your thumb to feather the spool to prevent overrun during lure flight and when it hits the water, what's the purpose of magnetic or centrifugal brakes?   You still have to use your thumb to prevent backlashes.   What don't I understand?

its supposed to slow the spool so when the bait starts losing speed in the air you dont backlash...supposed to lol

The better your thumb is trained the less you will need brakes, they are like an insurance policy. The Centrifugal Brake is most beneficial at the beginning of the cast, and the Magnetic braking does more toward the end of the cast. The fact is we all need a little help and why some select more braking and some less. The spool tension knob should not be used as a break, that is not it's purpose. 

What's The Purpose Of Brakes On A Baitcaster? They are a real good sales tool.....
Before mags (80's & earlier) it was all centrifical/educated thumb, then someone complained about not having a good backlash control.

Like good manufacturers, bam (automatic backlash control) magnetic brakes, and ever since it has been a sales tool to sell one mfg/series or another.
 

Like Capt.Bob "The better your thumb is trained the less you will need brakes"....