I have a PQ that I have 2 centri brakes on and zero mag. I have always heard that you should always have balanced brakes for the centri. Example, 2, 3, 4 or 6. My question is can it be used with 1 brake without harming it over time? As it stands now, I have the spool tension so loose that the spool wobbles very loosely that it can be heard during a fast retrieve. With the settings like that I cannot backlash no matter how hard I cast. Not saying that is problem but I want to try for a bit more distant since I am shore bound and the pads have gotten super thick by the shore. Is running 1 brake OK or will it be bad over time?

your spool tension should not let the spool have play.you might need to service your reel.or if you just did you might have used wrong lube or to much.

I have had several reels over the years that I liked best with only one break on at times, from Chronarch's Calcutta's and Curado's to the present, Lew's Tournament, Tournament Pro, Team Gold's, and BB1's, they all performed admirably. I have never seen anything but positive results! 

 

once you have your spool tension set to free fall it as free as it will get, by backing the tension knob off enough to allow the spool to have side to side movement can cause damage, and is less than optimum under any circumstances!!  

Good to know Capt. Thanks. Probably loosing some distance with the spool bouncing around.

If not distance, definitely smoothness, and to much will increase wear.