Is drag lockdown the same as max drag? I lockdown my drag when frogging and its never slipped, jusy curious if locking it down prevents slip or am i not at max drag force when i set the hook and fight the fish

Yes, max drag is measured at lockdown.

So if my max drag is 13lbs at lockdown why the need for 50lb plus braid? I could see 20 to 30 lb braid, but does the line itself ever see this kind of strain before the drag slips? Is it more of a diameter issue or is there a point where braid fails before the drag? Just a thought thats been rolling around in my head the last few times ive been out.

So if my max drag is 13lbs at lockdown why the need for 50lb plus braid? I could see 20 to 30 lb braid, but does the line itself ever see this kind of strain before the drag slips? Is it more of a diameter issue or is there a point where braid fails before the drag? Just a thought thats been rolling around in my head the last few times ive been out.

 

When you are fishing in areas where there is a lot of rubbing and abrasion, you need extra heavy braid so it does not get cut through. It's not just about matching the max drag pressure.

Have you tried frogging with 20 lb. Braid? I bet you go back to bigger diameter line real quick. Digging, abrasion, shock resistance, and overall handling is better with 40+ lb. Braid.

It has most to do with shock.  When you set the hook the peak pressure on the line will snap it quick.  The speed of the rod will have a lot to do with how light you can go safely.  I use 65 because I like it.  Could you get away with a lot less most likely.  Some people claim that you need up to a 100lb for punching in the delta.  I don't think I would ever need that so I don't.

Being a spinning user it's 15# braid for frogs.  I don't treat a frog much different than any other lure except maybe a click tighter drag for a better hookset.  I don't lock down the drag but if I did I'm not catching any that pulls out 15# of drag so no fear of my line breaking.

Heavier braids are strictly line a management issue.  Hard to imagine a fish snapping 65# braid with a breaking strength higher than that.  Your line breaks, it isn't the fish it's a weak spot.