Based on positive reviews - I picked up a new in the box BPS Pro Qualifier which has the dual braking system ... Not familiar with the dual braking system of the BPS PQ , so looking for tips in terms of setting the reel up - thanks in advance !

I set 2 of the centri brakes and then adjust the tension knob. I will add magnetic break when i throw a lighter bait or in windy conditions.

9 hours ago, GetJigginWithIt said:

I set 2 of the centri brakes and then adjust the tension knob. I will add magnetic break when i throw a lighter bait or in windy conditions.

I pretty much do the same. Adjust the spool tension to it is just shy of backlashing when bait is allowed to fall from the tip of the rod.

If I'm tossing something a little heavier I'll run the spool tension just a little more than it takes to prevent side movement

Two centrifugal brakes is a good place to start if you have some experience. The beauty of the dual system is you can add magnetic as needed. Much depends on how you are using the reel. Pitching requires a little less brake and a bit more thumb! Bombing a big spinnerbait in the wind will need more braking... 

Although I don't have a PQ, I have 5 other BPS reels with the DBS system and have been using them over 9 years so I'm fairly familiar with that system. The great thing about the DBS braking platform is that it incorporates the best of both systems into one. The centrifugal brakes work best when the spool rpm's are at their highest (beginning of the cast). The magnets work best for feathering the end of the cast. The spool tension knob applies braking throughout the cast. 

For the initial setup, set the magnetic brakes in the middle, set the centrifugal brakes with 4 pins on. (Use brakes opposite one another). Set the spool tension however you prefer. Some like it so the bait slowly drops when you push the thumb bar, some like it to just take the side to side play out of the spool. 

Now it's time to make some test casts. Start off easy and work your way up. As you cast keep an eye on the spool. If a backlash starts right at the beginning of the cast, you need more centrifugal braking. If the beginning of the cast is fine but it fluffs some at the end, you can bump the magnets up some. If it happens during both or right in the middle, you can bump up the spool tension. As you get more comfortable with it, you can start to experiment with removing some of the braking force to increase your casting distance. 

One of the nice things about the DBS system is once you have the centrifugal brakes set correctly to your casting motion, you vary rarely if ever have to adjust them. When you change baits, or there's a change in wind all it takes to adjust is usually a click or two more or less on the spool tension and/or the same with the magnetic brakes. 

Hopefully this helps you out some and gets you casting like a champ in no time. 

Thanks to a good ole search I found this gem of a post. I got one of these reels in a combo this past weekend and am also looking for help setting up the DBS. I have set the spool tension to allow the lure to fall slowly to the ground. I will fish primarily with crank baits and Power Baits. Is it good to start off with 2 brakes engaged or use the 4 as WIGuide suggests? Also, I have no clue how to get the side plate off this reel. Thanks!

To get the side plate off, while pulling the release pin on top of the reel you need to twist the side plate up and it will come right off. To put it back on simply twist it back into position and it will lock itself in place.  

How do I know when the brakes are engaged? I currently have 2 switches in the position closest to the inside of the housing. the 4 remaining are pushed outwards. 

outside is the on position.