For those that use the MGL and other similar Shimano reels, how do you set the breaking for the best performance?

 

Thanks, 

Billy

I tweak them so that my reel doesn't look like the one in your avatar...

It's a feel thing for me.  I just mess with it for 5-10 minutes until it feels right and doesn't backlash.  I think I have the breaks 2 on 2 off, spool tension really loose, and the side break on 1 or 2.

I have 2 on and adjust with the side break.

Curado I

Trip dueces....2 on 2 off and 2 on the dial

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Perfect timing on this post. I just got my MGL not too long ago and have wondered about optimum settings as well. It was my first Shimano reel. 

 

I currently have 2 brakes on, outside dial anywhere between a 2-3 depending on lure weight. Tension knob is set so spool does not overrun when lure hits the ground. For reference, I have 15 lb fluoro on the reel currently.

 

10 hours ago, npl_texas said:

It's a feel thing for me.  I just mess with it for 5-10 minutes until it feels right and doesn't backlash.  I think I have the breaks 2 on 2 off, spool tension really loose, and the side break on 1 or 2.

 

Curious what "really loose" means. Any side to side play on the spool?

13 minutes ago, wet_dream said:

Any side to side play on the spool?

For sure 

Thanks for the replies fellas. I like mine with 2 on 2 off with the side brake from 2-6 and a lose spool. I'd rather have my thumb do the work. I'm currently using 12# Sniper but may go up to 14 or 16#. It took me a while to get used to the SVS system but I'm starting to get the hang of it.

19 hours ago, fishballer06 said:

I tweak them so that my reel doesn't look like the one in your avatar...

Haha yeah that's the goal. The reservoirs where I fish can be tough fishing from the bank not to mention they are covered with poison sumac. The shorelines are cover with trees so every now and then I make a cast and grab a tree and end up in bird nest hell. I'm getting a Radar 135 in the fall so I'm really looking forward to getting it out on the reservoirs in my area.

 All i own are shimano bait casters ,dozens. I  feather the spool with my thumb when needed by feel but I set reels all the same from my 50s to my 400s sipping, casting pitching, all the same with the exception of a strong headwind I'll engage another break. Spool with slight side to side slop. Or just tight enough to eliminate side to side play. 2 breaks on.  dial in the middle. And I use a pretty aggressive whip cast. My theory is all shimano breaking systems are centrifugal and work based on spool rpm. So if the lure is accelerating during the cast the breaks are working more effectively. I'm not saying I don't backlash. But they are few and far between. And its usually hitting my console windshield or a powerpole in my backhand. 

I own an MGL and I just set the side tension knob so the spool has no back and forth play.  I set the brakes to 2on/2off and the dial on the side is set around the 3 mark with more or less depending on what I'm throwing.  I then use thumb on the spool as needed during the cast.  

2 brakes on, set tension to where the lure "almost" free falls, and magnetic drag set to 2.