Hey guys. I know with enough trial and error, any baitcaster can be set up to cast almost any lure, but are there certain brake types (centrifugal, magnetic, multi, etc.) that are more efficient or easier to set up with certain lures (sub-1/2oz vs 3/4oz+)?

 

I only have experience with Lews reels with MSB, and am going to pick up something with their ACB brakes or a Shimano with SVS. Trying to figure out which reel to use for which rods/lures.

I don't think reel brake types and lure weight align, unless you are talking BFS and that might be debatable. The rod type and reel build are bigger players in that sense. 

 

When it comes to which brake type to use, its more of a personal preference.  I would decide which baits you are trying to throw first,  match the appropriate rod and then get the reel.  For instance and this just my preference...... crankbaits.... St. Croix Legend Glass Med.,  and a Shimano Bantam 5x:1. 

I don’t think lures matter as much as casting technique and preferences. I hate mag only brakes excluding Daiwa’s inductor design. The old Shimano 6 pin centrifugal setup is my favorite for control and set it forget it. 

The conventional / bait casting reel brake technology with digital/ magnetic/ centrifugal are designed to reduce the affect of the spool over running creating a back lashes. Today’s bass anglers haven’t, imo, learned the basics of casting and rely on the reels braking to overcome poor technique.

A good bait casting reel should be able to cast lures by a skilled caster without brakes. The very simple spool tension adjustment with a trained thumb reduces backlashes 90+% of the time. Brakes should come into play when casting into wind, trying to cast light weight lures with the wrong type of rod and whipping the rod tip too high speed starting the spool too fast.

Tom

IMHO centrifugal rules and Lew's 27 position external adjustable brake is the top dog there.

Here are my thoughts.... I also hate a straight magnetic brake, unless it's Daiwa's Mag brakes. Most of my magnetic braked reels either have dual braking like Pro Qualifiers, Lews Custom SLP or Tourn MBs, or are Daiwa,....  the only exception is a couple Lews LFS Speed Spools.

 

But,.... I do appreciate mag brakes a little more when pitching or light casts where there isn't enough spool speed to activate centrifugal brakes. In those cases I will either use one of my Daiwas, or use a dual brake with the mag portion bumped a bit.

 

All other cases where I'm casting away, I'm either using centrifugal, dual, or Daiwa Mag brakes.

 

While I agree that there are some who can cast with no brakes,... Why would I want to when I can use the technology to my advantage and not have to think about it. I've been using casting reels for 30 yrs and rarely have issues, but why not use what's there?

Major preference - dual system like my pair of Patriarchs

Secondary preference - Daiwa's inductor system - I got two Fuegos with this

 

That's not to say I can't cast well with an old-style mag-only. My jerkbait rig has a Supreme and I can set that to toss light jerks with minimal problems.

 

Like Tom said above - brakes are an assistance, not a necessary....that's from having used an old Abu Ambassaduer round reel years ago that had a tension knob and that was it.

I always chuckle at the advice to turn your brakes off and only use your thumb... on a reel with the spools tension (a powerful brake) cranked down to a slow drop.  

I do have a preference for centrifugal or daiwa magforce z with baits that cast like bullets and braided line.  For heavy flouro I like daiwa sv and tws reels but it don't use that line goop and feel like the braking of the sv spool keeps the line under control.  I also like sv for bank work casting plastics to cover, magforce z for all around and centrifugal for long casting with braid.

Mag brakes work better on the light end for preventing mid-cast wind backlash, and maximize distance. 

 

Centrifugal brake works best at preventing start-up overshoot with heavy weights, and costs distance with lighter lures. 

 

The OP asked a simple question. 

No pontificating required. 

Edited April 29, 20224 yr by bulldog1935

I didn’t say don’t use the reels brakes, I said learn how to cast reels without relying on brakes to improve your casting technique and skills. Brakes should be used to fine tune your casting skills under all Fishing conditions.

I learned to cast reels before they had brakes. Try casting a International 50W using 3 lb live bait into the wind! International reels don’t have any brakes and requires skill to cast them.

The original Abu Ambassador reels had centrical 2 post @ 180 degrees with different sliding weight to adjust spool speed. I removed the weights because they decreased casting distance. The Shimano Calcutta reels had 6 post centrical brakes and usually set 3 on 3 off when casting big swim baits.

Daiwa Tatula reels I use minimal braking. It’s just how I learned to cast, it’s not for everyone but it will improve your that casting skill.  

Tom

 

1 hour ago, MN Fisher said:

Like Tom said above - brakes are an assistance, not a necessary....that's from having used an old Abu Ambassaduer round reel years ago that had a tension knob and that was it.

This , I throw awimbairs on a abu reel w no breaking, I will say though, breaks do allow further casting and put more energy behind a cast as you kind of have to be gentle on non breaked reels, cast slower, less whipping motion. 

For 3/8oz or more with aero dynamics shape lure, I’d prefer centrifugal brake. This will give you the most distance. When light lure or windy, Magnetic brake will give you the most and easiest of control. Daiwa Magforce brake is like combination of both world but still got some ill effect of magnetic where brake still apply a little too much at the end of the cast which you don’t really need with heavier type lure. 

4 hours ago, WRB said:

A good bait casting reel should be able to cast lures by a skilled caster without brakes.

Assuming the appropriate rod is being used.