I have a Lew's bait caster, model CXPB1SHA Custom XP and have discovered that no matter how I adjust the tension knob and magnetic break, it makes no difference to how far I can cast the bait.  The reel also makes what I can only describe as a bit of a buzzing sound on every cast.  I can loosen the tension knob and decrease the magnetic break or tighten them both, no difference.  The knobs turn and feel like they should be working.  Any ideas?

 

Have you adjusted the centrifugal brakes? The Custom XP has magnetic and centrifugal brakes, their “MSB” or multi setting brake system. Just a combination of external magnetic brakes and internal centrifugal brakes. You may just need to loosen the centrifugal brakes. 

I'm not 100% confident on the nomenclature, but I have adjusted the tension knob on the right side of the reel and the magnetic break on the left side.  I have set them as tight as they will go, as loose as they will go.  I have adjusted where one is tight and the other is loose as well.  None of these adjustments seem to have any effect on the lenght of cast or likelyhood of a backlash.  They seem to have no effect at all.  My casts are relatively short and there seems to be little chance of a backlash.  I would like to make longer casts as I do with my other reels.  Thanks for your help!

 

There is one more brake that needs to be adjusted. You’ve set the spool tension knob and the magnetic brake, but inside the reel on the same side as the magnetic brakes are centrifugal brakes. The side plate should come off revealing several pins that are either “on” or “off”. The more of these you have set to “on”, the more braking will be applied. Based on what you’ve described im willing to be your centrifugal brakes are set too tight. 

 

If you give me a bit I’ll try to find a video that shows how to remove the side plate and set the brakes. 

Im guessing if Lews doesnt include a manual anymore for $200 reels they arent doing it with this one either. Like Jar11591 said the internal brake is more than likely if not guaranteed to be causing the issue.

 

Heres a youtube link on how Lews braking systems work to save him some time

I cant understand how companies refuse to offer a small piece of paper explaining how their reels work anymore. Especially their ones marketed for beginners, it makes 0 sense.

 

Heres the online manual right from Lews website though

https://lews.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/27140387214103

@zjdeere skip to 2:16 in the video above. 

Set your centrifugal brakes.  They are on the spool under the removable side plate.  I forget how many these have.  It's either a 4 or 6 pin Doyo centrifugal brake.  I'd turn 2 on and leave the rest off.  They slide up and become free to move when on.  They slide down and click in a fixed position when off.  When on the centrifugal force of the spool spinning will extend the brakes from the spool and they will ride on the brake race fitted to the side plate.  I would run 2 brakes on, zero spool tension and high on the magnetic dial.  As you cast back off on the magnetic dial until you are happy with the results.  

Brakes on a reel are to manage backlash not so much casting distance. Distance is affected by several factors including but not limited to, rod, line, bait, skill etc. 

 

id have to see the reel to diagnose any potential mechanical problems 

If it's not the centrifugal braking, might be a spool bearing. Wouldn't crank down that spool tension knob too hard on any reel, I've seen that cause some alignment problems before. 

Thanks so much for the good information.  I was not aware there were additional breaks under the cover.  I monkied around with them - first cast was possibly the worst birds nest I have ever created as the spool tension was loosened up all the way. Once I replaced the line, I then set the reel correctly and have seen a significant improvement in casting distance.  Again, thanks so much!