Can someone explain to me (or direct me to an article about ) the difference between centrifugal and magnetic brakes? Which is better, easier to adjust, less backlash, etc.?

Centrifugal use weights, reason why they are mounted on the spool, more weights activated ( closer to the outer edge ) more braking because of more centrifugal force generated ar the spool spins.

Magnetics use magnets, reason why magnetics are not mounted on the spool but out of it, the closer the magnets are to the spool the more braking they generate through magnetic attraction on the spool or on the spool inductor.

Which one is better ?

None, both work well even though until the digital cast control appeared a couple of years ago Daiwa 's Magforce V is considered the best braking system of them all.

Which one is easier to adjust ?

Magnetics, you adjust from the outside of the reel via a dial. Only few reels with centrifugal brakes can be adjusted from the outside but that 's a feature you won 't find in domestic reels, only in certain models of Japanese reels.

Less backlash ?

Haven 't found the reel I can 't backlash thorougly ( and I can bet I can backlash a Calais DC ), in other words, backlash depends more on how good you are in: setting the brakes, how educated your thumb is, something that can only be achieved through practice, practice and more practice.

Raul,

Excellent.... Well put!

several of the newer bps brand reels now have and externally adjustable centrifigal brake. some people in this site may question the quality of bps brand reels but i have a bps prolite and it casts just as good as my new daiwa tierra, maybe even better  

Well said, Raul.

Here's one more thing to consider. Centrifugal brakes only apply braking force at the beginning, and part of the middle, of the cast. When the spool slows, the brakes apply little, if any, braking force. Magnetic systems apply braking force throughout the cast.

If you're a beginner to baitcasting, a reel with magnetic brakes may be easier to master. I know it was for me. My first two baitcasters were a Daiwa, with magnetic brakes, and an ABU with centrifugal brakes. I soon found myself using the Daiwa for almost everything.

When you're learning, a reel with externally adjusted braking may be just the ticket.

Also, you have to practice. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.

Cheers,

GK

Thanks for all of the helpful replies.

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