How many of you guys dont use the brakes at all or very minimul at best? I have a citica and have been practicing with various settings with the VBS. Seems I can cast fine with just 1 of the VBS brakes engaged with no problems. But once I try to go with none is when I get backlash hell. I can definetly tell you would be able to cast much farther though once you master it. Just not sure if I will ever be able to?

I usually cast with 4 of 6 on the pin type brakes and on the newer hybrid mag/cent exterior brakes i leave it at 6 to 8 out of 10. I am baicasting for just one season and have had minimal backlashers and decently long and accurate casts this way.

It took a while, but my thumb is finely tuned.  Free spool, no brakes.  Huge difference.

i usually use either 4-3. once i go lower than that i start to get back lashes, it is hard using no brakes, thats for sure

Practice, practice and practice and you will get the hang of free spool. It takes a very educated thumb.

It is also getting used to the reel. Atleast it's like that for me. If I pick up my friends baitcaster which I've never thrown it takes me a while to get used to it, and how it feels in my hands. Maybe thats just me though

Depends on which reel i'm using... ;D

Citica i think i have 3 on 3 off.Usually stays like that

Quantum accurist i have it set on 5-6 Works bests for 3/8oz...heavier the lure the lower i set the brakes.

Shimano Scorpion I think i have 1 on but my magnetic is set at half or a little more.I love my scorpion because i can really switch up on my settings if i wanted to.I'd really like to pick another ones of these up by the end of winter when it comes.

Only time i can freespool is 3/4 oz lures or heavier.You really gotta train that thumb.

Shimano Scorpion I think i have 1 on but my magnetic is set at half or a little more

Scorpions do not have magnetic brake, they have 4x4 SVS which is a centrifugal braking.

I 'm one of those who freespool the reel, only problem is that when you backlash ( and even the most seasoned angler can backlash now and then ) the results ain 't pretty.  

Thanks raul for clearing that up....however they got this made,it's the way i like it...seems to be able to set it exactly the way i want it.

I use Abu Tornos and Revos and it is much better with no brakes. As long as you have chunking a heavy bait. But as soon as I go under a 1/4 it can get nasty. And as I learned, never try to skip a jig unless you have the brake on about 7 or 8.