Can someone explain to me the difference among reels using tandem cast control??? I know some reels use magnets for all the braking (abu garcia sx, stx, sc, etc). I also know that some reels use centrifugal at the beginning and magnets to help slow the spool at the end (shimano, pflueger). What about a reel like the quantum energy or cabelas tournament zx high speed. They have a dial on the left hand  and a magnetic control button on the cranking side ( I am right handed and crank with my right hand). These reels do not have the centrifugal brakes that you manually adjust like my citica, are they still centrifugal???? Can you turn the brakes completely off??? Thanks

Reelmechanic??? can anyone explain this to me please???

OK, shooter. Looks like nobody else wants to jump in, so I'll give a shot.

The Quantum Energy reels do not have a magnetic control on the cranking side. That's the adjustment knob for a standard friction brake. It applies force to the end of the spool shaft to create friction against the shims. This is the first adjustment you need to make. On the other side of the reel is the centrifugal braking system. It has a knob like a magnetic system, but instead of moving magnets, it move the friction race in and out. The race is conical, and moves. The weights are fixed in a spiral configuration. The further the race is moved towards the spool, the more weights are in contact with the race.

Of the reels that have tandem cast controls, I'm familiar with one. I have a Johhny Morris Signature series reel, that appears to be a re-branded Pfleuger Supreme. It has both magnetic and centrifugal braking systems, as well as the friction brake. I have to say this dual system works very nicely, once I got it dialed in. In fact, last year I had my wife using it. It was her first experience with a baitcaster, and she had one minor backlash. So, it works very well. The magnetic brakes are adjusted by the knob on the non-crank side; the friction brake control is on the crank side; and the centrifugal brakes are adjusted by removing the side plate. The blocks clicked in towards the center of the spool to turn them off.

The idea that the centrifugal brakes control the cast at the beginning and the magnetics take over at the end is just a bit not right.

The centrifugal brakes produce more force as the spool speed increases, so they do indeed control the beginning of the cast. As the spool slows they have less and less effect.

The magnetics are always engaged. The only way they could be taken out the picture at the beginning of the cast is if they were moved away from the spool, then moved back towards the spool at the end of the cast.  If you have any doubts about what type your reels have, either consult the reference material, ot take the side plate off and look.

You can turn off a centifugal system. You can't completely turn off a magnetic system. Close, but not totally off. The magnets are always there, exerting some force.

As far as some of the other reels you mentioned, I'll let somebody who actually has one, and has taken it apart, comment.

Cheers,

GK

Thanks ghoti. I appreciate the explanation. Many of the websites for various companies do not explain how their brake systems work. Thanks again.