I keep seeing references to "flipping switch".  Does this mean these reels or only made for flippin?  Or is it multi purpose, such as long casts for cranking too?

example:

I think that you can use them for whatever but Ive heard people say the switch can be annoying if your not using it. Unless your using a rod for flipping only I wouldnt get one.

This is the way it works....

When you press down on the thumb bar, the line comes out. When you

let go of the thumb bar, the spool stops without having to engage the reel handle. I used some reels prior to my Pflueger era that had the flippin' switch and I personally hated them. Of course, they wouldn't still be selling them if a lot of other people didn't like them.

JT Bagwell

The only time you should have the flippin' switch on is when you are flipping, not pitching and not casting. The whole purpose is so that you can pull the line out to flip, then let go of the spool release and make your flip. When flipping, you should only have to release line after you reel in a fish.