Does using this option simply provide enhanced control over the brakes, or does it work on some other principle?

I guess, what does this option do for an angler that supposedly makes it easier than trying to flip without the option?

Thanks

When you engage your flipping button, the spool reacts to the thumb button differently.  For instance, in normal situations when you press the thumb bar, you disengage the spool until you crank the handle enough to engage the spool again.  That means that you can press the thumb button one time and line can come off of your spool until you turn the handle.  When you select the flipping button you now have to press and hold the thumb bar to disengage the spool.  If you let off of the thumb button at any time, the spool is automatically engaged...this way if you get bit as soon as your bait hits the water you can instantly set the hook without worrying about engaging the reel with the handle.

Hmmm.  That's pretty cool.

Thanks for the info.

The flipping button disengages the spool as long as the thumbar release is pressed, the moment you lift the thumb from the thumbar the spool reengages, no need to turn the handle.

But there 's a huge drawback with that system, if you happen to lift the thumb while the spool is rotating -----> there go your reel 's gears !

The flipping button disengages the spool as long as the thumbar release is pressed, the moment you lift the thumb from the thumbar the spool reengages, no need to turn the handle.

But there 's a huge drawback with that system, if you happen to lift the thumb while the spool is rotating -----> there go your reel 's gears !

It's for FLIPPIN'. The spool should never be rotating when you are flipping. If it is you are not flipping, you are pitching and the flipping swith should be off.

IGNORE THAT BUTTON> In my opinion, its usless. So long as you have a pulse and can pay attention to what you are doing, you dont need it.

There are two types of flippin switches.  The first, as already described,  allows the spool to turn until the thumbar is released and then instantly engages the reel without needing to turn the handle.

The second type, is seen on the Shimano Castaic and a couple Pflueger reels.  That switch will instantly re-engage the reel when the button or switch is depressed.  

Don't bother at all with flippin switches!  Worse thing that was ever put on a fishing reel.  I've superglued mine so that I can't accidently hit it and have my gears fly apart.