Does setting only 1 pin on a centrifugal brake system make the spool un-balanced?  If you are going to turn on any of the brakes, do you need a minimum of 2 pins on so that they counter balance?

I like to set them in pairs, but it won't so imbalanced you'll notice.

My Scorpion 1000 Mg has a system of 3 internal weights and 3 blocks that can be adiusted from the outisde by a dial, I swear, I set 1 block (equivalent to setting 1 brake pin ) and I don 't notice the reel doing any goofy stuff or has lasted less than other reels I 've got with centrifugal brake.

Does setting only 1 pin on a centrifugal brake system make the spool un-balanced? If you are going to turn on any of the brakes, do you need a minimum of 2 pins on so that they counter balance?

They are so light that they have nothing to do with spool balance.

But you certainly need a well educated thumb..

Tight Lines!

i've done it before and i could not notice that it felt unbalanced or anything detrimental. however, i wasn't very good with only one brake so i quickly switched back to 2.

I usually try to use "balanced" numbers on a 6-pin system but occasionally I set just 1 and like everyone above, can't feel any kind of unbalance or any negative effect on casting distance. In fact, I have one BC reel that just "came alive" on 1-pin on as compared to 2-pins.

All of my centrifugal brakes are currently set to 2 opposing pins on. That's just what I'm used to and I don't think you will see any negative effects if they are not "balanced". The weights are so small I don't see them affecting spool balance, making something wear unevenly, etc.

I would say bottom line is if the reel casts best with only 1 pin on use it that way and don't worry about it.

I usually try to use "balanced" numbers on a 6-pin system but occasionally I set just 1 and like everyone above, can't feel any kind of unbalance or any negative effect on casting distance. In fact, I have one BC reel that just "came alive" on 1-pin on as compared to 2-pins.

maybe your bearings are shot.

Since all pins are still there, it won't be out of balance. Now, if you were to start removing them, it would cause a balance issue. Since you are only moving the out about 1/32", there won't be a balance issue.

I only have 1 out on my 50E and one out on my Citica.

I use 1 pin a lot when roll casting a spinnerbait in cover or sometimes when pitching jigs or plastics.

I usually try to use "balanced" numbers on a 6-pin system but occasionally I set just 1 and like everyone above, can't feel any kind of unbalance or any negative effect on casting distance. In fact, I have one BC reel that just "came alive" on 1-pin on as compared to 2-pins.

maybe your bearings are shot.

No - it's practically new. It's just that with the light baits that I throw on that reel, my standard 2-pin setting was just too much braking. The usual mantra is to have balanced pins so I fished that reel for a while with what I thought was the minimum centrifugal (besides no pins of course). Anyway, one day I tried 1-pin to see what would happen. One-pin was the sweet spot...

I usually use only 1 pin. No balance issues.

If you use dual brakes (DBS) with one or five pins "on" you can only choose prime numbers for setting the magnetics.

;D

If you use dual brakes (DBS) with one or five pins "on" you can only choose prime numbers for setting the magnetics.

;D

Gosh - I have 10 bc reels with DBS - I'll have to remember that formula ! :)

If you use dual brakes (DBS) with one or five pins "on" you can only choose prime numbers for setting the magnetics.

;D

Is this an example of prime rib(bing)

I like to use sub-prime numbers-they are cheaper. 

I like to use sub-prime numbers-they are cheaper.

We're always looking for the value deals.....

i fish my citicas with one brake on and adjust spool tension. no problems here.

I believe my pflueger xt manual says 2,  3,  4,  or  6.  One across from each,  every other one,  2 on 1 off 2 on 1 off,  or all on.  Thats what they recommend anyway.

i use one pin on my core 101 since new.it can cast a frog on 50LBS braid to the moon.i could also skip and pitch under trees without having to move pins around.so yes you can use one pin.on some of my other shimanos i use two or three.i think your line plays a role in this too.