So, I picked up a cayenne from the flea market board this week, and just gave it my second go around. I put it on a 7'2" MHF rod, and I'm having some serious issues with it! It backlashes like mad, and I can't seem to get good distance at all. Its only my second baitcaster, so I'm comparing it to my Lews Speed Spool. I have the SS on a 6'9" MF rod and it casts so much smoother, and further. The cayennes breaks just don't seem right. 0 is too little, yet 2 (the next step up for okumas break system) seems too much. I keep the spool tension just tight enough to stop the spool from moving side to side, like always. Both are spooled with 10lb P-Line CXX.

Any advice?

I have 3 cayennes and I'm very pleased w/ them. Depending on the wind and other variables, I have my brakes on 2 and sometimes 4. I set the spool tension knob so the lure falls from the end of the rod slowly. If I remember correctly, It took me a little bit to get the reel dialed in and for me to get used to it.

I still have 2 Cayennes. All are the same: I need to set them at 6 with the spool tension knob set that the lure falls slowly to the ground. I get the exact same distance I do with the Curado 200E7 this way. Note: I have read numerous places that you can throw light baits well with the Cayenne. I never found this to be true. Stick with the heavier baits.

Heavier baits help the reel out immensely. I'm talking 3/8 and above. I find even 1/4 is challenging. Again, I'm comparing it to my Lews SS and I'd take another SS any day of the week.

Heavier baits help the reel out immensely. I'm talking 3/8 and above. I find even 1/4 is challenging. Again, I'm comparing it to my Lews SS and I'd take another SS any day of the week.

Yes--stick with the heavier baits, also I agree with you on the Lews.