Centrifugal Or Magnetic Brakes...... Choose One! 2024
Megastink reply :
This is out of shear curiousity. I own a few Revo STXs and one Lews Tour Pro, both reels have both Centrifugal and MAgnetic brakes. Now, when I was younger, I used to keep about three pins (out of six) engaged and three locked down. At the same time, I would turn my magnets all the way off. However, this spring, I was cast much farther, into wind, leaving only one pin on (five off) and using my magnetic brakes.
It begs the question: if you could choose any reel, but with only ONE brake system: mags or cents.
Take your pick and justify your answer.
A-Jay reply :
Mags ~
A-Jay
roadwarrior reply :
Magnetic brakes are "touchy". Centrifugal are "one and done".
Arv reply :
Centrifugal
TNBassin' reply :
I I have to pick just one, Centrifugal all day long. Set it and forget it. The Infini brake system on the STX is the perfect set up IMO though.
KYntucky Warmouth reply :
I prefer centrifugal braking over magnetic. Shimano's VBS is where it's at for me, I prefer it over any other braking system, followed closely by the Daiwa Magforce-Z and V for magnetic systems. I've fished several dual braking systems and the just don't cut it for me, you shouldn't have to combine two sub-par systems to make a reel work correctly.
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Either or, doesn't matter to me. I can throw both equally.
lmbfisherman reply :
Centrifugal as others stated, set it and forget it.
21farms reply :
centrifugal for me but keep this in mind: dual-braking reels are touted as "the best of both worlds" but they don't truly give you the full sense of what either system is like when fully realized. it like going to a surf-and-turf restaurant where you have a choice of a succulent lobster tail or a fat, juicy steak but can't decide so you order the steak & lobster combo. what you end up getting is a smaller sirloin steak instead of a big new york strip and the tail from a small slipper lobster instead of a big maine lobster. still good but not the same as ordering one or the other separately.
just to take this further, take a look at the centrifugal brake assembly from a curado....big brake blocks that slide effortlessly up and down on smooth brass pins. then, look at the centrifugal brakes from a dual-braking reel...tiny little brakes that cannot respond as quickly to the varying speed of the spool.
or, on the magnetic side, look inside a daiwa with sophisticated V-mag or Z-mag brakes where a centrifugally-operated arbor extends closer to magnets to receive more braking force when the spool is spinning faster and less when the spool slows down. then, look at a dual-braking reel's fixed magnets that apply the same amount of magnetic braking regardless of spool speed.
in summary, a good implementation of either braking system, centrifugal or magnetic, will perform significantly better than either or both of the braking systems of a dual-braking reel.
Maico1 reply :
To answer your question centrifugal....But I like Digital more.
Craiger12 reply :
I prefer magnetic simply for the ease of adjustment. Specifically, I enjoy Daiwa's Magforce Z breaking system, though I rarely throw anything under 3/8oz.
aavery2 reply :
I can cast any of them 35 yards. I prefer magnetic for Pitching/Flipping and Centrifugal for long casting, if given the choice I will take a reel that has both every time.
TNBassin' reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 4:50 AM, OkeechobeeAngler said:Either or, doesn't matter to me. I can throw both equally.
Must be nice. I'm a sloppy caster, and centrifugal brakes are MUCH more forgiving so I tend to roll with those or a combination of the 2. I've only ever used Abu's Linear Mag system with Gen 2 SX(HATED IT)and Abu's Mag Trax system that was much better though still I back lashed a ton at the start of my cast.
flippin and pitchin reply :
Good topic. Brakes and thumb. The most fickle reel I have ever owned was a Revo SX. It's an excellent reel but getting it dialed was bit more involved than others. For that reason they were applied to pitchin rods. Virtually every reel I own that feature brakes and mags never see the mags applied.
TNBassin' reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 5:31 AM, flippin and pitchin said:Good topic. Brakes and thumb. The most fickle reel I have ever owned was a Revo SX. It's an excellent reel but getting it dialed was bit more involved than others. For that reason they were applied to pitchin rods. Virtually every reel I own that feature brakes and mags never see the mags applied.
I'm betting the farm your SX was a Gen 2.....
21farms reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 5:35 AM, TNBassin said:I'm betting the farm your SX was a Gen 2.....
the gen-1s were worse! abu tried to fix the SX's squirreliness by adding a second row of magnets in the gen-2s but it only helped marginally.
TNBassin' reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 5:48 AM, 21farms said:the gen-1s were worse! abu tried to fix the SX's squirreliness by adding a second row of magnets in the gen-2s but it only helped marginally.
Worse? Holy crap. I cannot imagine. I hated the gen 2 SX.
21farms reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 5:50 AM, TNBassin said:Worse? Holy crap. I cannot imagine. I hated the gen 2 SX.
'hate' is a strong word but i'm with ya. i had two and they frustrated the heck out of me. it cracked me up when i read TT's review of the SX...on his first cast, cal ruined a fresh $30 spool of line.
TNBassin' reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 5:56 AM, 21farms said:'hate' is a strong word but i'm with ya. i had two and they frustrated the heck out of me. it cracked me up when i read TT's review of the SX...on his first cast, cal ruined a fresh $30 spool of line.
I don't doubt it. My first cast went about 7 feet and I had about 80ft of back lash to pick out. The frustration with that reel just never ended. My Black Max was much easier to get dialed in.
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 5:31 AM, TNBassin said:Must be nice. I'm a sloppy caster, and centrifugal brakes are MUCH more forgiving so I tend to roll with those or a combination of the 2. I've only ever used Abu's Linear Mag system with Gen 2 SX(HATED IT)and Abu's Mag Trax system that was much better though still I back lashed a ton at the start of my cast.
Lots of practice over the years.
War Eagle 44 reply :
Centrifugal. You can turn these completely off for no braking effect at all. Magnets on the other hand can't be turned off, even if you have the reel set at zero there is still some brake force applied. If you're trying to achieve maximum free spool centrifugal is where its at.
Bass Junkie reply :
If I had to choose, it would be Mag breaking.
Bass Junkie reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 12:58 PM, War Eagle 44 said:Centrifugal. You can turn these completely off for no braking effect at all. Magnets on the other hand can't be turned off, even if you have the reel set at zero there is still some brake force applied. If you're trying to achieve maximum free spool centrifugal is where its at.
Ever used a Daiwa? They have done a pretty good job of making the zero setting an actual zero.
tholmes reply :
Centrifugal, if I could have only one braking system. It's what I'm familiar and most comfortable with.
Tom
bassinbrian reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 6:52 PM, Bass Junkie said:Ever used a Daiwa? They have done a pretty good job of making the zero setting an actual zero.
X2
jhoffman reply :
As I understand it they are two different systems. Centrifugal effecting spool speed at the start of the spool while magnetic controlling the spool speed as it slows. How can they be compared?
BobP reply :
I'd have to say centrifugal but only because I use a lot of Shimano reels. I have a JDM Shimano Scorpion with dual centrifugal system - an externally dialed centrifugal system complemented by a separate internal centrifugal system, and it casts into the wind about as well as a spinning reel. Too bad Shimano never brought that system to its US product line. On the other hand, I also have an Revo SX (don't know what "generation") that has also worked flawlessly for years, so I think that rather than considering centrifugal versus magnetic, you have to look at the particular braking system in the particular reel you are considering. Some reel designs are just more prone to backlash than others and it's not just the braking system that determines that.
For instance, I think most round Abu reels with their simple 2 post centrifugal brakes are Backlash City. But I have several old round Pro Max 1600's that prove you have to look at the whole reel, not just the braking system. You can install 2 black brake blocks in a 1600, turn the cast control knob all the way off until there's slight side play in the spool, and cast it all day without the reel even thinking of backlashing. And the 1600 will cast farther than any Shimano I own because almost zero braking is needed, while I have to use both cast control and 2-3 centrifugal brakes on all of my Shimanos - and still get a few "professional over-runs" during a day of fishing.
jhoffman - I think either braking systems work primarily at the end of the cast, while the cast control knob works to stop backlash at the beginning.
J Francho reply :
I use modern Daiwa reels. They are all centrifugally activated magnetic brakes. And yes, since Daiwa uses two ring shaped magnets, they can be set out of phase, and therefore zero is really zero brakes.
I also use some Shimano reels, and their centrifugal brakes are pretty easy to set and forget. I use 2-4 brakes on, depending on application.
I never got the hang of hybrid systems, or the funky old style of magnetic brake where it's just magnetic buttons by the spool. Too fussy.
Capt.Bob reply :
I don't care which and own both. I can cast the Lew's Super Duty (mag only) as far and effortlessly as the BB1(truly hybrid centrifugal only) or the Lew's Team Gold (dual breaking), or the Shimano VBS (6 pin) I can cast any with no real preference.
For most I would suggest the centrifugal because they are the most forgiving, aggressive and easiest to learn. The Magnetic on a good real are excellent but not as aggressive on the startup and that is where most beginners have there problem, as the technique is not refined and far to many try and whip the lure, or put way to much force into their cast, but when they turn on enough brakes to tame the backlash, they get less distance by dialing in more correction than needed with proper casting rhythm.
The dual are the best for most to me, as they get to dial in with the centrifugal and when the wind starts to blow it is easy to make a fine adjustment with the mag to keep throwing as they had been without modifying their casting rhythm to account for it.
As far as six pin four pin, auto manual so on and so forth with any breaking system, there are good and bad in both, I loved the VBS 6 pin Shimano used when I used them, they are excellent, the 4 pin auto assisted breaks the Lew's uses are every bit as good, and in over 20 years or so that centrifugal brakes have been around I have never needed 6 pins, if I tried that many I found casting distance suffered SEVERELY!! Out of every centrifugal I have ever used I rate the new Six Pin on the Lew's BB1 the very best, it gives you 2 manual with no auto assist springs and 4 with the auto assist springs, I have never had any reel that was more user friendly than this breaking system.
When it comes to Magnetic only, it is more to do with the way the manufacturer uses them. I am not familiar with the many different reels that use the Mag only but am with the few older reels I have had and the new Lew's Mag only on the Super Duty, and it is as good as any. I will say I have not used them for lures under 1/2 oz as I bought them for big baits for Musky and Northern Pike, but it is sweet.
I think the Old magnetic were very anemic, and the newer reels using the newer mag designs are excellent, and it is more a matter of you get what you pay for, "for the most part" there are always exceptions. I feel the same about the different 4 6 or whatever centrifugal, they are the most aggressive for the beginning of the cast and where most have trouble controlling a baitcaster, but there are good and bad in both, again these are the easiest to set and eliminate backlash for most. But the best drag of all is on the end of your own thumb!! and the better you learn to use it the better, and more trouble free your casting is going to be!!
flippin and pitchin reply :
My SX's were G1 with the straight handles. They are very smooth, just touchy for lack of a better word. My Lews MG's are much much easier to set and go. It's still brakes for me.
War Eagle 44 reply :
I don't care what anyone here says, it isn't possible to "turn off" a magnet. If a reel has magnetic braking then there is always some breaking effect, no matter how little it's still there.
On 5/29/2013 at 6:52 PM, Bass Junkie said:Ever used a Daiwa? They have done a pretty good job of making the zero setting an actual zero.
Yes I've owned many Daiwa's; Steez, Pixy, TDZ, Fuego, Zillion HS, & Alphas. I only have the Alphas left, sold the rest to purchase more Shimano's. Not saying Shimano's are "better" reels than Daiwa's, I just simply prefer Shimano. Daiwa makes great gear.
Hogsticker reply :
Correct me If I'm wrong, but only a Daiwa reel with a "fixed" inductor can NOT be turned off? With that being said, I feel that the whole braking system truly depends on the design itself. I don't think mag force Z can really be beat. It's pretty awesome, and the dial is in the perfect location. I don't need to remove the side plate. Heck, I don't even have to adjust my hand location. Magforce V works great if you wanna cast some lighter stuff as well. The ONLY Cent. system I will use is Shimano simply because the side plate stays attached. IMO dual systems are over rated. But hey, it has both so it must be better....right?? 21 Farms pretty much summed it up in his 1st post as he usually does. VBS is great for no fuss beginner type applications, and it flat works. But for the guy who don't carry 50 rods and wants to make quick adjustments, magforce is where it's at.
J Francho reply :
No, any Daiwa with Mag-Z/V brakes can be set out of phase, fixed inductor or not.
BrettD reply :
Centrifugal brakes if only one brake but I prefer reels with both. I only use the mag brakes when casting into a strong wind most of the time they are off.
catchnm reply :
Six or eight pin centrifugal.
BassWhole! reply :
Old school cent with the six pins (Calais, Metal Matrix), the only mag that is worth anything is Daiwa's. (dual brakes is the worst of both worlds) I hate when a reel applies different amount of braking on successive casts, particularly with smaller lighter baits. If I'm throwing a lipless or a big jig, well then any reel will do...
dodgeguy reply :
abugarcia mgx centrifugal brakes with external adjustment are the best imho.id do like the dual brakes on the pflueger patriarch.
new2BC4bass reply :
I don't know if a mag only reel can be set at true "zero", but give me a Daiwa reel set at zero with minimum spool tension, and I can backlash it quicker than I can say "Oh Ssshhh__". 
I agree with a lot of the posters. I feel the beginner is best off going with a Shimano Centrifugal. I don't know how my Black Max 1600 is set internally, but it is very hard to backlash it even when throwing directly into a strong breeze with a light lure. It can be done, tho if you try hard enough. 
Practice goes a long way towards backlash free casting regardless of brake style. It takes less for a centrifugal brake reel, IMHO.
I had the opportunity to fish several days a week the past 2 weeks. Didn't take long before being able to throw either the Chronarch 101A or Gen1 STX-L far in any wind condition we had (Not real strong winds, but it was windy several days.). The reel that caused me major problems was a used Tron. This is the only reel I've had to increase spool tension on out of my 20 plus collection. Obviously it doesn't have the brakes set right yet, but I have no paperwork for the reel. Another reason for over-runs was using a weightless worm on a 3/0 hook. A smooth casting technique was critical.
ColdSVT reply :
centri fan here...i do like my two STXs but I prefer the VBS on my shinanos
Mike L reply :
Cent for all casting...Mag for flippin and/or pitchin.
Mike
USAFBassAnglerClark reply :
If I had to choose just one I would choose centrifugal over magnetic. However I prefer having both options on a reel. The only reels in my arsenal that don't have Centrifugal breaking are some Revos and Daiwas and I get way more backlashes with them than my Shimanos and Lews. If I put a lot of power into my casts with the Revos and Daiwas I get backlashes while when I let the rod do the working I don't have any problems. Just takes some time to get used to I guess
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