Question About Dual Brakes 2025

chilliblanket reply :

I was wondering what competitive reel companies offer some type of dual braking system in their reels. If anyone has any experiences or comments about them it would be great also. Do you guys think having that extra control over the cast provides a good advantage over those reels with only one form of braking system? Im using a curado for now... thinking about maybe an upgradee

deep reply :

Pro qualifiers, some upper end Abu Garcia reels, among others.

Personally, I don't see any advantage, although others will probably disagree. I used to have a Pro Q. I just set the mags to zero, and worked the centri brakes and my thumb.

Curados are fine reels, and the Shimano braking system is very user-friendly, and plain works. I have half a dozen Curados and Citicas. I see no need to "upgrade", certainly not for the braking system alone. If I had the money, I'd probably buy some higer end Shimanos, but that's about it.

chilliblanket reply :

have you tried any reels with acs3?

K_Mac reply :

I use PQ reels most of the time. I like the dual brake option. Like deep I use the centrifugal brakes primarily. I do add a little mag braking to compensate for wind.

The Shimano and Daiwa systems are very good. The dual braking systems add a level of complexity to the mix. It really comes down to what you are used to, and personal preference in my opinion.

Delaware Valley Tackle reply :

IMO you won't find a more user-friendly braking system than that of the Shimano's. It's often a set it and forget it proposition. Dual braking is fine, but not a huge advantage. I definetely prefer dual over mag only. The Daiwa system which incorprates centrifugal and magnetics into one adjustment is a unique design and arguably the best. Braking system is pretty low on the list of priorities when choosing a reel IMO.

deep reply :

On 10/26/2011 at 12:02 AM, chilliblanket said:

have you tried any reels with acs3?

Had to google that up. You mean Quantum reels?

Here's a review for the Exo, but Idk what sort of braking system it has...

webertime reply :

"Make everything as simple as possible and not simpler" Einstein.

KYntucky Warmouth reply :

Dual braking is fine at first, nice to be able to up your mag when needed for a quick adjustment but I see it as a little added weight. I used to love it on my patriarchs and would swear by it, they were my step up from the quantum code and the dual braking was a major change for the better. But after becoming familiar with my equipment, I realized that I used the mag braking less and less, mainly for wind and weight changes, and that can be compensated for with CSS control. I now have three dual braking reels that I hardly use, two patriarchs and a supreme, nothing wrong with them but I prefer the shimano VBS and Daiwa Magforce systems. Why combine two mediocre systems when you can stick with one done right and adjust the cast control. I haven't used an Abu with it but I'd imagine it's similar to the Pflueger and those Revos really needed it.

J Francho reply :

^^^ Really nice review, and way to recognize how the gear we use can help us progress through the hobby, and that our preferences progress as we learn.

NBR reply :

I have reels with mag brakes, inertia brakes and combo's and frankly I like them all. I still haven't found a reel I can't backlash. I depend on my big fat thumb!

bigbassctchr101 reply :

I really like my patriachs as well. I have 3 and use them in completely different ways...when throwing traps I use only the mags. The cent brake pins were keeping my casts limited, with the mag brake I feel like I have a free spool with only that added bit of friction when I need it there the most.

When throwing frogs, I use only cent. brakes. I don't know exactly why, but it works out well for me. I think its more because of the way the braking works when roll casting, and skipping frogs and possibly the larger line diameter has a hand in it.

I have two curados and like them both, I use every other brake on the E7, but I use no braking pins on the E5 unless I am in the wind, which I still only use 1. After adding only 2 brakes on the E5 my cast would decrease. I'm using an 8' rod that loads up great, but it will cast a mile. So I'm happy with my 1-0 brake pins...although I think if I had the dual braking system I could just turn it up a notch and find a happier medium like the patriachs.

I have found that a down side to a pin system is that sometimes after many years the pins can come lose, especially after changing your settings with the brake collars alot and repeated and repeated use and cleanings...this has caused some wearing and grooving in the brass brake ring. I've only have a couple reels do this, pflueger trion, shimano citica, and a calcutta. I guess it probably don't happen with everyone though.

On the flip side, I've also had a magnet come our of the patriach when I first recieved it...I bought it used however so its hard to know how it actually happened... But, I have serviced many black and silver maxes and they were missing 1-3 magnets in them. (Usually the person using the reel never knew)

I think you can easily train yourself to use minimal inertia braking by practicing with different reels, lines, and rods with the baits you will be using.... A combo used for close quarter pitching is not going to benefit as much as one used with lipless baits and spinner baits etc...

Delaware Valley Tackle reply :

A lot of it has to do with what you're throwing as said above. Baits like a trap are heavy enough and have a slim profile so they pull line out easily. A spinnerbait has a crazy profile that causes them to lose velocity quickly making a backalsh more likely.

A centrifugal brake may require a little more maintenance over the life of the reel, but if you're doing regular service on the whole reel it should be mostly a non-issue.

chilliblanket reply :

yeah i have no problems with my centrifugal brake systems in my curados... I was jsut wondering if the addition of a magnetic braking systems in reels were a step up in your guy's opinions. I didn't know if having an extra braking system that would help with minute adjustments allowed people with the dual braking systems to tune their baitcasters finer than those without. Thanks for all the help though everyone.. extremely informative

Shane J reply :

I know this. I can pick up one of my Curados, and sling whatever I'm throwing a mile without fear of backlash, and then switch to one of my Revo STX's (with dual breaking), and not have the same confidence UNTIL I have tweeked the brakes or cast control a bit up or down (then they cast even further). I thought there was going to be a night and day difference, but in reality, there isn't. Your thumb and cast control knob are your best friends.

chilliblanket reply :

so youre saying the dual braking systems require more tinkering to get distance but do in fact cast further compared to the curados whch are set and go but dont cast as far?

slonezp reply :

On 10/26/2011 at 7:44 AM, chilliblanket said:

so youre saying the dual braking systems require more tinkering to get distance but do in fact cast further compared to the curados whch are set and go but dont cast as far?

Practice my friend. Practice. My Revos Stx's have dual brakes. Might be me but I really don't notice any difference with adjusting the mag brakes. There is a difference when adjusting the centri brakes. That being said Once I adjust them to my liking I never really change them. The cast control knob and my thumb control are most important.

chilliblanket reply :

my cast control is usually set as loose as possible without unnecessary spool movement.. i didn't know if the dual brakes gave more ocntrol or not

J Francho reply :

I don't know if it gives you "more control" necessarily, but there are more switches and knobs to turn, LOL.

My complaint with the system is not that it doesn't work - it works fine - but it adds unsprung weight, which inhibits startup. I doubt everyone would notice the difference, but I can when casting side by side with a really light spool.

bigbassctchr101 reply :

I have several older abus that have no brakes in them at all that I cast 1ounce bucktails with....I also have a citica that I took out all the pins and the brass collar that I throw 2.5 squarebills on. The brakes are not needed at all, neither one of them (magnetic or centrifigal pins). The cast control knob doesn't do anything on these reels except keep the spool from knocking back and forth on the reel casing.

But, on almost all my other reels, I can let a lure fly, switch hands while its in the air, and simply hit my thumb on the spool when it hits the water. Maybe not needed, but surely appreciated!!!!

pitchinthejig reply :

On 10/26/2011 at 8:55 PM, J Francho said:

I don't know if it gives you "more control" necessarily, but there are more switches and knobs to turn, LOL.

My complaint with the system is not that it doesn't work - it works fine - but it adds unsprung weight, which inhibits startup. I doubt everyone would notice the difference, but I can when casting side by side with a really light spool.

This hit it on the head, All my reels have really light spools and when changing to a reel that has a heavier spool if you are tuned in to your reels well you will feel like the spool doesnt want to start spinning and will take a few casts to adjust.

When I go from lets say a TD-Z 105 to a TD-Z 100M I can easily feel the extra spool weight when casting... I can feel the extra spool/line weight when casting my Steez 103 VS a Steez 100 even tho its not a ton of weight I notice it and I dont like it, I prefer the lightest spool in a reel I only fish Daiwa reels so and I know how each reel feels and cast. I love my Zillion Family of reels my FAV is my HLC's on all my others I couldnt stand the stock spool because they are to hard to get spinning with light baits so I swapped all they with TD-Z 100M spools and the reel fishes like a champ!

I have never fished a reel with a DBS but I would think the spools are close to 20 Grams or more without line and I believe they wouldnt cast light baits very well, I may be wrong on that one being I have never used one but I know from me Daiwa's heavier spools DO NOT cast as good as light spools, Take a Zillion one with ABEC7's and a stock spool and one with ABEC7's and a 100M spool in order for me to get the same distance on lets say fishing a trap I will need to fish a 5/8ths to 3/4oz trap before I can catch the 100M spool and with a 100M spool I can cast baits 1/8th oz with useable distance with a stock Zillion spool I dont want to cast under 3/16ths and would prefer 1/4oz+..

Spool weight makes a huge difference and I would be willing to bet the Curado will out cast a DBS reel with lighter lures with ease.

K_Mac reply :

Long-Range-Junkie as usual you've found reason to list your high-end arsenal. We all get that you have great stuff. I am happy for you and maybe a little jealous. With that said, you may want to dial it back just a bit.

I think most of us understand that that a lighter spool starts better, esp with lighter lures. I have no problem throwing lighter weight baits with my dual braking reels. Using very light line/lures on baitcast gear effectively takes gear designed for that purpose, and is at least as dependent on the rod as the reel. I use spinning gear for light line/lure applications.

If the Curado will outcast my PQ it won't be "with ease", and won't be enough to make any practical difference IMO. It is a much higher priced reel so expectations should be higher...Again, what braking system is best comes down to what you are used to using and personal preference.

deep reply :

When I had the PQ, my Citicas and Curados did outcast it for similar lure weights. But the difference was maybe 10 feet or less, and probably not enough to make any practical difference as KMac says.

Don't quote me on that though, 'cause I did no scientific testing. I figured it doesn't matter practically one way or the other.

chilliblanket reply :

i know light spools start up easier.. but dont the heavier spools have an advantage also? not sure.. just asking

K_Mac reply :

On 10/28/2011 at 5:09 AM, chilliblanket said:

i know light spools start up easier.. but dont the heavier spools have an advantage also? not sure.. just asking

I think you ask a good question. The heavier spool will spin longer. I don't know how much this effects distance. With heavier baits it may make a difference? Maybe it's a wash, taking more energy to start? I am sure there are some here who can can answer this question.

bigbassctchr101 reply :

Not sure if I can legally post this, (sorry if I can't)

http://super-tuning.home.mindspring.com/i1.html

This talks about super tuning. But as far as casting distance goes it is a really good read and will really allow a paerson to grasp what the smaller functions of a reel are.

Beware though...its tough on the eyes! lol

J Francho reply :

On 10/28/2011 at 8:06 PM, bigbassctchr101 said:

Not sure if I can legally post this, (sorry if I can't)

http://super-tuning.home.mindspring.com/i1.html

This talks about super tuning. But as far as casting distance goes it is a really good read and will really allow a paerson to grasp what the smaller functions of a reel are.

Beware though...its tough on the eyes! lol

This is fine for older reels and really can bring a oldie back into a goodie, but newer designs require different modifications for only modest performance gains.

bigbassctchr101 reply :

Very true... I was referring to page 2 about the spool weight. I read somewhere else about this same guy doing tests with various reels and lure weights and scientifically measuring the distances. He seemed to do a decent job with eliminating as many variables as he could help. Still not set in stone proof. But very interesting.

If I was able to choose any spool types for any applications, I would choose a lighter ported spool for anything that is pitched, casted under the weights of 1/2 ounce (the lighter the bait, the more difference I think you'd see between lighter and heavier spools), and I like heavier spools for my deep diving crankbaits ==> It probably has hardly anything to do with distance casted, but more so to do with the type of spools that are usually in a beefier geared set up more prone to being used with my cranking.

Being able to cast far has a lot more to do with spool weight. Brake set up, rod loading, bearing type or quality, free spool, and several other factors come into play. And they all work together. On the other hand, the same can be said for pitching and casting short distances lol

chilliblanket reply :

a lot of input.. and all really helpful.. thanks

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