Centrifugal brakes are one of the most common types of braking systems on baitcast reels. These brakes are easy to adapt and operate. Over the years, centrifugal brakes have been the most common.
While magnetic brakes are becoming more popular and being seen on more reels, centrifugal are still the default that anglers think of when they think of brakes on the top casting reel.
What Is Centrifugal Braking?
Centrifugal braking system is a braking system on the side plate of a fish reel. This type of braking system is the most popular system in the world. The braking system consists of a series of small metal pads, which are mounted on the outer edge of the side plate of the reel.
These pads are then connected to the spool, and they become activated once the spool begins to rotate. When the metal pads move out, they apply pressure against the spool, which slows the speed of the reel spool.
This slowing of the speed of the reel spool can prevent the line from tangling when the line and the lure leave the spool. This braking action can also reduce the problem of backlashes during fishing.
How Centrifugal Braking Works
The centrifugal system is only effective during the first part of the casting process. Consider what happens during the casting process. To start casting, you put your rod back and sling the rod forward. The lure flies out and begins pulling out line from the spool. This initial movement will cause the spool to spin, but where backlash occurs is when your spool begins spinning faster than the line is leaving the spool.
This causes a tangle to begin to occur between the line and the spool. If your spool is spinning faster than the lure weight is traveling, then you will have a backlash.
This is why you have to have some form of braking system in place. If your system is working correctly, it will keep the spool speed in check and thus allow you to release your lure without any tangle or backlash.
How To Adjust Them
Most centrifugal braking systems will have an internal adjustment system. These are adjusted by removing the side plate of the reel and turning the dial. The higher you turn the dial-up, the further out the brake pads will come and apply more pressure onto the brake ring, thus slowing it down faster. Internal adjustment systems can be a bit more of a hassle to deal with, as it requires that you completely remove the side plate in order to change the setting.
Another type of centrifugal braking system will have an external adjustment system. These systems will utilize a knob on the side of the reel that you are able to twist. Turning the knob upward will cause the brakes to extend further from the reel, thus slowing the speed of the reel spool more quickly.
Advantages
- The centrifugal braking system is one of the most common braking systems used on baitcasting reels. This means that you will likely find someone who is familiar with this braking system and will be able to help you if needed.
- They are a fairly simple braking system. The braking pads are locked and unlocked by a simple switch.
- Centrifugal systems are usually less expensive than some other braking systems.
- Centrifugal brakes are a very consistent brake type and are fairly good at reducing backlash and tangling. If your centrifugal brakes are working properly, you will be able to cast your baitcasting reel at a much further distance.
- The centrifugal braking system is relatively easy to replace if needed.
Disadvantages
- Just like some of the other braking systems, the centrifugal braking system can be difficult to adjust.
- If the centrifugal braking system is not adjusted properly, then it will not reduce backlash or tangling.
- The braking system may not be in the same location on every baitcasting reel, so you may need to search online to find out where the braking system is.
- The centrifugal braking system may be difficult to access in order to change the adjustment.
When To Use Centrifugal Braking
The centrifugal braking system is the most common braking system used in the baitcasting reel. If you are looking to purchase a new baitcasting reel, then you will likely find that this braking system is used.
If you are an experienced user of baitcasting reels and have an idea of what you are looking for, then you may want to consider a centrifugal braking system.
If you are looking for a cheaper braking system, then you may want to consider a centrifugal braking system.
Conclusion
Centrifugal braking systems are very effective braking systems, and you will likely be able to purchase these for a reasonable price. If you are looking for a braking system that is not too difficult to access and is fairly easy to adjust, then you may want to consider the centrifugal braking system.
If you are looking to reduce backlash and tangle when you cast your baitcasting reel, then the braking system is a great option. You will be able to cast the reel at a much further distance, which will allow you to cover more area while fishing.
