Cast contols for finesse...

[Bladerunner808]

I hate spinning reels. I have ONE I use for shy creek smallies. I don't like anything about them.
Which BAITCASTER CAST CONTROL SYSTEM gives the most distance?
I AM NOT INTERESTED IN...
1. Reasons why the rod is just as important (let's assume all the reels are on the ideal rod)
2. Brand/model specifics (not interested in looking for obsure discontinued reels on boards or ebay)
3. Line affecting distance (assume all systems use 8lb. mono)

IT WILL BE USED FOR... 1/4oz. (total weight) jigs up to weightless Dingers.

[JWR075]

I have been using the Magforce (Alpha 105), Magforce V (original Pixy) and getting ready to start using free slide 2 arm centrifugal in the Pixy SPR. So far have not had any issues with either the Magforce or Magforce V. I picked the Magforce Z since it is closest to what I am using. I think that for what you are wanting 1/4 jigs and weightless dingers any of the Magforce models would work fine.

[fishsmart]

For light lure weights, you can switch to the smoke colored weights on the Shimano reels and it helps somewhat. Smaller diameter line is another plus.

Charles

[Carlos Carrapiço]

Centrifugal brake will always have a hard time pitching light stuff.

You may consider the new Daiwa SV spool with the air brake system.
Seems to give the best of finesse and medium casting abilities without stress (SV stands for Stress-free Versatile).

To JWR075,

I hope you have looked at the TT review about the SPR. This reel is not to fish jigs or frogs. It is a reel designed to cast small plugs. Not to pitch or be used with heavy braid. Once again, do not expect great pitching performance, it has a centrifugal brake system.

[Mcyl]

Note that Diawa spools with fixed inductors still count as basic magnets. It the moving inductor that defines v/z/air/sv

With that in mind the majority of finesse casters from tuning houses such as hedgehog, zpi and avail with exception of KTF have basic magnets along with MB finesse spools, revo LT/ltx/ltz reels and pixy finesse spools. I still haven't made up my mind whether variable magnet braking like mag force v and z are superior to fixed magnets for finesse purposes ( for heavier weights...that is definitely the case). In any case I can only think of 2 true finesse reels (1/8oz and lower capable) that have moving inductors that being the t3 air and KTF D27 alphas finesse custom.
However I can agree with Carlos that magnetic braking is superior to centrifugal braking for light baits as light baits will decelerate greatly towards the end of the cast where centrifugal brakes are less effective. Dual braking usually involves both centrifugal brakes and holder along with an inductor plate and hence adds to the overall spool weight. I find a magbrakes with a huge variation in braking force between max and min are the go for finesse reels.
Personally 1/4oz is the outright heaviest bait for finesse, I think 1/16-1/4oz is most appropriate.

So in essence my advice is to. Pick something with the lightest spool with braking force that an be set from barely there to a huge amount and go from there.

[njbasscat]

Pixy Type R is excellent for the lighter stuff. It casts great and pitches even better.

[husonfirst]

I'm not sure how one can conduct such an experiment. Wouldn't having all the brakes turned off give you the best distance (in which case braking system is irrelevant.)?

[Mcyl]

I think he meant best controllable distance.

[brwn_bggr]

I'm not sure how one can conduct such an experiment. Wouldn't having all the brakes turned off give you the best distance (in which case braking system is irrelevant.)?

I would ask...even turned off,doesn't a centrifugal brake system add weight to the spool over a mag brake only system...? And doesn't that extra weight in itself slow the start up of a spool...? And that in turn is detrimental when casting lighter baits...

[Mcyl]

I'm not sure how one can conduct such an experiment. Wouldn't having all the brakes turned off give you the best distance (in which case braking system is irrelevant.)?

I would ask...even turned off,doesn't a centrifugal brake system add weight to the spool over a mag brake only system...? And doesn't that extra weight in itself slow the start up of a spool...? And that in turn is detrimental when casting lighter baits...

Yeah but daiwas have an inductor as part if spool as do Abus.
Only avail spools use the spool itself as the inductor.

[brwn_bggr]

I'm not sure how one can conduct such an experiment. Wouldn't having all the brakes turned off give you the best distance (in which case braking system is irrelevant.)?

I would ask...even turned off,doesn't a centrifugal brake system add weight to the spool over a mag brake only system...? And doesn't that extra weight in itself slow the start up of a spool...? And that in turn is detrimental when casting lighter baits...

Yeah but daiwas have an inductor as part if spool as do Abus.
Only avail spools use the spool itself as the inductor.

Thanks man...! I understand...but does that not further make the point that the braking system is "very" relavent in the ability of a reel to cast a given distance...?

[tywithay]

Centrifugal braking systems have to always be 'on' so to speak in order to have controllable casting for the vast majority of people, excluding those with the best of thumbs. The dynamic magnetic systems from Daiwa seem to be the best bet for finesse out of what is currently available because the inductor only applies braking after the spool has reached a certain speed, allowing for a much quicker startup before the force is implied. It seems to me that Shimano could create the ultimate finesse system with their DC system, if they chose to. Can you imagine an Aldeberan BFS DC? The spool could reach astronomical speeds and the computer would apply just the right amount of braking to keep your tiny luring flying. In my mind, nothing else would come close if it was done right. Sadly, it seems that Shimano is kind of steering away from the DC stuff for the near future.

[TravHale]

I think there are a lot of variables to consider... Variables that are not only limited to the breaking systems offered by today's reel manufactures. There should also be consideration placed on an individuals casing style and expectations. In other words, what works best for one person may not benefit another, or could in fact be detrimental to them. Folks should keep that in mind when looking at this poll.