Alright guys, here's a good one. How does the magnetic brake on a baitcaster work when the spool is made of aluminum? Aluminum is not magnetic. What are those magnets pulling on when the spool turns?

I can't give you a direct answer, but I would recommend looking at an exploded view diagram of a bait cast reel to see how the magnetic brake functions.

Man, this is disappointing! Captain Quantum was right, these forums are dead. I posted this almost a month ago and only one response. What really sucks is my one responder didn't know either! Well, I sought professional help and E-mailed Quantum Fishing, but it looks like nobody cares what the answer is.

Almost 2 months and still no takers...tough questions tend to go unanswered in here. Lack of knowledge or just lack of interest? Everyone seems to jump right on the easy questions.(what's the best hook,what bobber should I use,how do I texas rig a worm) Hard to believe we all use magnetic brake baitcasters and none of us know how they work their magic.

Those tiny magnets "work" against a steel circular ring imbedded to the side plate. The spool is not involved except to spin the magnets. The distance the magnets are away from the ring allows the adjustments. High tech reels are very complicated so I dont care how they work as long as it does

Posted By bobstilson on 11 Oct 2011 11:30 AM
Those tiny magnets "work" against a steel circular ring imbedded to the side plate. The spool is not involved except to spin the magnets. The distance the magnets are away from the ring allows the adjustments. High tech reels are very complicated so I dont care how they work as long as it does

Not on the reels I have. The magnets are stationary. I E-mailed Quantum fishing and their explanation was way different. Guess its a good thing you don't care how they work...that way you won't be disappointed that you don't know how they work!  

Usually on most baitcasters, on the left hand side of the reel they have an adjustment knob or dial, free spool, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 etc, etc; it varies from model to model. Free spool, the magnets are furthest away from the spool, allowing the least resistance, and number 4 or 5 is the most resistance. In my opinion, what matters most is your spool adjustment knob and applying the correct amount of thumb pressure to control your cast and to prevent backlashes. I have 4 baitcasters, all saltwater models Quantum cabo cbc 30(2) cbc 20 and energy pts...There great...I usually set it on 2 and just watch my thumb pressure on the spool to control my casts...Almost never have a problem.

Hey Barresi, I thought those Cabo's have a CENTRIFUGAL brake system, don't they?  

Yes they do, the cabo's have centrifugal brake system, which on these reels you remove the side cover and adjust the braking system. I leave it 1 or 2 notches above free spool and like I said before, I adjust my spool tension knob and keep thumb pressure on the spool to avoid "overcasting" and getting the nasty backlash....But I think thats how the magnets work on baitcasters in my previous explanation. I like to know how things work, I'm one of those guys who takes things apart just to see how it works. The old saying "if it aint broke, dont fix it" doesnt pertain to me...lol

Hey Barresi, have you seen the new Quantum Smoke PT? I bought one and it is the bee's knees. It has a centrifugal brake system, but is DIAL adjustable from the SIDE PLATE like a magnetic brake system! I have noticed with my own reels that generally the centrifugal systems work better than the magnetic ones...but enough personal opinion and back to how the magnetics work. I have already deleted the E-mail from Quantum describing the process, which was super technical, but I'll do my best to translate it to english(LOL). The deal with the magnets is, they are laid out with opposing poles(+-+-+-). This creates a magnetic FLUX, and when the spool tries to spin in this FLUX the pressure applied to the spool slows it down. Now I still don't see how an aluminum spool can be affected by magnetism, but that was when the tech from Quantum said "you buy 'em...let me build 'em". Wiseguy huh?  

Hmmmm....That makes sense "magnetic flux", if your a science major...lol. Mo, ever since the Quantum Smoke was introduced last year I've been itching to get one or two setups...But I don't fish freshwater all that often, I make 2 trips upstate NY for a week at a time, so generally I fish freshwater maybe 8 days out of the year. But recently I was watching Saltwater experience on VS or Outdoor channel and Capt Tom Rowland was saying he's going to be getting Smoke outfits for his clients to use....So maybe I'll do the same for myself, and just give them a through cleaning after each use. Saltwater is the most corrosive element on planet earth, and would chew up a reel if it doesnt have salt protection like the Cabo's and Boca reels. Anyways...I guess we'll let the engineers at Quantum build 'em and we'll fish 'em...lol

Yeah, I see...the saltwater would be a concern. The Smoke PT would be more than tough enough for most average size species, probably why Tom Rowland recommended them. I wish I could get to saltwater more often, catch one for me Barresi!  

Without a doubt....My Energy PTS handles everything from Fluke to Striped Bass...Black Fish (Tautog) season just opened up October 1st...They are bulldogs...Their bottom dwellers that live around deep structure, rocky bottoms, wrecks and reefs...once there hooked they make a b-line into the rocks....You loose alot of rigs fishing for them, but they are well worth the effort...they make great table fare. I havent used my Energy reel on them yet, as the season just opened, when I go out this weekend I'm going to give it a try. But the Smoke PT's are going to be on my list for the upcoming Sport Fishing Expo which is held every Feb. in NY. It's not like your typical fishermans fleamarket. This expo is huge...with all the major manufacturers on hand selling their products...at wholesale price...Last year Lowrance was on hand and I got the HDS 8 w/insight and LSS1 and saved $400. If I don't get skunked this weekend, I'll post some pics...BTW...Mo, where ya from?

The buckeye state Barresi...Chillicothe, Ohio. It's in the southern part of the state.

Cool, Ohio....ever make trips up to lake Erie?

Yep, but not too often...it's overdue!  

LOL...clueless as to how it works but some magnetic alloy is added to the aluminum spool.Some spools have an obvious ring or disc that's attached to them. You can always take another magnet and check your aluminum spool to see if it sticks.