IWyk wrote:
Hi CC
Had these fitted to quite a few of my reels. (Cedros, SL20, SL30, Speedmaster, 20/40, 15/30 etc..)
Have cast some of them.
Can you give some tips on how to fine tune the system to get the optimum spool control.
I am planning on using braid on some of them but do not want to knit a jersey or worst destroy some braid.
Thx
Hi IWyk !
I use the different models of the MAG-IT Magnetic Cast Control System, on all my own reels, that include all yours, with the exception of the Cedros and with some Daiwa BG's and Trini A's thrown in for good measure.
EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THOSE REELS, I FISH WITH STRAIGHT BRAID/SUPERLINE AS MAINLINE, WITH A +- 10 METER NYLON LEADER ON THE TERMINAL END !
A lot have been said about the different magnetic cast control systems lately, but I will focus on the MAG-IT system you chose, with my opinion based on my own experience in developing (and fishing) the system over the last +- 3 years, as well as the very important feedback, that I receive from the couple of thousand MAG-IT users in South Africa, Namibia, Angola and Australia, plus the feedback from my official MAG-T fitters in the different regions .
The basic concept of a practical range of spool speed adjustment, is met in the following way :
1. When retro-fitting the MAG-IT to a reel, the spool bearings, spool shaft, inside of pinion gear and cast control cap are cleaned, inspected and if in good condition, re lubed with REELX or similar, anti corrosion high speed oil, to aid a speedy start-up of the spool when you launch the cast.
2.The reel is set up, with a small amount of sideways play on the spool (with clutch lever back in the free spool position), by carefully backing out the factory cast control cap, until the spool is fully free and no sideways pressure is put on the shaft and all spool control is via the magnetic system.
3. A hand full of factors determine the amount of spool control:
a. strength of the magnet(s)
b. distance between magnet(s) and the spool flange
c. the radius of the magnetic field
d. the rpm's generated
As the spool flanges of most multi's are "conical", the spool will rotate in closer proximity, to the magnet (and magnetic field), as you slide the magnet(s) outwards on the magplate, towards the outer radius of the reel.
TAKE NOTE !!!
Sliding the magnet(s) just 1mm inwards or outwards on the magplate, makes a difference in spool speed, BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU MOVE THE MAGNET(S) 1mm Closer to the spool to have a huge difference in spool speed, as you are moving the magnet(s)on a plane that is at an angle to the spool flange, because of the conical shape.
Because of this, you actually have surprisingly fine increments of control, that you can select during fine tuning, if needed.
Every model MAG-IT kit, was carefully calibrated during design/development and extensively test-cast, to assure a practical range of control, for that model of reel !
On the practical side ... when we set up your reel with MAG-IT, we bench spin the reel with a fully loaded spool and select an average freespool spintime, of between 8-10 seconds, depending on the skill level of the angler and we find that for "real-world fishing", that is perfect for around 90% plus of anglers.
Obviously, you still have the option of setting it faster or slower, as per your own liking ....
Something to test for yourself .... I found during very extensive test casting, both from the beach/rocks, but also while field-casting, that it's better to err on the slightly conservative side, than on the slightly too fast side ..... and we actually get better average distance, from a slightly too slow reel, than from a slightly too fast one....
Human nature possibly play it's role as well, as most anglers will load the rod way better, when the reel is practically almost "foolproof" and you can just "bomb" the cast and keep your thumb totally away from the spool during flight, than when casting "gingerly" with a reel that is just that bit too fast and start "picking up/lifting" a few loose coils that you can hear, this "better loading" of the rod, makes all the difference in casting distance
Remember ... You have to bend it , to send it !!!
While on the topic of human nature, I chose the internally adjustible route, as during real-word fishing, standing on the rocks/in the water on the reefs, with the waves washing away and wind pumping, many anglers find, that they are better off, concentrating on timing and loading the rod, than on trying to fiddle away, making adjustments for every little potential variable.
The system is also rather versatile and almost "self compensating" in a way, with higher rpm's automatically creating a stronger current of control and visa versa.... no problem in casting three different sinker weights on the same basic spool speed setting, without any adjustment needed ... if the rod is able to launch a heavier sinker really well, the additional rpm's at launch, simply dials in extra control ...
So go test-cast your rig for fine tuning and select the highest spool speed, that with zero thumb control and a LOOSE SPOOL, still feeds the line perfectly, without any "lifting" and only feeding the amount of line, that the sinker/bait, can keep on taking away, WITHOUT the spool running it in from behind, causing the dreaded overrun and crows nest !
Better casting reels for all - enjoy !
Cheers !
