25% OFF KVD RODS & REELS, MACH II, AND MORE. USE CODE: REELJOY *SOME EXCLUSIONS MAY APPLY
October 2019

Lew's SmartPlus 6-Pin Centrifugal Brake System (CBS)

The Lew's SmartPlus braking system has six pins: four white and two blue. This braking system is used for the BB1 and the SuperDuty GX3 baitcast reels.

What It Is

The SmartPlus braking system has six pins: four white and two blue. The white pins are spring-loaded and will come out and slow down the spool at the very beginning of the cast, when the spool is the fastest. At the end of the cycle when the spool begins to slow down, the spring will retract the white pins. The two blue pins, when engaged, will stay on the entire time and not retract. This will help to control backlash at the end of the cycle as the spool slows and the white pins retract.

How It Works

To engage the pins, remove the palming sideplate and use your fingernail to push the pins away from the center of the spool (“On” position) until you hear a click. When the pins are engaged, they will be slightly moveable. To disengage the pins, push them in towards the center of the spool (“Off” position). The pins are fixed when in the Off position and will not move. 

Recommended: Keep the blue pins in the On position (away from the center of the spool), unless you want a totally free spool. Keep two of the white pins on, across from each other. In windy conditions when throwing large baits, engage all the pins to help with castability. 

The Lew’s reels that feature the SmartPlus braking system:

Related Articles

May 2021

How to Clean and Maintain Your Spinning Reel
Read More

May 2022

Dock Fishing 101 With Andy Montgomery
Read More

Custom Lite Shallow Spool Baitcast Reel
Read More

March 2023

Bassmaster Classic Preview
Read More

August 2022

Squarebills for round bass!
Read More

September 2022

Top Three Uses for HyperSpeed LFS Baitcast Reel
Read More

ParaMag Braking System: A new standard in casting excellence
Read More

January 2023

Lew’s Elite Series Casting Rod Review
Read More

January 2023

Jerkbait Tackle and Technique
Read More