Required end tension on direct drive reels is a constant force from beginning through end of cast. Mag brake force is proportional to spool speed, so the spool without end tension starts up with zero brake force, reaches max force quickly, and brake force decreases through remainder of the cast. Mag brake lets you cast light lures reliably without end tension and only using thumb for start and end of cast.
I first noticed the cupped spool flanges on Langley had enough room to fit 3-mm-tall N52 magnets
The procedure is to mill square-shouldered holes halfway through the 2-mm side plate thickness, and set M2 black steel washers in epoxy putty.
Mark drill locations halfway between feed-clicker spring and spool groove in the backplate. Initial drill foot to about 0.5 mm using 2-3-mm bit.
Drill to max 1.2-mm deep using 5.2-mm boring bit.
Finish square-shoulders on drill holes to 0.8-mm depth using 5-mm end mill.
The deeper cone allows a foot for epoxy putty. Here, I clean in ultrasonic to remove drill residues before setting putty,
M2 black steel washers are set in epoxy putty, by pressing with top of 5.2-mm drill bit. Initial epoxy flash is cleaned with plastic scraper, and final wash with alcohol swab. After the epoxy is set, N52 magnets snap into place. Magnet poles should alternate N-S-N-S.
Magnet force can be adjusted by the number and size of magnets. Example above using one 5x3-mm magnet and three 4x3-mm magnets. Magnet force can be reduced by replacing one or more magnets with 2-mm-thick magnets.
You only need enough brake force to get the spool across the hump at mid-cast without backlash.
Mag brake should be set for mid cast throwing the lightest lure you plan to fish, and it will be set for all heavier weights.
