Convential Breaking System

[Iwannakeeper]

I know everyone has advised a beginner to pick up a cheap abu and give it a shot.

I would prefer to buy a great reel the first time and not regret buying a lesser reel. that said, I have been doing some on-line research which has lead to a question.

When it comes to anti-backlash breaking systems, does anyone have recommendations regarding magnetic vs. centrifugal? And I know it is obscenely expensive, but has anyone tried the new Shimano Calcutta DC - Digital Control Breaking System.

I am sure I am not going to spend $500 on my first conventional reel, but I am curious if the reel lives up to the hype. From my reading it would appear this reel will provide greater distances than traditional (magnetic and centrifugal) breaking systems.

And hopefully my last question on the subject. Are breaking systems really worth it? Depending upon who's opinion you read on the subject, you get radically different responses. But it would seem that for a first time buyer a level-wind with a breaking system is the way to go. But for an experienced angler a non-levelwind without a break system results in a much longer cast.

I figured, I could read all of the hype, propaganda out there or go to a source that I trust - the members of this board.

I doubt I will go conventional this year. My current plan is to finish this season with my spinning gear. Over the winter (and after some practice) I want to build my own conventional pole and slap on a high quality reel. And if after a little practice I would be better off without level-wind and without a breaking system, I don't want to buy the wrong reel out of the box.