Why Backlash Happens and How Svivlo Solves It Forever

Apr 30, 2025

If you’ve ever used a baitcasting reel, you’ve likely faced the dreaded backlash—a tangled mess of line that turns your fishing trip into a frustration fest. Backlashes, or “bird’s nests,” are the bane of anglers, from beginners to seasoned pros. But why backlash happens, and how can you avoid them? At Svivlo, we’ve cracked the code with our patented CastGuard™ technology, making backlashes a thing of the past. In this guide, we’ll break down the science of backlashes and show how Svivlo’s Genesis ONE and Draken ONE reels ensure smooth, effortless casts every time.

Watch CastGuard™ in action

What Causes a Baitcaster Backlash?

A backlash occurs when the spool of a baitcasting reel spins faster than the line can exit, creating loops and tangles. Here’s why backlash happens:

  • Improper Spool Tension: If the spool tension knob isn’t set correctly, the spool spins too freely, overwhelming the line.
  • Incorrect Brake Settings: Magnetic and centrifugal brakes and even digital brakes control spool speed, but misadjusting them leads to overruns, especially in windy conditions.
  • Casting Technique: Releasing the thumb too early or using an uneven motion can disrupt line flow.
  • Lure Weight Mismatch: Casting lures outside the reel’s weight range (e.g., too light for the spool) causes erratic spool behavior.

Traditional baitcasters require constant tweaking of tension and brakes, which can be daunting for beginners and tedious for pros. Even with practice, factors like wind or changing lures can trigger backlashes, stealing precious fishing time.

How Svivlo’s CastGuard™ Eliminates Backlashes

Enter Svivlo’s CastGuard™ technology, a mechanical breakthrough that redefines baitcasting. Unlike traditional reels relying on manual brake adjustments, CastGuard™ uses our patented Transversor technology to automatically regulate spool speed. Here’s how it works:

  • Automatic Spool Control: CastGuard™ senses the lure’s speed (i.e pulling force) and adjusts the spool speed in real-time, preventing overruns without user input. No more fiddling with tension knobs or other cumbersome dials!
  • Versatile Lure Range: Whether casting a 10g finesse lure or a 300g pike bait with the Genesis ONE, CastGuard™ adapts seamlessly, ensuring clean casts, eliminating why backlash happens unexpectedly.
  • Beginner-Friendly Design: The system’s “automatic mode” makes baitcasting as intuitive as a spinning reel, perfect for novices to fishing and to baitcasters.
  • Pro-Level Performance: Advanced anglers can focus on the bite period and covering large areas, all while staying free from professional overruns.

Built with Scandinavian precision, Svivlo’s Genesis ONE and Draken ONE reels combine CastGuard™ with lightweight carbon fiber bodies and ergonomic EVA handles. The result? Longer fishing, less hassle, and more time landing fish, without wondering why backlash happens.

Why Svivlo’s Solution Stands Out

Svivlo doesn’t just prevent backlashes—it transforms the baitcasting experience. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • No Learning Curve: CastGuard™ simplifies baitcasting for beginners, letting you focus on fishing, not fixing tangles and addressing why backlash happens.
  • Scandinavian Simplicity: Designed by watchmaker Sten-Thore Zander, our reels blend minimalist aesthetics with cutting-edge engineering.
  • Durability: Aerospace-grade materials ensure your Svivlo reel withstands tough conditions.
  • Proven Performance: Praised by outlets like In-Fisherman and awarded at Angling International Live 2024, Svivlo reels deliver results anglers trust.

Whether you’re casting for bass in a local pond or chasing trophy pike in Scandinavia, Svivlo’s backlash-free technology keeps you in the game.

This technology is mind-boggling and changes the game for baitcasting

Cpt. Steven Paul

Tips to Maximize Your Svivlo Experience

While CastGuard™ does the heavy lifting, these tips will help you get the most from your Svivlo reel:

  1. Match Your Lure: Use lures within your reel’s weight range (e.g., 5g–100g for Draken ONE and 10g to 300g for Genesis ONE). Check our lure guide (#) for recommendations.
  2. Practice Thumb Release: Make sure you let go of the thumb at the right moment to maximize distance. Release is typically best performed at between 12 and 1 o’clock.
  3. Maintain Your Reel: Clean and lubricate your Svivlo reel regularly to keep CastGuard™ performing flawlessly. See our maintenance guide (#).
  4. Experiment with Casting Techniques: Do not be afraid of trying new casting techniques and put more effort into your casts. CastGuard™ will adapt to that specific cast to give you optimal results, solving why backlash happens during different conditions.

With Svivlo, you’ll spend less time untangling and more time reeling in your next big catch.

Danny Glisson fishing bass with Svivlo Draken ONE

Conclusion

Backlashes don’t have to ruin your fishing day. With Svivlo’s CastGuard™ technology, you can cast confidently, knowing tangles are history. Our Genesis ONE and Draken ONE reels combine Scandinavian design with innovative watchmaking engineering to make baitcasting effortless for all anglers. Ready to experience backlash-free fishing? Visit our Learn section for more guides, or shop our reels to join the Svivlo revolution. Have a casting tip or story to share? Drop it in the comments below!

Bestsellers

STAY IN THE KNOW

Reel in the latest tips, tricks, and techniques straight from Svivlo HQ. We'll share insider knowledge on getting the most out of your Svivlo reel, plus exclusive offers and updates on new innovations in fishing reel technology.

Don't miss out - sign up today!

 

Thank you for the subscription