hey im new to baitcasters, just got one of these quantum accurist types, it has a flipping switch.

what exactly is this for? when i flip the switch, i dont seem to notice anything different happening with the reel.

it allows line out as long as you have the button pressed, then automatically engages the reel as soon as the pressure of your thumb is off the button, instead of having to turn the handle to engage the reel.

I've never found it to be overly useful, even when flipping and pitching.

I never got the hang of a flippin' switch either.

The only time you will ever see the advantage of this feature is when you pitch a bait and get bit as soon as it hit the water. By letting go of the button, you engage the reel allowing you to set the hook with out having to crank the handle. (One handed hook set)

I am hooked on flipping switches.I wish more reels had them.I fish local tournaments where at time I will pitch for 7 hours.This can get tiring.What I like about the flipping switch is,using one arm only you can flip or pitch into cover,engage the spool and work the bait a bit through the cover without ever switching hands like you would need to do with a conventional reel to engage the spool.The switch is also nice when frog fishing if you have one explode on it the instant it hits the water.At times I swear they must see it coming through the air.Thats having some fun there.Anyway for years I never had a use for them but now I cant go without them.

Im with rwl on that, I use the flippin switch often. Not only does it engage without reeling, it seems to "freespool" on the pitch or flip and bypass the magnetic drag which allows you to flip much longer distances and increase accuracy. Hence the name "Accurist" ? Maybe ? accurate using just your wrist. (makes sense but could be a stretch)