Reel/line spooling question

[keithdog]

Ok, I've used baitcasters for 25 years almost exclusively and this one has me wondering. I'm about to return a new reel for a refund, but wanted to ask this question first in here. The reel I purchased appears to have a problem with the braking system. I adjust it to where it should work perfectly on the cast, however, when I do cast or flip with this reel it is as though the braking system does not work at all. Despite how I set the brakes, even when they are set tight, the spool spins on a cast as though it is in free spool. Like I said, I've used casting gear for 25 years, so I know what this reel should be doing at the different settings. The main cast control knob by the handle is very hard to turn unless it is turned back almost completely. That makes me wonder to begin with. But with it turned up tight and with the megnetic brakes set to 7, it still over spins on the cast terribly. Here is my question. I have always tied my line to the spool by wrapping the line around the spool and pulling the knot up tight. Never had a problem. THIS TIME, I tied the line through a couple of the holes in the spool rather than around the spool. Then I wound the line onto the spool. Could this be my trouble? Was tying the line to the spool by threading it through a couple of the holes in the spool the wrong thing to do? Would that adversely affect the casting ability of the reel?