Firstly, if you're casting OK then leave well alone since you're obviously managing fine without them.
If you're nesting regularly then fitting brakes makes sense.
Ewens Tackle Services
Penn Parts & Servicing Technician
Ewen Hill
18 Morar Place
Renfrew
Renfrewshire
PA4 9DP
0141 562 7871
07738 057 831
[email protected]
The above address is within casting distance of Penn's old spares outlet address, but I have no idea whether they are still operating from it:
Penn Spares, Cartside Avenue, Renfrewshire, PA4 9RX
John at Sport & Leisure in Blyth has a lot of spares for both Penn and Abu: 01670 365980
Billys in North Shields (0191 259 6262) is a Penn dealer, as is ID Fishing in Newcastle 0191 2763041
Redcar Angling used to have a name for carrying Penn spares as well.
If yours is a mag reel then it can be cast without any brakes in at all, relying solely on the magnets for control.
EDIT: posted before I read that yours was the GS and not a magged reel - sorry
Only you can really tell whether you need them or not.
Good luck !