I would only recommend using brakes, never suggesting otherwise. I only wish I had put them on my "lightweight" PUP as I had a couple of close calls thanks to other folks not realizing what it takes to stop short.
It is a combination of adjusting the brake controller voltage AND the brake gap adjustment. If you are locking up the brakes with a relatively low voltage, then open up the adjustment on the brake a little.
In my current situation, I cannot get the brakes to lock up for anything. Of course, Prodigy says that can be the case and it is normal. I can most definitely tell that the trailer brakes work and work well.