A centrifugal brake assembly comprises at least one pawl, at least one biasing member, and a rotor. The at least one pawl includes a base from which a circular portion and a triangular protrusion extend to form a notch. The rotor includes at least one receiving portion having a notched portion to receive the circular portion. One of the at least one pawl and the rotor has a slotted portion, and the at least one biasing member is seated within the slotted portion. Another of the at least one pawl and the rotor has a protrusion at least partially extending within the slotted portion. The notch engages a stop member and the base contacts the rotor when the at least one pawl is in an engaged position to reinforce engagement of the stop member by the at least one pawl.