I find the backdrag pretty comparable to other high tooth count ratchets. The craftsman aren’t my absolute favorite ratchet, but very useable. I mostly bought them to try an unserviceable ratchet. Many of my ratcheting wrenches are unserviceable or have never been serviced after 25 years. Square drive ratchets see more use though. The one ratcheting wrench of mine that failed was an 11mm which may have never been used.
Maybe you got lucky, really lucky! I'm not the only one to complain about them, many people have complained about the backdrag on V-series ratchets.
Mainly the 1/4". I also have the 3/8 & 1/2, in real world use working on cars, the 3/8 wasn't bad & didn't bother me. Wasn't until last week when I brought them home did I realize/find out that my 3/8 has less backdrag than my 1/4. Since the 1/4 I was nauturally using on smaller fasteners, the backdrag is much more noticeable & a nuisance. The 1/2 I can't say, I pretty much rarely ever use 1/2 ratchets in all my life. I didn't really notice the backdrag when I was just using them at home for general use.
Of all the ratchets I own including cheapos & oldies with low tooth count, the 1/4 SB&D CM V-series probably has the most backdrag by far. I still suspect it's the seal inside causing the friction. I see why the V-series aren't a great seller for SB&D, the backdrag, high price, & in many areas not stocked in stores. But I sure do like the look of them (the single diagonal knurling).
The AAP DieHard ratchets I'm using now as replacements at work have very very low backdrag. I actually look forward to & enjoy using them. I totally did not see that happening. I never would have even considered buying auto parts store ratchets if it weren't for Blake's posts about them. I'm glad he posted about them & glad I saw his posts.