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We have always been impressed by the quality of reels offered by the California-based manufacturer, Galvan. While perhaps not the sexiest name in the shootout, Galvan knows how to build durable reels that work as intended. The Galvan Grip is a beefed-up, saltwater version of their beloved Torque. While the Grip placed solidly in our 2018 8-Weight Fly Reel Shootout, we were interested in seeing how the G-10 stacked up against the rest of the big game reels. Can a Cali company better known for trout reels actually make a bonafide saltwater reel to stand up to tarpon, GT, and other big game targets? Read on to find out!

Big Game Reel Shootout Full Results

Weight

The Grip 10 looks and feels like a sturdy, substantially built reel. However, at 9 ounces, the only two lighter reels we tested were the Ross Evolution R Salt and Orvis Hydros.

Drag

The Grip’s fully sealed drag maxes out around 12.5 lbs, which is actually more than the Hatch Iconic and above average for the shootout. However, the latter offers a much more linear drag, utilizing roughly 43% once the drag is turned halfway. However, the Grip is no slouch, retaining 25% of its stopping power at the halfway mark.

With a low bottom-end drag, it’s possible to see some free spooling, but it shouldn’t be too concerning as long as your drag isn’t set super loose. Overall, the Grip should be plenty strong enough to stop migratory tarpon and other similar species.

Drag Test Graphs

Sound

The incoming retrieve is loud and authoritative, but the outgoing is a little more reserved. Overall, we’re pleased here; the Grip sounds like a high-quality saltwater fly reel should.

Spool & Retrieval Rate

The G-10’s 3.8-inch spool is the shootout’s smallest, yet it has the second widest spool at 1.35 inches. This adds up to a pretty pedestrian line retrieval rate of 10” per turn. It also has the highest start-up inertia in the test, at 10%. 290 yards of 30-pound dacron is enough, but certainly not amongst the best in this category. It loses many points here, which is one of the main reasons the Grip didn’t place higher.

Looks & Ergonomics

While the Grip isn’t the sleekest or sharpest reel in the shootout, it definitely gets some added points for just looking and feeling solid. The drag knob is large, comfortable, and adjusts when needed, but it’s a bit too ‘slippery’ to earn top marks. The handle is on the larger side, too, which helps limit fatigue when fighting larger fish. While the polished silver with either black or blue drag knob is simple, it would be nice to see Galvan offer as many color choices as the Torque.

Warranty

Lifetime warranty to the original owner

Price: $640

Conclusion

The Galvan Grip 10 is a solid overall saltwater reel with some significant drawbacks, like its start-up inertia, lackluster line retrieval rate, smaller arbor, and potential for free spooling. If Galvan can fix these issues, the Grip would be highly recommended. 

On the positive side, the Grip features comfortable ergonomics, looks great, is well-made, relatively affordable, and has a solid enough drag for most situations.

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Pros

  • Attractive Price
  • Built-In-USA
  • Great Ergonomics

Cons

  • Some start-up inertia
  • Poor spool design