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The Swing is Galvan’s new spey-specific fly reel built using technology and design features from their popular Grip saltwater reel. We’re big fans of the Grip due to its powerful sealed drag, user-friendly design, and solid USA craftsmanship, so we’re excited to review this new specialty spey reel. If you chase Steelhead, Salmon, or migratory trout with a two-handed rod, this is a reel worth learning about. Read on to see why the Galvan Swing is set to become one of the top USA-made Spey reels on the market.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful fully-sealed drag
• USA-made in Sonora, California
• Excellent ergonomic design

Cons

• On the heavy side
• Not the fastest retrieval rate among modern reels

Who It’s For

The Galvan Swing is designed primarily for spey anglers chasing species like Steelhead, Atlantic Salmon, Pacific Salmon, and Sea-Run Brown Trout. Its heft helps balance longer spey rods, and its enclosed cage keeps thin running lines from slipping between the frame and spool. In its smaller sizes, the Swing is also suitable for trout Spey, Euro nymphing, and longer indicator rods commonly used in Great Lakes tributaries or stillwater fishing.

Weight

The first thing you notice when you pick up the Galvan Swing is its weight. The 8/9 size Swing weighs in at 10.1 ounces, making it one of the heavier spey reels of its size. Although it's no featherweight, it feels reassuringly substantial and well-built. Many Steelheaders appreciate the added heft, as it helps balance longer 13’+ rods. While there are lighter reels on the market, the Swing boasts a full-cage frame that offers peace of mind when dealing with thin running lines.

Drag

Whether you're targeting chrome-bright winter Steelhead fresh from the ocean or vibrant, pumpkin-orange Atlantic Salmon in September, a robust drag is essential in Spey fishing. Luckily, the Galvan Swing delivers an outstanding drag system with over 12 pounds of maximum pressure. This fully-sealed drag system is the same as in the popular Grip series, which has proven itself in saltwater environments to be as durable as it is powerful. With 3.5 turns of adjustability, the drag knob allows for precise tuning - especially useful during low water conditions or when using fine tippets for late-season fish.

Sound

The Swing is a great-sounding reel. It offers a slightly differentiated incoming and outgoing click, which are classic and snappy. While not as authoritative as a Hardy Perfect, the Swing’s click is delightful - one we’ll enjoy hearing sing as a fish takes off.

Spool & Cage Design

One could argue that frame design matters more than spool design in Spey reels, and the Galvan Swing makes a compelling case for that view. The Swing features a bomb-proof, anodized full-cage frame that prevents line slip and withstands years of hard fishing without concern for dents or bending - even if dropped on rocky terrain. Its medium-large arbor spool is a compromise between retrieval rate and backing capacity, finding common ground between pickup performance and peace of mind. Although its 8.8” pickup-per-revolution retrieval rate isn’t the fastest on the market, this spool sports a tremendous backing capacity of 250+ yards for large rivers and hot fish. For anglers who need a durable reel that’s ready for any remote destination yet still provides a reasonable retrieval rate, the Galvan Swing walks the line perfectly.

Looks & Ergonomics

Galvan has put a lot of thought into their ergonomic designs, and for that we are eternally grateful. Like the popular Galvan Grip, the Swing series incorporates user-friendly components such as a large, comfortable handle and an oversized knurled drag knob. A more aggressive knurling pattern on future drag knob designs would be a welcomed improvement, but this iteration isn’t too shabby.

From an aesthetic standpoint, the Swing has a classic appearance with its circular porting, solid-plate backside, and squatty, wide shape. Much like the Sage Spey II and Orvis SSR, Galvan blends an old-school aesthetic with modern engineering and drag performance to create a reel that not only looks great but meets the high demands of today’s Spey angler. The Swing is available in a single color option - gunmetal and black - but we appreciate the simplicity. This understated scheme should complement nearly any rod on the market.

Warranty

Galvan Fly Reel Warranty

Value

Price: $590.00

At $590, the Galvan Swing sits in the premium tier of Spey reels, but it delivers a level of performance and craftsmanship that justifies the price. You’re getting a fully sealed, high-performance drag system, a bomb-proof full-cage frame, and thoughtful ergonomics - all from a family-owned, USA-based company with a reputation for building reels that last. While some competitors offer lighter reels or faster retrieval rates, few match the Swing’s combination of durability, refined design, and smooth performance.

If the Swing were a vehicle, it would be a premium, American-made pickup truck - solid, dependable, and built to perform under tough conditions while still offering a smooth and comfortable ride. It’s not the flashiest or the fastest, but it’s the kind of tool you can count on when it matters most. For anglers who appreciate American-made craftsmanship and a reel that will last for years, the Galvan Swing represents exceptional value for the price.

Conclusion

The Galvan Swing is a well-executed, Spey-specific reel that brings together durability, performance, and thoughtful design. With its fully sealed drag, robust full-cage frame, and ergonomic touches, it’s built to handle everything from winter steelhead to Atlantic salmon while keeping thin running lines in check. While it’s on the heavier side and doesn’t have the fastest retrieval rate, these trade-offs are minor compared to its overall build quality and reliability. For anglers who appreciate American-made craftsmanship and a reel that will last for years, the Swing is an excellent choice and a worthy addition to Galvan’s lineup.

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