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The Galvin Torque is a favorite of ours here at Trident and has been a staple in the Galvan lineup for many years. We love that it consistently offers solid performance at a fair price, and looks great. The newest edition of the Torque is no exception here, surely pleasing Galvan die-hards, and intriguing newcomers to boot. Keep reading to see what sets the new Galvan Torque apart from others.

Weight

For the intent of this review, we focused on the 5-weight model of the Torque, which Galvan calls the T-5. Weighing in at 4.9 oz, the Torque lands squarely in the middle of the road in this category. Sure, many lighter reels exist on the market today, but many of them sacrifice durability to achieve those lighter weights. Conversely, you can find bomb-proof reels that are nearly indestructible, but at the expense of casting endurance. Here, we get the best of both worlds with a reel that is light enough to be fished hard all day but still offers plenty of durability to last many years under heavy use. 

Drag

The new Torque features Galvan’s tried-and-true Torque drag system, which is a disc drag that utilizes a high-tech plastic bushing for near-frictionless spool rotation. The drag itself isn’t sealed, but according to Galvan, it is saltwater safe. We’d recommend being extra diligent about rinsing your reel after any saltwater use. The drag knob takes about 4 complete revolutions to get from minimum to maximum drag, which is a bit much to dial in quickly. Regarding drag strength, the new Torque offers plenty of drag for any freshwater or saltwater situation. 

Sound

The drag on the Galvan Torque sounds amazing. The incoming and outgoing sounds are different, and they both are pleasing and crisp.

Spool & Retrieval Rate

The Torque in size T-5 features a max spool diameter of 3.2”, with a nice narrow width of 0.9”, and an arbor diameter of 0.9”. This equates to roughly 140 yards of backing capacity, and a line pickup rate of 7.2” per revolution. While these aren’t the best specs compared to many high-end reels, they again solidify the Torque as a solid middle-road option that jives with what we’ve come to expect from the Torque in previous editions. Anglers will find this performance more than adequate for nearly any fishing scenario you can fathom.

Looks & Ergonomics

There aren’t many discernible changes to the looks and usability of the new Galvan Torque. If you’re a longtime fan of the Torque lineup, you’ll feel right at home with this new iteration. The type T2 anodized finish allows for five color options depending on your preference. The EZ Grip handle is fine, but we prefer a bit larger handle for ease of use. The drag knob is easy to adjust and features grooved indentations for enhanced grip.

Warranty

As of 2023, Galvan fly reels come with a lifetime warranty that covers all parts and workmanship under normal use conditions. The warranty provides that any Galvan reel will be repaired or replaced at no charge to the original owner. Repairs that don’t fall under the warranty start at $50 plus the cost of shipping.

Price: $440

Conclusion

The Galvan Torque stays true to its roots as a solid middle-of-the-road reel at a fair price. While you won’t get the absolute best performance, the durability and dependability of this trusted lineup make it hard to deny the great value of this reel. Overall, the Torque is an awesome all-arounder reel that looks great, performs solidly, and is well-constructed in the USA.

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Pros

  • Fairly priced
  • Looks great
  • High quality, made in USA craftsmanship

Cons

  • Unsealed drag
  • Small handle