Galvan's flagship saltwater reel, the Grip, is a powerhouse, simply put. This reel is rugged, durable, and high-performing with an incredibly strong drag system and a big game handle for fighting the largest fish in the ocean. This reel includes technology we've come to love from Galvan's other reels in a beefed-up version. If you're an avid saltwater angler and you're fanatical about chasing the world's largest fish around, this is the reel for you.
Designed for the Most Extreme Conditions - The Grip is designed for rugged environments where saltwater exposure and extreme weathering are common. The reel's fully sealed drag system is strong and durable for lasting saltwater performance. The reel also features maximum porting, 6061 aluminum, and a T2 anodized finish for saltwater reliability when it matters most.
Type T2 Anodized Finish - The Grip is finished with Type T2 anodizing that incorporates minimal materials points of contact which makes the reel extremely corrosion resistant and saltwater safe. The anodizing also allows Galvan to make the Grip in a couple of different colors to cater to any angler.
Machined 6061 Aluminum - The Grip is built with machined 6061 Aluminum which has a few benefits. 6061 aluminum is both abrasion-resistant and corrosion-resistant. If you happen to drop or ding your reel, machined aluminum resists corrosion even when abraded. This type of aluminum is commonly used in aircraft and boat/automotive construction and contributes to the lightweight, durable build of the Grip.
Type - The Grip functions on Galvan's well-known Torque Drag System. The Grip drag system, unlike other reels in the Galvan lineup, has 2 hybrid ceramic ball bearings and even more carbon fiber incorporated into the drag system for increased strength and durability.
Materials - The disc drag system on the Grip is made with smooth state-of-the-art thermoplastic and carbon fiber discs that require virtually no maintenance. These discs are durable and made to last for the lifetime of the reel.
Large Arbor - The large arbor of the Grip increases line pickup and helps anglers fight the largest saltwater fish. Most contemporary fly reels are made with a large arbor design to allow anglers to pick up as much line as possible with as little work as possible.
Original Owner Lifetime Warranty - As of December 2019, all 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.
Best for: Saltwater 
Arbor Size: Large 
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.
Galvan is no newcomer to the reel game. They’ve been quietly making some of the best reels on the market for years – the Torque even took 3rd place in our 5-weight shootout. Despite their success in the freshwater game, Galvan was always missing a hardcore saltwater reel. Enter the Grip. The Grip marks Galvan’s entrance into the saltwater game. They’ve taken the very good Torque and sealed it to give you a maintenance free version of their award-winning reel. Here’s how it stacks up.
| Reel Model | Diameter | Weight | Line Weight | Capacity | Price | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 / Clear/Black | 3.5in. | 6.08 oz. | 5, 6 | 125yd/100yds (20 lb) | $555.00 | In Stock |
| 5 / Clear/Blue | 3.5in. | 6.08 oz. | 5, 6 | 125yd/100yds (20 lb) | $555.00 | In Stock |
| 6 / Clear/Black | 3.75in. | 6.3 oz. | 6, 7 | 150yd/125yds (20 lb) | $580.00 | In Stock |
| 6 / Clear/Blue | 3.75in. | 6.3 oz. | 6, 7 | 150yd/125yds (20 lb) | $580.00 | Out of Stock |
| 7 / Clear/Black | 3.875in. | 6.67 oz. | 7 | 150yds (20 lb) | $590.00 | In Stock |
| 7 / Clear/Blue | 3.875in. | 6.67 oz. | 7 | 150yds (20 lb) | $590.00 | In Stock |
| 8 / Clear/Black | 4.00in. | 7.8 oz. | 8 | 200 yds #20 | $605.00 | In Stock |
| 8 / Clear/Blue | 4.00in. | 7.8 oz. | 8 | 200 yds #20 | $605.00 | In Stock |
| 10 / Clear/Black | 4.25in. | 8.7 oz. | 10 | 250 yds #30 | $655.00 | In Stock |
| 10 / Clear/Blue | 4.25in. | 8.7 oz. | 10 | 250 yds #30 | $655.00 | In Stock |
| 12 / Clear/Black | 4.50in. | 9.5 oz. | 12 | 300 yds #30 | $705.00 | In Stock |
| 12 / Clear/Blue | 4.50in. | 9.5 oz. | 12 | 300 yds #30 | $705.00 | In Stock |
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 6 reviews.
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"Haven’t received it yet — still waiting, do-da, do-da…"
"Very happy with this reel. Great drag, lighter weight than other high end saltwater reels, and holds plenty of backing with heavy lines."
"Amazing reel! Has been very reliable and is as smooth as the day I got it. Have used the G12 from hot salt water fishing to the cold and snowy late fall pike and laker fishing. Has been flawless."
"Awesome reel! Super knowledgeable guys at Trident! I buy everything from them!"
"My go to Saltwater reel for redfish. #10 mounted on a 9 weight and sealed drag. I mentioned in another review about Galvan reels, my manufacturer off choice."
"I have the size 12 that I use on a 10 wt for striper fishing. I find that it is light enough to use on a 10 wt and also holds a nice amount of backing. The oversized drag knob and large handle are great for saltwater fishing. With a large drag knob, I am able to get a firm grip while turning it as a fish is running. Also, the grip has a sealed drag that is very smooth. I have never had an issue with water getting in the reel ever after 2 years. Also, the drag housing is extremely easy to take apart with just a quarter. All around is one of the best saltwater reels I have found and is extremely reliable."
