Galvan
Torque T-4
Specifications |
Line Capacity |
WF 4 + 100 yards
WF 5 + 75 yards |
Line Weight |
4-5wt. |
Spool Width |
.850 inches |
Diameter |
3.25 Inches |
Weight |
4.5 oz. |
Colors Available |
Black, Bronze |
Materials |
Machined Premium bar stock aluminum |
MSRP (Reel) |
$300.00 |
MSRP (Extra Spool) |
$136.00 |
About Galvan: Galvan Fly Reels was started 10 years ago by Bonaficio
Galvan, and this year Galvan celebrates a decade of fine reel making with the
introduction of their Torque reel, but most anglers still recognize Galvan for
their popular Open Back series, which were first introduced five years ago.
Galvan has earned a reputation in the industry for designing and manufacturing
reels that appeal to the traditions and styles of the past, but make good use of
the latest technology in blueprint and construction.

Introducing the Galvan Torque Fly
Fishing Reel
Impressions: Though I
consider myself a bassman first and foremost, I also enjoy fishing for trout
with a fly rod, as the romps outside to nature are sometimes more than enough to
make a trip out rewarding in itself. Unfortunately my affliction for quality
tackle extends to all aspects of fishing, and when it comes to fly fishing I
want a reel that I not only can count on, but will enjoy fishing with. Galvan
has never let me down, whereas there are a number of fly reels that have. Often
times with fly fishing you are traveling some distance to get to the fish, or
perhaps even getting on a plane to hit that fables stretch of water that you
have read about. I’ve had reel’s that broke down after a day of fishing, and
while it is often something minor like a clicker or drag knob malfunction, I’d
much rather not have to worry about my tackle and focus on wading through the
river while pursuing fish.

We paired the reel with a G.Loomis
fly rod for our tests
The Torque features a simple
easy to use design. To release the spool from the frame of the reel, simply
grasp the outside rim of the spool with thumb and middle finger. While pressing
on the quick-release button in the center of the spool with your index finger,
lift the spool out away from the frame. This will provide you access to the
spindle and pawl, where you can change the direction of the spool as well.

The Torque features a rounded
spool and frame rims
From the rounded spool and
frame rims to the aggressively designed cutouts on the spool, frame, and drag
knob, to the innovative new drag system, the Torque really does look quite
different than most fly reels. At certain angles the reel reminds me of an
exotic car rim, and would look right at home on the axle of a Porsche GT3.

The Torque is a large arbor reel
Real World Tests: I’ve
fished with the Torque for over a full year now, and the reel has accompanied me
to trips as far as New Mexico. I’ve targeted everything from tiny brook trout,
mid-sized browns, and large steelhead with this reel. Using Scientific Anglers
line and a Loomis GLX 6wt. rod the Torque has seen some of the prettiest fishing
country the West has to offer.

We fished a number of rivers in
the test including the Truckee on the California/Nevada border
Casting: The Torque is well balanced and it feels
natural when rotating the spool or peeling line. A contoured counter balance
weight helps balance out the reel, making it easy to pull line in bountiful
amounts for quick long distance casts. Unlike the bass baitcasters that I employ
on a daily basis casting distance is more dependent on both the rod and the
quality of my cast that the reel itself. Suffice to say I am a much better
caster with a baitcaster, but I did notice reduced fatigue with the Torque which
is very lightweight, and balanced perfectly with my G.Loomis GLX rod.

The drag system is adjusted via a
ridged knob
Next Section: Let's get this reel wet!
