Equipment Maintenance and Care
FRESHWATER USE
Galvan reels require very little cleaning and maintenance when used in freshwater. However, to keep your reel running smoothly we recommend an occasional wipe down of the spindle and a tiny drop of reel lube on the spindle.
REGULAR SALTWATER USE
By this we mean the reel has not been dunked. We recommend that you clean your reel every time after exposure to salt or alkali environments. To clean your reel, first loosen the drag all the way counterclockwise to the lowest setting and remove the spool from the the frame. Soak both in fresh, warm water. After soaking, rinse both the spool and the frame thoroughly, ensuring the drag area gets a little extra attention. Inspect the pawl area on the frame and the gear area on the spool for dirt, grit or build up. If any buildup is found, rinse a little more aggressively. Let the spool and frame air dry before replacing the spool back onto the frame and storing.
HEAVY SALTWATER USE
By this we mean the reel was dunked or heavily used in the salt with not much cleaning. We recommend a partial tear down of the drag assembly. To do this you must first remove the spool. Next, turn the frame over so that you see the back and using a flat head screwdriver, remove the screw that holds the drag adjustment knob in place. Remove the knob and knob washer revealing the 9/16’s spindle support nut. Now grasp the spindle with your thumb and fingers and using a socket wrench and 9/16’s socket, loosen counterclockwise and remove the spindle support nut. This will allow you to remove the drag assembly and provide access to the drag surface on the opposite side. This surface and the bottom surface of the drag assembly is what you want to clean with fresh, warm water. After cleaning, air dry and replace.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Galvan Reel Pairing Suggestions for Spey & Switch Rods
| Spey Rod Weight | Spey Rod Length | Galvan Torque Match | Galvan Torque Weight (oz) | Consider Spey Weights? | Galvan Rush Light Match | Galvan Rush Light Weight (oz) | Consider Spey Weights? | Galvan Grip Match | Galvan Grip Weight (oz) |
| 2 | 10'6" - 12' | T-6 | 5.2 | NA* | R-6 | 5.5 | NA* | NM** | - |
| 3 | 10'6" - 12' | T-7 | 6.3 | NA* | NM** | - | No | NM** | - |
| 4 | 10'6" - 12' | T-7 | 6.3 | NA* | NM** | - | No | NM** | - |
| 5 | 10'6" - 12' | T-7 | 6.3 | NA* | NM** | - | No | G-8 | 7.8 |
| 5 | 12'+ | T-8 | 7.6 | No | R-8 | 8.1 | No | G-8 | 7.8 |
| 6 | 10'6" - 12'9" | T-8 | 7.6 | No | R-8 | 8.1 | No | G-8 | 7.8 |
| 6 | 12'9" - 13' | T-9 | 8.0 | Yes | R-8 | 8.1 | Yes | G-8 | 7.8 |
| 6 | Over 13' | T-10 | 8.2 | Yes | R-10 | 8.8 | Yes | G-10 | 8.7 |
| 7 | 10'6" - 11'6" | T-8 | 7.6 | Yes | R-8 | 8.1 | Yes | G-8 | 7.8 |
| 7 | 11'6" - 12'9" | T-9 | 8.0 | No | R-8 | 8.1 | No | G-8 | 7.8 |
| 7 | 12'9" - 13'6" | T-10 | 8.2 | Yes | R-10 | 8.8 | Yes | G-10 | 8.7 |
| 7 | Over 13'6" | T-10 or T-12 | 8.2 or 8.6 | Yes | R-10 or R-12 | 8.8 or 9.2 | Yes | G-10 or G-12 | 8.7 or 9.5 |
| 8 | 10'6" - 11'6" | T-9 | 8.0 | No | R-10 | 8.8 | No | G-10 | 8.7 |
| 8 | 11'6" - 12'9" | T-10 | 8.2 | No | R-10 | 8.8 | No | G-10 | 8.7 |
| 8 | 12'9" - 13' | T-10 | 8.2 | Yes | R-10 | 8.8 | Yes | G-10 | 8.7 |
| 8 | Over 13' | T-10 or T-12 | 8.2 or 8.6 | Yes | R-10 or R-12 | 8.8 or 9.2 | Yes | G-10 or G-12 | 8.7 or 9.5 |
| 9 | Under 12'6" | T-10 | 8.2 | Yes | R-10 | 8.8 | Yes | G-10 or G-12 | 8.7 or 9.5 |
| 9 | Over 12'6" | T-12 | 8.6 | Yes | R-12 | 9.2 | Yes | G-12 | 9.5 |
| 10 | Over 12'6" | T-12 | 8.6 | Yes | R-12 | 9.2 | Yes | NM** | - |
| 11 | Over 12'6" | T-12 | 8.6 | Yes | R-12 | 9.2 | Yes | NM** | - |
* NA = Not Available. Denotes that Spey Weights are currently not available for this size of reel.
** NM = No Match. Denotes that there is no size/weight of this model reel to properly line and/or balance a rod of this weight and length
There are 2 key factors in selecting a reel to match your Spey or Switc h Rod. Line/Backing Capacity, and Weight to balance a longer rod.
Spey lines take up more space than styandard WF single hand lines, and heavier than expected reels are required for balance.
NOTES ON BACKING CAPACITY:
2wt - 6wt Rods: Assume between 100-150 yards of backing (50# braid/20# Micron)
7wt -11wt Rods: Assume between 150-250 yards of backing (65# braid/30# Micron)
Consider getting the larger of two recommended sizes for use with long belly Spey lines or older/heavier Spey Rods
NOTES ON WEIGHT:
Galvan Spey Weights allow the angler to add either 1 or 2 oz to the reel for sizes 8, 10, and 12 of the Torque and Rush Light reels.
Galvan Rush Light series are the same size as the Torque series, but slightly (0.3 - 0.6oz) heavier. Spools are interchangable.