The Galvan Fly Reel Website

The Galvan Standard & Open Back Drag System

The Drag system is made from stainless steel and Ertalyte (a state-of-the-art, heat and wear-resistant thermoplastic unlike anything else on the reel market.) The Ertalyte disc is used as a brake mechanism. It is sandwiched between stainless steel surfaces to cause smooth, constant drag pressure in any setting. The spool is riding on two stainless steel ball-bearings to insure smoothness as the fish takes line. The spool has two pins on the bottom that drop into the stainless steel ring. Turning the spool one way will allow the spring inside the stainless steel ring (clutch) to turn freely; the other way will engage the drag. It is a simple design, but very effective. The Standard and Open Back reels utilize the same drag system.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Spool Release

In order 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.

To reverse the process and replace the spool on the frame, grasp the spool in the same manner, depress the quick-release button and gently return the spool to the frame. Give the spool a small twist and it will drop into place with a slight click, then release the button.

If the drag is set too low it will be difficult to remove or replace the spool, or get the spool to "click" in. Simply tighten the drag a few clicks.

If your drag is clicking in both directions, the drag setting is too low. Simply tighten the drag a few clicks; this is because at the lowest setting the spool is free spinning.

Direction Reversal

The retrieve direction of the reel is changed by first removing the spool. Then rotate the spindle until the bottom of the spiral groove on the spindle lines up with the corresponding groove on the lower portion of the drag unit. Finally, simply lift the clutch ring off the spindle, flip it upside down and replace it, making sure that the pin on the inside of the clutch ring slides down the spiral groove on the spindle and drag unit. The direction of retrieve is now reversed.

Color Availability

All Galvan Standard & Open Back reels are available in semi-gloss black, green or clear finish with stainless steel or brass accents.

Lubrication

The only lubrication needed is wiping off the clutch spring and surfaces with a clean cloth or Q-tip and placing a few drops of reel lube on the spring inside. This should be done every six months to insure the reels smoothness and durability.

Maintenance and Cleaning

We recommend that you rinse your reels thoroughly under running water after use in saltwater or alkali environment. Remove spool from frame, for best results soak in warm fresh water and then rinse in fresh running water. Allow the spool and frame to air dry before storage.