Leland on the Galvan OB-5 Fly Fishing Reel
Steelies, light saltwater, if these are your game this is your
fly reel. With a strong disc drag and large arbor this fly reel can
fight it out with any medium size fish you can find. Small blues off of
Long Island are a kick on this reel, as are largemouth on Lake Shasta
Specifications:
- Weight: 5.5 oz
- Spool Diameter: 3.5 inches
- Spool Width: .975 inches
- Line + Yards of Backing: 6 + 150 20#, 7 + 115 20#
Leland on the Galvan Open Back Fly Reels
A few years back, when Bonifacio Galvan told us
there was a new reel coming from Galvan called the OB we wondered what
the heck is that? Well we soon found out, an extremely lightweight
open back large arbor reel. Open back you say? The folks at Galvan
developed a frame that has only three very strong spokes to support the
reel. This spoke design allowed for the machining away most of the
aluminum, hence the lightweight. In addition they made the reel a
large arbor. What more could want? Now they have made it saltwater
safe. This reel is our top seller in its price range. We think so
much of these reels we have put them on the school rods for our San
Francisco store.
Leland on Galvan Reels
These days it's rare when you call a company and
you get a human on the other end of the line, let alone the owner;
Galvan Fly Reels is an exception to this rule. Galvan has been making
quality reels since 1994, and in that time they have made quite a name
for themselves. Over the years, Galvan has developed a cult-like
following, and it's no wonder why. When it comes to a
high quality
reel at a price that's easy to swallow, Galvan is your reel.
Galvan Fly Reels is located in Sonora California (right in
the heart of great fishing country). The company is still run by it's
founder Bonifacio Galvan and his wife Carmen. It is a true family
business, currently all four Galvan children work with Mom and Dad.
Moreover, their customer service is among the best in the business.
All Galvan reels are machined, from 6061 bar stock
aluminum, at their shop in Sonora. The reels feature a fully
ventilated one-sided frame, and a two-sided ported spool, the
combination of which results in an extremely durable yet lightweight
reel.
Besides the sturdy construction, Galvan reels are
extremely durable and lightweight. They are also very easy to use. The
spool release is literally as easy as pushing a button, and a large
drag knob makes on the water adjustments a breeze.
All Galvan reels have a drag system that features a drag made of
an Ertalyte TX disc that is self-lubricating as well as stainless
plates that are supported by stainless steel bearings.
All Galvan reels have a lifetime warranty on parts and workmanship (provided the reel was bought from an authorized dealer).
Galvan on the Galvan Open Back Reels
"The Open Back reel was introduced to the market in
March of 1999. The Open Back incorporates a large arbor for a few
reasons. First, the
large diameter on the Open Back dramatically
increases retrieve speed. Line is picked up much more rapidly than with
a conventional spool. Second, on a long running fish, a conventional
reel will spin faster and faster as more and more line is taken out.
The resulting increase in drag is often enough to pop a light tippet.
With a
large arbor spool,
drag tension remains almost
constant as more
line and backing are pulled from the reel, thus
reducing the chances of
breaking off a big fish. Finally, line is stored in bigger loops, thus
reducing the line coil memory and those annoying loops that come off
near the bottom of a conventional spool.
Galvan Open Back reels incorporate all of the outstanding features
of the standard Galvan reel. Available in the OB-1 (Open Back 1), OB-2,
OB-3, OB-4, OB-5. These reels feature the same incredibly smooth action
and drag as all Galvan reels. The machining of the frame and spool
reduces weight and enables you to look through the middle of the reel.
The Open Back's spool and frame are fully machined out of 6061 bar
stock aluminum. It has a quick-release spool that requires no tools to
change and is counter-balanced for wobble-free rotation. Made of
aluminum and stainless steel."
Galvan on Galvan
"Over the past decade, Galvan Fly Reels Inc. have
established a well-earned reputation for quality, smoothness, and
reliability. As the company celebrates its 10th anniversary, Bonifacio
Galvan continues to strive to produce reels of exceptional value and
quality that have garnered a growing following among dedicated fly
anglers. Mixing classic styling with contemporary design and materials,
Galvan Fly Reels Inc. are helping to redefine modern fly reel
construction.
Since our first year of production in 1994, Galvan has developed a
loyal following of fly anglers who have come to trust our uniquely
designed, full-featured series of reels.
If you appreciate the
benefits of modern craftsmanship, style and perfomance in a name that
is more reel than price, maybe your next reel should be a Galvan!
All models are fully machined from 6061 bar-stock aluminum and
anodized to a semi-gloss finish. By fully ventilating both the one-side
frame and push-button, quick release spool, every reel is comfortably
light weight - a perfect match for today's high performance fly rods.
Spools are counter-balanced for wobble-free rotation and feature a
contoured Delrin handle.
Bonifacio Galvan is a small-stream, Sierra trout fisherman by
avocation, and a machinist by trade. After fishing his home waters for
years with commercially available reels, Galvan began to envision a
design of his own. What was he looking for in a fly reel? What we all
want: A light, rugged reel with exceptionally smooth action and drag
system, pleasing aesthetics, and durability.
And so the Galvan reel was born. Its genesis was in the high
mountain streams of the central Sierra Nevada, and in Boni Galvan's
desire to make a better fly reel. In 1992, using his machinist's skills
and trout fisherman's intuition, Galvan created the first prototype.
Since then his reel has metamorphosed through several configurations,
until, in the summer of 1994 it was ready for distribution. The
finished product is one of the lightest, smoothest, most simply elegant
reels in its price class."
