The Daiwa Air 4.5m Handle is simply the best match landing net handle I've used. At a premium price, it's not cheap, but when you pick it up you immediately understand why it commands that price. At just 350g for the full 4.5m length, it's ridiculously light. To put that in perspective, it's only 66g heavier than the Preston Response at 4m, despite being half a metre longer.
That's down to Daiwa's HVF nanoplus carbon, which manages to be both incredibly strong and super lightweight. What really sets this handle apart is the five different length configurations. You can use it at 1.10m (60g) for ultra-light silverfish work, 1.77m for F1s, 2.8m for general commercial fishing, 3.5m as a power handle for carp, or the full 4.5m for maximum reach.
The two threaded sections give you loads of options depending on what you're targeting. The X45 technology is brilliant. This carbon wrapping technique massively reduces the twist you get when pushing the net head through the water, which gives you much better control. When you're netting a match-winning fish, that stability makes all the difference.
I really like the smooth matte finish too. A lot of handles have sticky gloss finishes that judder through your hands, but this slides smoothly and doesn't stick to wet hands. The nickel plated brass threads are also a nice touch - they're far more durable than standard aluminium and won't let you down when it matters.
For serious match anglers who need the best tool for the job, or anyone who wants one handle that truly covers every scenario, the Air is worth the investment. If you're comparing different handles to find the right one for your fishing, take a look at our landing net handle comparison guide where we've tested all the top options.
Yes, the price is a lot of money for a landing net handle. But if you're a professional match angler or serious about your fishing, this is the best handle on the market right now. The combination of weight, versatility, and build quality is exceptional.
| Feature | What this means |
|---|---|
| HVF Nanoplus Carbon | Daiwa's high-grade carbon technology that creates an incredibly strong yet lightweight handle. At just 350g for 4.5m length, this is one of the lightest handles on the market while maintaining excellent strength. |
| X45 Technology | A carbon fibre wrapping technique that vastly reduces the twist that occurs when you push the net head through the water. This gives you better control and more accurate netting, especially important when targeting match-winning fish. |
| Five Useable Lengths | Can be configured at 1.10m (60g), 1.77m (140g), 2.8m (200g), 3.5m (290g), or full 4.5m (350g). This versatility means you can use it as a lightweight silverfish handle, a power carp handle at 3.5m, or full reach match handle at 4.5m. |
| Two Threaded Sections | The handle has two threaded connection points that allow you to mix and match sections for different fishing scenarios. You can take the butt off for a super slim F1 handle, or use middle and butt sections for a 3.5m power handle. |
| Nickel Plated Brass Threads | The thread connections are made from brass with a nickel coating, which means they'll last the test of time and won't let you down when netting that match-winning fish. Much more durable than standard aluminium threads. |
| Smooth Matte Finish | Features a super smooth, non-sticky matte finish rather than a gloss coating. This prevents the handle from sticking to your hands or juddering through your grip, making it much more comfortable and easier to use throughout a long session. |
| Weight: 350g at 4.5m | Incredibly lightweight at just 350 grams when extended to full 4.5m length. For comparison, this is only 66g heavier than the Preston at 4m, despite being half a metre longer - a testament to Daiwa's carbon technology. |
See how the Daiwa Air Landing Net Handle compares with other coarse fishing tackle on overall score and current price.
| Name | Price | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Daiwa Air Landing Net Handle | £181.80 | |
| Guru Aventus R Pellet Waggler Rod | £384.99 | |
| Guru Aventus R Waggler Rod | £427.49 | |
| Matrix Horizon X Ultra Pro Pellet Waggler Rod | £208.34 | |
| Matrix Horizon X Ultra Pro X-Light Waggler Rod | £205.16 | |
| Preston Supera X 14ft Power Float Rod | £220.90 | |
| Preston Supera X Superlight Float Rod | £204.43 | |
| Daiwa Theory Speci Float Rod | £119.99 | |
| Shimano Specialist TX Float Rod | £119.99 |
Tracked shop prices over time.
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It is a coarse fishing tackle, chosen for the situations that style of fishing calls for.
Can be configured at 1.10m (60g), 1.77m (140g), 2.8m (200g), 3.5m (290g), or full 4.5m (350g). This versatility means you can use it as a lightweight silverfish handle, a power carp handle at 3.5m, or full reach match handle at 4.5m.
Daiwa's high-grade carbon technology that creates an incredibly strong yet lightweight handle. At just 350g for 4.5m length, this is one of the lightest handles on the market while maintaining excellent strength.
A carbon fibre wrapping technique that vastly reduces the twist that occurs when you push the net head through the water. This gives you better control and more accurate netting, especially important when targeting match-winning fish.
The handle has two threaded connection points that allow you to mix and match sections for different fishing scenarios. You can take the butt off for a super slim F1 handle, or use middle and butt sections for a 3.5m power handle.
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