The Presso AIR AGS 61ML-E is an area trout rod made only for ester line, added in September 2026. It weighs 43g, takes lures of 0.6–5g, and lists at JPY 48,500 (excl. tax). A buy if you reel mid-weight lures.
The Gear Nerd's Pick
The butt guide is narrowed to φ10 to stop ester line from going slack just before the guide. On top of that sits a faster taper than the 510UL-E, tuned to set hooks on heavier lures. That is why I pick the 61ML-E for days when I reel stocked-fish spoons or full-size cranks.
Key points
- Released Sep 2026. JPY 48,500 (excl. tax)
- 43g, lures 0.6–5g, nylon 1.5–3lb
- A powered-up version for lures heavier than the 510UL-E handles
When is the Presso AIR AGS 61ML-E out, and what does it cost?
It goes on sale in September 2026. The 61ML-E, made only for ester line, joins the Presso AIR AGS, an area trout rod known for being light. List price is JPY 48,500 (excl. tax). Plenty of anglers must have been waiting for it.
Swipe the table sideways →
| Model | Length | Weight | Lure | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61ML-E (new) | 1.85m | 43g | 0.6–5g | JPY 48,500 |
| 510UL-E | 1.78m | 40g | 0.4–3g | JPY 47,500 |
| 61ML | 1.85m | 45g | 0.6–5g | JPY 48,500 |
| 61L-S | 1.85m | 44g | 0.6–4g | JPY 46,500 |
How I judged it
With 30 years of fishing across many styles, the thing that impressed me most about this rod was, surprisingly, the guide diameter.
Ester line stretches little and is sensitive, but on the cast it tends to go slack just before the butt guide and cause trouble. A real nuisance. The 61ML-E tackles that by shrinking the butt guide to φ10. A normal 510UL has φ20. Half.
A smaller guide might seem to cost distance, but the guides are set closer together to make up for it. It extends the thinking of the 510UL-E to heavier lures. I recommend it as the pick without hesitation.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Daiwa Presso AIR AGS 61ML-E
Lowest price on Rakuten: JPY 41,079 (as of Oct 18). Some stores go up to JPY 45,342. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on NaturumSee it on Rakuten IchibaHow is it different from the 510UL-E?
The 61ML-E is a powered-up version of the 510UL-E, added in 2024.
- Length: from 1.78m to 1.85m, 7cm longer
- Weight: from 40g to 43g, 3g heavier
- Lures: the upper limit goes from 3g to 5g. From 1.5g class up to stocked-fish spoons, cranks, bottom lures and minnows
- Taper: faster. A soft tip and non-stretching ester give a tune for setting hooks
The price gap is JPY 1,000. On days you reel spoons and micro cranks of 0.6–1.6g, take the 510UL-E; for anything heavier, the 61ML-E. The line between them is clear.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Daiwa Presso AIR AGS 510UL-E
Lowest price on Rakuten: JPY 39,160 (as of Oct 18). Some stores go up to JPY 59,200. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on NaturumSee it on Rakuten IchibaHow heavy a reel can I use?
The Presso AIR AGS series aims for a rod under 50g by itself (except the 61LB) and a whole setup under 200g with a light reel. With the 61ML-E, I calculated the weight left for the reel.
The formula is "200g − 43g = 157g." If reel and line together come to 157g or less, you stay within the 200g line. Looking at rod weight per meter: "43g ÷ 1.85m = 23.2g." In my ajing rod ranking, the values I calculated were 27.5–35.6g per meter. This is lighter than that.
What makes this lightness is the carbon-framed AGS, the SVF carbon with less resin and more fiber, and the X45 that holds down twist. The butt-grip-less shape, with no grip behind the reel seat, is another way of trimming weight. It looks clean too.
How does it differ from the Presso-LTD AGS out the same September?
In the same September 2026, the higher-end Presso-LTD AGS also gained an ester model, the 61L+-E. I line them up at the same length.
| Model | Weight | Lure | List price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIR AGS 61ML-E | 43g | 0.6–5g | JPY 48,500 |
| LTD AGS 61L+-E | 65g | 0.6–4g | JPY 63,000 |
| LTD AGS 61ML | 67g | 0.6–5g | JPY 63,000 |
Surprisingly, the lighter one is the lower-end AIR AGS. The gap to the LTD AGS 61L+-E is "65g − 43g = 22g," and it is JPY 14,500 cheaper. That is big. If weight comes first, the AIR AGS is the more logical choice.
How do I choose against the 61ML, which is not ester-only?
The 61ML has the same length and lure range, at 45g. It handles nylon 2–5lb and PE #0.15–0.4, so you can use many kinds of line.
If you use only ester, take the 61ML-E; if you also switch to nylon or PE, take the 61ML. Decide by line. Simple.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Daiwa Presso AIR AGS 61ML
Lowest price on Rakuten: JPY 40,040 (as of Oct 18). Some stores go up to JPY 48,015. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on NaturumSee it on Rakuten IchibaThings to watch
This part is so-so. It is a rod that goes all in on ester line, so for anglers who also want to switch to PE or nylon, the 61ML is another way to go.
The aluminum parts at the butt can get scratched if struck hard on the ground. A rod stand gives peace of mind.
Who is the Presso AIR AGS 61ML-E for?
- Anglers who reel heavier spoons and cranks on ester line
- Anglers who already have a 510UL-E and want a stronger second rod
- Anglers who want rod and reel both light, for tackle that tires you less over a full day of casting
For a first area trout rod, you could also start with the 26 Trout Rise review. How to pick the reel size to pair with it is in how to choose a reel size.
FAQ
When is the Presso AIR AGS 61ML-E released?
Sep 2026. List price is JPY 48,500 (excl. tax). It is the stronger counterpart to the 510UL-E that came out in 2024.
How does the 61ML-E differ from the 510UL-E?
The 61ML-E is 7cm longer and 3g heavier, and its lure limit of 5g is 2g above the 510UL-E. Its taper is faster too.
Can I use PE line on the Presso AIR AGS 61ML-E?
It is built only for ester line. If you also want PE, the 61ML, rated for PE #0.15–0.4, is the better fit.
