This year marks my 8th season since I seriously started area trout fishing.
I'm still not in a position to speak with authority, but there’s one thing I can say for sure.
That is, in area trout fishing, the performance difference in tackle has a far greater impact on catch results compared to other types of lure fishing.
There are definitely aspects that skill alone cannot cover.
Among those, the reel performance stands out as something that makes a dramatic difference.
That said, it’s not that “the latest high-end model is a must.”
Of course, the base performance of the reel is important, but in the area trout world, many expert anglers still use older or mid-range models from over a decade ago.
In fact, my main reels are also older and mid-range models like the 14 Presso and 15 Luvias.
Sure, I do want to upgrade to newer models, but I don’t have any major complaints with the current ones, and I’d rather spend my limited budget on actual fishing trips, so I’ve held back from making a switch (lol).
That being said, even though I’m using reels that are about to give out, there’s one aspect I absolutely won’t compromise on.
That’s the handle.



For area trout, I currently use DLIVE’s Air Stir and Air Drive W as my main handles.
I’ve tried genuine handles and those from other custom parts makers, but there are several reasons I settled on DLIVE handles. The standout features are their lightness, rigidity, minimal play, and linear responsiveness.
If lightness is your priority, carbon is one option, but when considering rigidity and precision fit, the machined duralumin Air Stir and Air Drive are clearly superior.
Also, compared to genuine handles, DLIVE’s knobs are offset closer to the body. That brings your elbows in during reeling, allowing for more stable operation.
By the way, some custom handles from other brands can interfere with the bail during flipping, but DLIVE handles are free from such issues.
This lack of stress and sustained comfort during use is another key reason I choose DLIVE handles.

As mentioned earlier, my reels are mostly older and mid-range models, but just by upgrading to high-performance handles, I’ve felt a clear improvement in my fishing.
And that effect isn’t limited to expert anglers.
I highly recommend high-performance handles to beginner and intermediate anglers who want to level up.
You’ll definitely start landing bites you would have otherwise missed.


| Air Stir (Single Handle) and Air Drive (Double Handle) – Choosing the Right One





DLIVE’s handles for area trout come in two types: the single-handle Air Stir and the double-handle Air Drive W.

The highlight of the Air Stir is its incredibly light weight.
Its highly machined duralumin frame provides excellent sensitivity and transmits reel feedback clearly to your hand.
It also offers a perfect balance of lightness and rigidity, making it easy to start reeling and highly responsive for both subtle retrieves and active manipulations.
Its versatility makes it a great choice even when paired with entry- or mid-class reels, so it’s highly recommended for first-time custom handle users.

On the other hand, the Air Drive W is ideal for slow and steady retrieves thanks to its superior stability, and it offers strong winding torque that firmly hooks even counter-bites.
With aggressive machining, it achieves a lightness beyond typical double handles, reducing sluggishness at the start of reeling.
I initially used only the Air Stir, but after trying my friend’s Air Drive W, I was impressed and started using it for crankbait fishing last year.

| Handle Length Selection



- Air Stir 40mm
A 40mm pitch, standard for 2000-size reels.
Since I used genuine handles for a long time after starting area trout, this size feels most natural to me.
It’s a versatile all-rounder, suitable for everything except bottom or minnow fishing where fast retrieve is required. I mostly use it for spoons and cranks. If your main focus is reeling, this is the one.

Example Use (Sendo)
General spoon use (mainly 1–2g).
General crankbait use (especially when sharing a rod for spoons and cranks).

- Air Stir 45mm
A long-pitch model with high winding torque.
Great for post-stocking fishing, full-size crankbaits with heavy resistance, or spots with larger average fish sizes.
Compared to shorter-pitch handles, it retrieves line slack quickly, making it suitable for minnow or bottom-style fishing too.
It covers almost everything except micro spoon applications.

Example Use (Sendo)
Stocked spoons.
Full-size crankbaits (shared rod with spoons).
Minnows, bottom, topwater.

- Air Stir 38mm
A 38mm pitch makes slow retrieves at steady speed easy and helps sense subtle current changes.
With a not-too-short length and duralumin rigidity, it offers enough torque to securely hook surprise bites.
This perfect size isn’t available in genuine handles – it’s the benefit of customization.
Great for precise control in micro spoon or micro crank fishing.

Example Use (Sendo)
Micro spoons.
Micro cranks.

- Air Stir 33mm
Not experienced enough to comment...



Click Here to Purchase Air Stir Handle [38mm, 40mm, 45mm]!




Click Here to Purchase Air Stir Handle [33mm]!




- Air Drive 65mm
The shortest pitch model among DLIVE handles.
Extremely lightweight at 17.5g (for DAIWA), reducing sluggishness during the initial turn.
Though heavier than single handles due to having two knobs, the balancer effect allows for slow, steady retrieves with no wobble.
Depending on how you grip the rod or knob, it might feel cramped, so testing before purchase is ideal.

Example Use (Sendo)
General crankbait use (mainly small size).

- Air Drive 75mm
A torque-oriented medium pitch model, ideal for consistent slow retrieves and high-resistance full-size crankbaits.
With more spacing between knobs than the 65mm model, it avoids finger interference and ensures smooth retrieves.
Recommended for those new to double handles.

Example Use (Sendo)
General crankbait use (mid- to full-size).

- Air Drive 80mm
Not experienced enough to comment...



Click Here to Purchase AIR DLIVE W Double Handle [65mm, 75mm, 80mm]!





| Choosing the Right Handle Knob



- Silicone Fit Knob

A flat-shaped knob ideal for light games where you often pinch with fingertips.
Its ultra-thin profile of just 6.1mm and silicone rubber’s ideal grip enable precise reeling control.
Works for both steady retrieves and twitching styles, and its slip-resistant shape provides strong grip – great for minnows and bottom lures requiring sudden inputs.

Example Use (Sendo)
Minnows, bottom, topwater – any manipulation-based lures.
I also use it when combining reeling and manipulating lures with one tackle setup.




- Silicone Round Knob

A round-type knob with minimized slipperiness thanks to shape and material.
Its form allows efficient power transfer, helping secure hooksets even during surprise bites.
Easy to grip from any angle, so it enables a smooth transition to reeling after casting.
Compared to the Silicone Fit Knob, it offers easier grip with less force, making it perfect for delicate micro spoon fishing.

Example Use (Sendo)
General spoon and crankbait reeling.




Handle customization is one of the easiest and most effective reel upgrades.
Use your custom handle wisely and enjoy fishing at a higher level!!