The Ultimate Light Game Rod—Unmatched in Lightness, Sensitivity, Handling, and Portability This rod represents the pinnacle of light game design, combining top-tier lightness, sensitivity, and operability—the very essence of light game fishing. With DAIWA’s exclusive ‘SMT’ and ‘AGS’ technologies, it achieves class-leading sensitivity. Utilizing the new ESS (Expert Sense Simulation) balance theory, the rod delivers a perfect harmony of supple action and responsive control. The lightweight, ergonomic ZERO-SEAT Cavity Trigger reel seat enhances the rod’s hallmark lightness and comfort. Despite being a center-cut 2-piece design, the rod achieves the strength and smooth bend of a 1-piece model, thanks to V-JOINT α technology, making it easy to carry without compromising performance.
Advantages of a Versatile Rod Over a Specialized One Versatile rods are engineered to perform reliably across various target species, aiming to deliver 80% of peak performance for any fish within their range. Ideal for anglers who enjoy year-round fishing without focusing on a specific style or species, these rods are also a great choice for those who find specialized rod actions too limiting.
DAIWA Technologies
ESS (Expert Sense Simulation) A system developed to analyze and design the recovery energy generated when a rod bends. By quantifying this “strain energy,” DAIWA can identify performance strengths and weaknesses, and tailor rod characteristics to match the angler’s intuitive feel—resulting in a rod that truly meets user expectations.
AGS (Air Guide System) These carbon-framed guides are about three times stiffer than titanium, ensuring ultra-high sensitivity by transmitting even the smallest vibrations directly to the blank without absorption. Their lightweight nature also enhances rod sensitivity, especially at the tip.
SMT (Super Metal Top) DAIWA’s proprietary tip made of ultra-elastic titanium alloy. Offering sensitivity beyond the reach of carbon, it delivers both tactile and visual bite detection. The tip’s delicate flexibility ensures it responds smoothly even to subtle movements, while maintaining strength and impact resistance.
V-JOINT α An evolution of the original V-JOINT, this joint uses high-strength Nanoalloy material and DAIWA’s precision processing to improve strength, reduce weight, and enhance bending smoothness—providing a seamless feel during repeated casts and refined rod control.
X45 A structural technology that layers carbon fibers at ±45° angles in addition to conventional 0° and 90° orientations, significantly reducing torsion during casting, retrieving, and fighting fish. This enhances power, control, and sensitivity across the board.
ZERO-SEAT Designed with comfort in mind, this reel seat concept eliminates stress, allowing anglers to fully immerse themselves in the joy of fishing.
Product Details
■ Ultra-High Sensitivity Achieved with AGS × SMT
The combination of DAIWA’s proprietary AGS (Air Guide System) and SMT (Super Metal Top) technologies enables unmatched sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect even the faintest bites that traditional rods would miss. This heightened bite detection gives you the upper hand, enabling a more aggressive and responsive approach to light game fishing.
■ ZERO-SEAT: So Comfortable, You’ll Forget It’s There
Equipped with the ZERO-SEAT Cavity Trigger, the LG series offers superior compatibility with both small electric reels and conventional baitcasting reels. Designed for exceptional grip and precision during one-handed use and fine control, this reel seat is perfectly suited for the demands of light game fishing.
■ Sleek New "Gokueki" Design
A matte-finished name section enhances the rod’s sophisticated look, while the full-body ocean blue coating elevates the rod’s visual impact, emphasizing its identity as a premium "Gokueki" (Extreme Sharpness) model.
■ New Gokueki Long Nut with Printed Markings
An updated long nut design featuring clean, laser-etched markings adds a refined finishing touch while maintaining secure functionality.
■ Bat Length Optimized for Arm Support
The rod features a carefully calculated butt length for comfortable underarm placement, enhancing stability and reducing fatigue during long sessions.
■ Thoughtful Reel Seat Layout
Ergonomically designed for ease of use and comfort, the reel seat area offers superior handling and effortless control, allowing for precise rod work even during technical presentations.
Product Overview – Gokueki Light Game Series
A lineup of versatile, high-sensitivity rods designed for precision light game fishing across a wide range of target species. Each model is fine-tuned based on proven concept rods, integrating DAIWA's advanced technologies such as SMT and AGS for superior sensitivity, operability, and portability.
73M-190
Target Fish: Light Aji, Light Hirame, Light Tachiuo (Tenbin), Light Amadai, Kasago, Magochi, Light Willi, Karei, Isaki, Tai Rubber Tuning: Based on the Gokueki Concept Game L M-195, this model enhances visual bite detection through precision SMT shaping. The reinforced mid-to-butt section provides excellent control and maneuverability.
73MH-185
Target Fish: Tachiuo (Tenbin), Light Aji, Amadai, Hirame, Medium-sized Yellowtail (Warasa), Light Drop Fishing, Kasago, Isaki, Madai, Tiger Puffer, Tai Rubber Tuning: Built on the Gokueki Concept Game L MH-185, the sharpened SMT tip boosts sensitivity, while added backbone strength from mid to butt enhances rod operability across versatile scenarios.
73H-180
Target Fish: Tachiuo (Tenbin/Tenya), Amadai, Hirame, Egi-tako, Medium-sized Yellowtail, Drop Fishing, Aji, Isaki, Madai, Tiger Puffer, Tai Rubber Tuning: Based on the Gokueki Concept Game L H-180, this rod delivers sharp, responsive action and heightened sensitivity via refined SMT design and reinforced power in the lower section.
82MH-175
Target Fish: Tachiuo (Tenbin/Tenya), Amadai, Egi-tako, Maruika, Cutlass Puffer, Tiger Puffer, Karei, Tai, Kasago, Hanadai, Aji, Rockfish, Kawahagi, Umazura Tuning: Derived from the Gokueki LG EX 82-175, this model is reconfigured into a 2-piece center-cut format for improved portability while retaining the rod’s exceptional balance and sensitivity.
91H-170
Target Fish: Tachiuo (Tenya), Kawahagi, Egi-tako, Light Yariika, Cutlass Puffer, Light Onikasago, Tiger Puffer, Amadai Tuning: Modeled after the Gokueki Tachiuo Tenya SP 91-180, the tip section has been reshaped with a low taper SMT for greater versatility and adaptability across various techniques.
MC-170
Target Fish: Bay Fugu, Kisu, Kawahagi, Cutlass Puffer, Egi Sumiika, Ikametal, Light Tachiuo (Tenbin) Tuning: Based on the Gokueki Concept Game MC-180, the MC-170 drastically upgrades power from tip to butt, delivering a sharp, responsive rod ideal for highly technical light game situations.