FISHERMANS PARADISE

Both the Preston Innovations Absolute Station and the Matrix XR36 Pro represent the pinnacle of 36mm seatbox design. Designed for match and high-density commercial anglers, both systems prioritize zero-flex stability, high-end finishing, and modular tray customization.

Below is a direct side-by-side comparison across all key parameters.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature / Metric	Preston Innovations Absolute Station	Matrix XR36 Pro
Typical Selling Price	£639.99 – £679.99 (RRP £849.99)	£674.99 (RRP £799.99)
Complete Weight	~18.7 kg	18.5 kg
Leg Diameter & Type	6x 36mm round telescopic legs	6x 36mm round telescopic legs
Leg Caps	Removable threaded screw caps	Removable threaded screw caps
Footplate Release	Quick-release spring pins (lockable in 2 positions)	Single-hand quick release slider
Modular Catch Mechanism	Mag-Lok (Neodymium Magnetic Closures)	Rubberised Catch Blocks / Latches
Standard Tray Package	1x 26mm Shallow Tray, 2x Deep Side Drawers, 1x Shallow Side Drawer, Stacker Plate + Cover	1x Shallow Tray Unit, 1x Deep Drawer Unit (with Inserts), Transport Lid + Handle
Under-Box Stacker	Mag-Lok Stacker Plate system (removable runners)	Fixed runner box tray system
Frame Color Options	Graphite, White	Lime, Shadow (Dark Grey)

Key Comparison Breakdown

1. Price & Out-of-the-Box Value

• Preston Absolute Station: Retail prices typically hover between £640 and £680. It comes standard with a slightly richer tray configuration out of the box (including two deep side drawers, a shallow side drawer, and a 26mm tray unit with lid).
• Matrix XR36 Pro: Retails at £674.99. Out of the box, it comes with one deep drawer unit (pre-fitted with tray divider inserts), a shallow tray, and a transport lid.

2. Weight & Portability

• Both boxes sit in the exact same heavy-duty weight class—18.7 kg for the Absolute vs 18.5 kg for the XR36 Pro.
• Neither box is meant to be carried long distances by hand. You will need a box shuttle or barrow system for long bankside walks.

3. Stability & Leg Clamps

• Rigidity: Both offer near-zero flex when standing up to ship out long poles (16m+) or when sitting high over steep margins.
• Clamping Blocks: Preston uses non-marking rubberized clamping blocks that squeeze the outer leg wall. Matrix uses an ultra-smooth internal block system that operates with large, ergonomic rubberized handwheels. Neither system will score or dent the leg tubing over time.
• Footplate Locking: Preston utilizes spring-loaded pull-pins to lock the footplate outward or store it away. Matrix utilizes a single-handed sliding release system that operates quickly even with cold, wet hands.

4. Modular Units: Mag-Lok vs. Matrix Trays

• Preston Mag-Lok: Preston’s biggest advantage is its Neodymium magnetic locking catches. They automatically snap into place, do not get jammed by sand/mud, and eliminate plastic clip failure.
• Matrix Trays: Matrix uses robust plastic snap catches. While extremely durable and proven over time, they require manual unclipping compared to Preston’s magnetic alignment. However, Matrix drawer units come standard with modular internal storage dividers.

The Verdict

• Choose the Preston Absolute Station if: You want the convenience of the Mag-Lok magnetic tray system, prefer a slightly more comprehensive initial drawer arrangement, and want the ability to clear out the under-box stacker runners completely when wading into shallow water.
• Choose the Matrix XR36 Pro if: You prefer the single-hand footplate slide system, favor Matrix’s eye-catching Lime or Shadow aesthetics, or are already heavily invested in the Matrix drawer and winder eco-system.

The Preston Innovations Absolute Station is Preston’s flagship seatbox system. Built around a hydroformed aluminium frame, it delivers rigidity without excessive bulk, making it a stable platform for high-density pole and feeder fishing on both commercial fisheries and natural venues.

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Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Leg System	6x 36mm Telescopic Round Legs with Mud Feet
Frame Construction	Hydroformed Aluminium (Available in White or Graphite)
Tray System	Mag-Lok Modular Units (Neodymium Magnetic Fasteners)
Footplate Mechanism	Quick-Release / Lockable Sliding Footplate
Levelling	Dual Integrated Spirit Levels (Front and Side)
Standard Package	1x 26mm Shallow Tray, 2x Deep Side Drawers, 1x Shallow Side Drawer, Stacker Unit & Cover

Hands-On Performance Breakdown

1. Stability & Leg Mechanics (9.5/10)

The core job of any flagship seatbox is to provide a rock-solid, wobble-free platform—especially when shipping out 16 metres of pole or fishing far out on a feeder.

• 36mm Legs: The oversized legs eliminate almost all sway, even on steep, uneven banks.
• Non-Marking Clamping Blocks: The redesigned handwheels tighten securely without biting into the anodized leg surface, avoiding unsightly scoring marks over time.
• Threaded Tops: Removable screw caps on top of the legs allow you to attach keepnet arms, pole socks, or accessory trays directly to the leg structure without needing additional knuckles.

2. Mag-Lok Modular System (9/10)

Preston’s Mag-Lok system replaces traditional plastic latches with strong neodymium magnets.

• Ease of Use: Trays snap together instantly and securely, eliminating broken plastic catches or stiff catches in freezing winter conditions.
• Custom Stack Height: Trays can be added or removed in seconds, allowing you to tailor your seating height relative to the footplate for correct 90-degree leg posture.

3. Footplate & Under-Box Stacker (8.5/10)

• Footplate Locking: Features quick-release spring-loaded pins that click into position cleanly. It can be fully detached for easier boot loading or cleaning.
• Stacker Runner System: The under-box stacker plate slides smoothly out from the back. Removing the stacker leaves a clear, open space beneath the frame—ideal for placing bait buckets or luggage when wading into shallow waters.

4. Comfort & Transport (8/10)

• Pole Seat: High-density foam cushion offers good lumbar support for long 5-hour matches, complete with a built-in pole retaining strap.
• Weight Consideration: As with most full-spec 36mm seatboxes, the Absolute Station is heavy. A barrow system or box shuttle is essentially mandatory if you face long walks to your peg.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional overall rigidity and bankside stability.
• Mag-Lok magnetic catches are fast, reliable, and durable.
• Threaded leg tops simplify accessory setup.
• Clean, professional aesthetics with durable powder coating.

Cons

• Heavy to carry by hand over distance without a shuttle.
• Premium price tag compared to entry-level 30mm or 36mm alternatives.

Final Verdict

Rating: 9/10

The Preston Absolute Station is a top-flight seatbox engineered for serious match anglers and demanding venue conditions. While it is an investment and carries some weight, the rigidity, modular versatility, and build quality make it one of the most reliable bankside stations on the market.

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Matrix XR36 Pro Lime Seatbox Review: Best 36mm Match Box

Our hands-on breakdown of the Fox Matrix XR36 Pro Lime seatbox system. Discover its Hydro-Formed frame stability, 36mm leg system, pros & cons, and key specs.

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The Pinnacle of Match Engineering: The Matrix XR36 Pro Lime

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In modern match fishing, long pole work and commercial carp tactics place immense physical demands on bankside gear. Anglers demand rock-solid stability, swift height adjustments, and high-capacity modular storage. Enter the Matrix XR36 Pro in its head-turning, vibrant Lime finish—a flagship station built specifically to tackle those heavy-duty match requirements.

Building on the pedigree of the original S36 series, Fox Matrix re-engineered the frame geometry to deliver an ultra-sturdy, stylish seatbox engineered for serious match contenders.

Why Choose a 36mm System for Commercial and Match Fishing?

While smaller 25mm and 30mm legs cater to ultra-lightweight setups, the 36mm round leg standard represents the absolute benchmark for maximum stability:

Zero Flex & Rock-Solid Rigidity: The wide 36mm aluminum legs eliminate frame wobble entirely, giving anglers total confidence when sitting out over deep margins or shipping 16-meter poles in heavy crosswinds.

Heavy Accessory Support: Capable of supporting massive side trays, long feeder arms, and multiple keepnet blocks without slipping down or bending under pressure.

Ergonomic Height Management: Quick-release leg clamps allow rapid leveling on steep, uneven commercial banks, natural reservoir margins, or timber platforms.

Key Features & Engineering Upgrades

The XR36 Pro Lime isn’t just about striking cosmetics; Matrix overhauled core structural elements to improve durability and daily usability.

1. Hydro-Formed Aluminum Frame Design

Constructed using single-piece hydro-formed aluminum tube technology, the frame offers exceptional rigidity while maintaining a slick, modern silhouette. The open-frame architecture allows easy access to underneath stacker units and reduces overall bulk without sacrificing strength.

2. Textured 36mm Legs with Anti-Marking Clamps

All six 36mm legs feature textured outer finishes to optimize clamp grip. Coupled with non-marking internal clamping blocks, anglers can secure the legs tightly without scarring or denting the anodized coating. Large, custom-molded swivel mud feet ensure total footing security on wet grass or slippery silt.

3. Quick-Release Footplate Mechanism

The sliding footplate features an intuitive, single-handed spring-pin release mechanism. It glides out smoothly and locks firmly into position, providing a solid platform that won’t flex underfoot during fast-paced netting sessions.

4. Dual-Color Seat Cushion & Integrated Spirit Levels

Equipped with a dense, dual-color padded seat cushion featuring a built-in pole rig retention strap and spirit levels integrated directly into the frame and footplate assembly, ensuring a perfectly level setup every time.

Core Specifications

Feature	Specification
Frame Style	Single-Piece Hydro-Formed Aluminum
Leg Diameter	36mm Round (6x Telescopic Legs)
Feet Type	Heavy-Duty Swivel Mud Feet
Storage Included	Deep Drawer Unit + Shallow Tray Unit
Footplate	Single-Handed Release Sliding Footplate
Leveling	Dual Integrated Spirit Levels
Weight	~18.5 kg

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unmatched Bankside Stability: Rock-solid 36mm leg platform completely eliminates frame flex during long-pole work.
• Striking Design: Vibrant Lime accents offer one of the most distinctive, stylish profiles on the bank.
• Effortless Leveling: Integrated spirit levels and textured legs make setting up on uneven slopes fast and precise.
• High-Capacity Modular Unit: Fully compatible with all Matrix shallow trays, deep drawers, and winder units.

Cons

• Heavier Frame Mass: At ~18.5kg, it requires a barrow or trolley for long walks to distant pegs.
• Premium Price Point: Positioned as a flagship match box, representing a higher financial investment.

Performance on the Water

Commercial Venues

On high-stocked commercial carp waters, the XR36 Pro shines. The combination of the rigid hydro-formed frame and wide 36mm legs provides total security when leaning out to net double-figure carp or aggressive margin fishing.

Reservoirs & Large Natural Venues

When fishing large natural venues or rivers with steep, rock-strewn banks, the footplate’s single-handed release system and wide swivel mud feet make establishing a level, secure posture fast and simple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swap the drawer units on the XR36 Pro?

Yes, the XR36 Pro is fully integrated into the Matrix modular tray system. You can unclip the factory-supplied drawers and stack deep winder units, shallow tray units, or additional side drawers as your tackle setup requires.

Will standard 36mm accessories fit the legs?

Yes, the 36mm round legs fit all standard 36mm accessories from Matrix, Preston, Guru, and other major match tackle manufacturers.

Does the seatbox include a shoulder strap?

Yes, the XR36 Pro Lime comes supplied with a heavy-duty, deluxe padded 4-point shoulder strap for transport over shorter distances.

The Verdict

The Matrix XR36 Pro Lime Seatbox represents an ideal blend of flagship strength, striking visual design, and top-tier match performance. While anglers seeking ultra-light travel gear may look toward 25mm alternatives, serious commercial match anglers and long-pole specialists will find few stations as rigid, reliable, and comfortable for demanding bankside sessions.

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Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase on Amazon or eBay, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Abu Garcia 506 MKII Review: Best Closed-Face Trotting Reel?

Our hands-on breakdown of the Abu Garcia 506 MKII closed-face reel. Discover its Syncro drag, river trotting performance, pros & cons, and key specs.

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The Return of a Legend: The Abu Garcia 506 MKII

Few fishing reels carry as much historical weight among UK coarse anglers as the Abu Garcia closed-face series. Originally introduced decades ago, the original Abu 506 became essential gear for trotting floats down running water or targeting silverfish on match venues.

With the Abu Garcia 506 MKII, Abu Garcia updated this iconic design, blending modern gearing and ceramic line pins with classic closed-face reel performance.

Why Choose a Closed-Face Reel for Float Fishing?

In a tackle market dominated by standard fixed-spool spinning reels and centerpins, closed-face (spincast) reels serve a unique, highly effective purpose:

• One-Touch Line Control: Release line by simply pressing the front cowl with your index finger—no manual bail arm flipping required. Turning the handle immediately engages the pick-up pin.
• Wind Resistance: The enclosed front cone shields lightweight line from gusts, preventing loose coils from blowing off the spool on breezy days along the riverbank.
• Speed & Precision: Casting, feathering line with your index finger, and engaging the drive happen seamlessly with one hand. This creates a fast, comfortable rhythm during intensive match or river sessions.

Key Features & Mechanical Improvements

The 506 MKII isn’t just a cosmetic re-release; Abu engineered several internal updates to address the quirks of original vintage models.

1. Updated Polymeric Body & Aluminium Front Cone

Constructed from an advanced polymeric material with a durable aluminium front cone, the 506 MKII weighs approximately 288g. It strikes a practical balance between heavy-duty river durability and lightweight rod balance.

2. Upgraded Syncro Drag System

A standout feature of Abu’s high-end closed-face reels, the Syncro Drag allows anglers to quickly back-turn the handle roughly a quarter-turn to reduce drag pressure by roughly 50%. This provides immediate line protection when a large chub or barbel lunges, eliminating the need to fumble with the main drag dial mid-fight.

3. Instant Anti-Reverse Switch

Unlike older vintage units that required internal modifications to allow back-winding, the 506 MKII includes an accessible on/off anti-reverse switch. This gives anglers total control over playing fish—whether relying on the drag or back-winding manually.

4. Ceramic Line Pin & Saltwater Protection

Abu updated the line pick-up pin to ultra-durable ceramic to reduce line wear and boost winching power. Upgraded internal components and corrosion-resistant materials also allow the 506 MKII to handle light saltwater applications (such as estuary float fishing) without seizing up.

Core Specifications

Feature	Specification
Reel Type	Closed-Face / Spincast
Gear Ratio	3.9:1 (approx. 65cm retrieve per turn)
Bearings	Shielded Stainless Steel Bearings
Weight	~288 g
Spools Included	3x Shallow Polymeric Spools + 1x Deep Polymeric Spool
Line Capacity	~100 m of 0.18 mm (Shallow Spool)
Saltwater Safe	Yes (Light Estuary Use)

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unbeatable Trotting Control: Feathering line down river swims with one finger is smooth and fatigue-free.
• Generous Spool Package: Ships with 4 total spools (3 shallow, 1 deep), making line changes effortless.
• Instant Drag Relief: The Syncro drag handles sudden fish lunges exceptionally well.
• Wind Protection: Eliminates wind knots and line spillages on windy days.

Cons

• Slightly Heavier Than Modern Fixed-Spools: At 288g, it is heavier than carbon-bodied open-faced spinning reels.
• Requires Line Care: Overfilling shallow spools with stiff or heavy mono line can lead to internal line wrap. Stick to supple 3lb–5lb float lines for best results.

Performance on the Water

River Trotting

The 506 MKII truly excels when running a stick float or chubber down a river for chub, roach, or dace. Tapping the front cowl allows line to peel smoothly off the spool with zero resistance. Lightly feathering the line rim with your index finger gives fine-tuned control over float speed across varied river currents.

Stillwater Match & Canal Fishing

For short-range float work on canals or commercial fisheries, the instant press-and-release mechanism saves time over hundreds of casts per session.

Frequently Asked Questions

What line should I use on the Abu Garcia 506 MKII?

For optimal performance, use supple, low-memory reel lines between 3lb and 5lb breaking strain on the shallow spools. Avoid using heavy or stiff monofilament, as stiff line can spring off the spool inside the front cone.

Does the 506 MKII come with spare spools?

Yes, the Abu Garcia 506 MKII comes supplied with three shallow polymeric spools and one deep spool, alongside a protective reel case.

Is the Abu 506 MKII suitable for saltwater?

Yes, internal component upgrades and corrosion-resistant materials make it suitable for light saltwater and estuary float fishing, provided it is rinsed with fresh water after use.

The Verdict

The Abu Garcia 506 MKII successfully bridges classic float-fishing heritage with modern component quality. While heavy feeder specialists or lure anglers will look elsewhere, river-trotting enthusiasts and float anglers will find few tools as smooth, effective, and reliable for speed casting and effortless line control.

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Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase on Amazon or eBay, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.