Absolute Station and the Matrix XR36 Pro Comparison

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.

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