This article is produced in partnership with Decathlon
If you’re looking for a fishing seatbox with genuine 'wow' factor, the second-generation Decathlon Caperlan CSB Competition 36 deserves your attention. Designed over four years with extensive field and lab testing, this premium seatbox combines comfort, stability, and clever innovation – all at a very competitive price.
Key Features and Design
Decathlon says the CSB Competition 36 is one of the most comfortable and ergonomic seatboxes on the market, and it’s easy to see why. The unique C System locking mechanism replaces old-fashioned thumbscrews, securing legs and accessories with a simple 90° flip of a lever, making it quick and completely snag-free.
The redesigned cushion uses two densities of foam for superb comfort and support, while the extended footplate allows perfect foot positioning. That means better posture and less risk of back pain during long fishing sessions.
Storage is generous, with three drawers and one tray above the main tray, a removable underframe winder tray with lid and six 36mm legs for outstanding stability. The rear legs are fixed with an internal umbrella support, while the front four are telescopic with built-in accessory screw threads.
On the Bank Performance
Having fished from the CSB Comp 36, it quickly becomes clear why the lever system is a breakthrough for seatbox design. During testing, the legs stayed rock-solid – even when jumping on the footplate – and the brushed rubberised seat surface was every bit as comfortable as it looked.
The sturdy, bombproof build inspires confidence, and the side-fitted carry handles make lifting the seatbox into a car or onto a trolley effortless. Accessories sold separately use the same quick lever system, and the innovative Hooded Side Tray is a must-have upgrade for keeping bait protected from wind and sun.Author Mark Sawyer holds the position of Tackle Editor at Angling Times, boasting more than thirty years of experience working within different fields of the angling industry.
Value for Money
At £449.99, the CSB Competition 36 is packed with innovation, looks fantastic, and offers exceptional value compared to many rival fishing seatboxes.
Recommended Accessories
Decathlon Innovative Side Tray with Cover – £84.99
Large hooded tray with removable folding cover, supplied with two telescopic legs (60–90cm) and integral spirit levels. EVA foam edging prevents damage to poles, rods, and landing net handles.
Decathlon Innovative Bump Bar – £54.99
Fully adjustable, wide pole support bar with a rotatable protective foam section, allowing flat or contoured pole positioning. Quick-release clips make it easy to dismantle and adjust.
Verdict
The Decathlon Caperlan CSB Competition 36 is a fishing seatbox that blends smart design, comfort, and durability at a price that’s hard to beat. It isn't a seatbox for just one type of venue and could be used anywhere from commercial fisheries with nice flat pegs, to more challenging swims on a river thanks to the long telescopic legs.
For anglers who value ease of use and performance, this is one of the standout seatboxes on the market and for sub-£500 I think you'll struggle to find anything better.
www.decathlon.co.uk
You don’t often find a seatbox at this price that ticks this many boxes. The Caperlan CSB D36 Competition Station is built for anglers who want pro-level functionality without rinsing their bank balance.
The 36mm leg system gives it the same footprint and stability you’d expect from boxes costing twice as much. With oversized mud feet, a reinforced footplate, and an integrated spirit level, it sets up rock-solid whether you’re pole fishing a commercial or feeder fishing a deep, natural venue.
One smart touch is the removable centre plate on the footplate, giving you extra platform width when fishing tight down the edge. It’s not a gimmick, it genuinely makes edge fishing more comfortable.
Then there are the leg clamps, no fiddly thumb screws here, large ergonomic quick-release levers that lock down solid. Ideal when cold and wet hands struggle to tighten thumb screws, but with cam-lock systems been tried and tested and other manufacturers have moved on from, be interesting to see if this design stands up to the test of time.
Storage is generous and well thought out. You get two front drawers, a side drawer, and a shallow winder tray, all tucked beneath a cushioned pole seat with a built-in pole support. The whole unit feels tight, secure, and ready to work.
Pros
- Strong and sturdy to build
- Leg system is very clever and easy to use
- The footplate extension is a genius idea incredibly useful
- The seat is one of the comfiest that I've sat on
Cons
- Supplied in a flat-pack format and needs constructing before use. Although this was easy enough to do
- Built-in keepnet holder of more use for rivers and canals than on commercials where multiple nets may be required
Author Mark Sawyer holds the position of Tackle Editor at Angling Times, boasting more than thirty years of experience working within different fields of the angling industry.