I’ve owned a number of seatboxes over the years. Some good, some forgettable, and one or two that left me wondering how I ever got through a match without launching them in the lake. But one that always stood out was the original Matrix Superbox with 36mm legs. It was a proper step forward at the time, strong, functional and built for the rigours of match fishing. I used that thing for years. So, when Matrix launched the XR36 Pro, I didn’t need much convincing. Especially when I saw they’d released a limited edition in matte grey.
It's usually available in Lime or Black (Shadow), but I managed to get my hands on one of the 500-run matte grey versions. They’ve since released another 300 in a slightly darker graphite, but I’m more than happy with the one I’ve got.
The XR36 Pro uses a unique hydro-formed aluminium frame, a one-piece design that feels rock solid. The 36mm legs offer serious stability, I’ve had them fully extended on uneven banks, climbed all over the box, even stood on it with metres of pole in the air, without a creak or wobble. The anodised finish to the legs adds grip, ensuring the non marking leg clamps hold tightly so there is no slippage.
The over-sized handwheels are a massive improvement. Chunky enough to grip, meaning you can easily tighten or loosen them, even with cold fingers.
One of my favourite upgrades is the footplate mechanism. It’s a single-handed release on the very front of the footplate. If you’ve ever battled with the old-style handwheels or tried to line up pins in the rain, you will know what a small blessing this is. The footplate itself is rock steady, it has a textured non-sip cover and comes with a built-in spirit level. Makes it simple to get the box on a level footing, so no more back twinges from sitting awkwardly.
What really sets Matrix seatboxes apart is their backward compatibility. The units are the same right back to the old Fox MSB seatboxes.
Over time I’ve added a few extra trays and drawers, depending on the venue i'm visiting. A couple of extra winder trays for canals, housing all my pole rigs, or a deeper drawer for carrying a range of feeders, for feeder fishing. It’s as simple as four clips and you can add or remove the units you require.
The Verdict
The XR36 Pro isn’t just a decent seatbox, for me, it’s the full package. Built like a tank, refined where it matters, and packed with smart touches that make a real difference on the bank. From the rock-solid legs and smooth footplate mechanism to the storage layout and full compatibility with older Matrix units.
The seat cushion is tough and supportive, with a PU fabric that’s hard wearing with a pole support, and spirit level integrated into the front of it. Storage-wise, it comes with a deep drawer with removable inserts to keep all you terminal tackle and fishing gadgets organised, a shallow tray and a transport lid with a carry handle.
At 18.5kg, it’s not exactly lightweight, but with most venues being car-accessible these days, and the Matrix transporter doing all the heavy lifting. It’s a trade-off I’m happy to make. You get stability, storage, and comfort in return.
Whether you’re upgrading or buying your first serious seatbox, this one’s built to take a hammering. I’ve certainly got no plans to change it anytime soon.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS PRODUCT AND OTHERS FROM MATRIX HERE.
Tech Spec
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Available in Lime or Shadow
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Unique Hydro formed Aluminium frame (one-piece design)
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Single-handed footplate release mechanism
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Textured non-slip plastic footplate with built in sprit level
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Anodised 36mm extending legs with threaded caps
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Non-marking leg clamps with larger handwheels
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Sprung pin single release for under frame stacker unit
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PU fabric covered seat cushion with built in spirit level and pole support.
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4 point fixing for removable padded shoulder strap
Supplied with
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1 x Deep Drawer Unit with Drawer Inserts
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1 x Shallow Tray Unit
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1 x Transport Lid with carry handle
An evolution of Matrix’s highly popular S36, the new Matrix XR36 Pro not only boasts striking aesthetics but also incorporates numerous innovative design enhancements. Featuring non-marking leg clamps and employs a distinctive one-piece, super-strong tubular hydro-formed structure. The footplate is designed with a textured surface and non-slip plastic, with a single-hand release mechanism for convenience.
Included in the package is a shallow tray, a deep drawer unit, and a transport lid. The 36mm non-slip extending legs are fully anodised and come with screw threaded end caps. The height of the seatbox can be easily adjusted using large rubber handwheels, while a built-in spirit level eliminates the uncertainty of getting the seatbox level on any type of terrain. It is available in two striking colour options – Lime or Shadow.
Pros
- Very sturdy seatbox, with built in spirit level.
- Lovely design.
Cons
- At 18.5KG the box may be too heavy for some.
Our pick of the alternatives
Owning the previous flagship seatbox, the Preston Absolute Carbon, I can confirm just how robust and comfortable the range is and the new Preston Absolute Station looks to have improved both aesthetically and technically on a seatbox design I thought Preston had already mastered.
The new Hydro formed frame is stunning, it gives a unique appearance that the seat is almost floating and helps reduce some of the weight.
The other benefit of the frame not having a support to the rear and the new locking clips, means you can slide the stacker system out from the back whilst eliminating the chance of it getting stuck. The box isn't the lightest at 14kg, but something this strong never will be.
The Station comes with three drawer units, whilst the Mag-Lok system gives the ability to remove them completely from the frame really easily. This allows you the flexibility to build and adjust the height to suit whatever your requirement may be, great if you're a taller or shorter angler.
The Absolute Station comes with 36mm legs with a 30mm inner, all the legs are extendable and all come with screw caps as opposed to just the front legs that we are used to seeing.
The box is ridiculously sturdy when the legs are fully extended, removing the need for a platform when sitting out in the water. If you do want to fish from a platform, the footplate fully removes in seconds via two clips, a real positive.
YOU CAN SEE MARK'S FULL REVIEW ON YOUTUBE HERE...
Pros
- The Mag-Lock clips keep the trays secure
- Hydroformed aluminium frame is very strong whilst reducing weight
Cons
- Footplate locking pin can be fiddly at times when trying to locate
Standing out on the bank with its sleek blue frame and precision-engineered design. The MAP Z36 Elite MK2 seatbox is a real eye catcher. Machined from aluminium, it offers a perfect balance of lightweight portability and durability, easily handling the demands of intense fishing sessions. The redesigned stacking system allows deep and shallow tray units to be stored beneath the box in any order, with easy access from both the front and rear, no need for a bottom tray runner.
A significant upgrade is the waterproof, PU-moulded pole seat, addressing a key issue from the previous model. The seat is not only comfortable but features an aluminium base frame that evenly distributes pressure, ensuring easy access to the drawer units below. The footplate has also been improved, now featuring two removable threads for quick detachment, making transport and cleaning a breeze.
Additional enhancements include a reinforced stacker lid with an aluminium skeleton, adding strength and allowing for multiple extra units. Large diameter swivel mud feet ensure stability on any surface, while telescopic legs with threaded screw inserts offer versatility for various accessories.
Pros
- Oversized mudfeet for stability
- Aluminium base plate on seat for smooth draw opening even when seated
- Footplate can be completely removed for compact transport
Cons
- Draw dividers are not supplied (available seperately) unlike other seatboxes
Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of commercial content writer at Angling Times.