The latest kit ON OUR RADAR from tackle brand Preston Innovations...
Thermatech Heated Softshell
What they say: The Thermatech Softshell Jacket incorporates several heated elements which can be adjusted via the temperature control button. Four settings enable the user to choose the correct temperature to match the conditions on the day.
Related: Best fishing seat box
The jacket is compatible with a USB-C connector to attach it to a power bank, and it’s recommended to use the 40W output for maximum performance. There are five heat patches positioned to keep you warm in all the right places. Sizes S-XXXXL.
What we say: Based on Preston’s existing popular and comfortable hooded softshell jacket, but with additional heating elements. We gave it a try and were really impressed with how warm it got – more than enough to feel through several layers of clothing.
Price: £149.99
Preston Absolute Station
What they say: Re-designed for 2022 with new white or graphite coloured Hydroformed aluminium frames, all units can be removed from the frame, allowing you to customise and add units in any order.
Each box also comes with a Mag-Lock stacker plate, so any tray can be used as the base stacker, which can now also be fitted from the front or back at multiple angles yet still drops and locates into the runners. Alternatively, the stacker plate can be left in place. Both boxes have redesigned leg blocks with ergonomic handwheels, top threaded non-marking legs, integral spirit levels, a cover, a carry strap, two deep and one shallow side drawers, and a shallow tray with lid which is fully compatible with existing Absolute and Inception Mag-Lok trays.
What we say: Just when we thought the Inception boxes were getting so good that the Absolute would become obsolete, these two stunning boxes arrived. Never before has a Preston box been so adaptable and easy to configure for your specific needs.
Price: £849.99
Interlok winder trays
What they say: Preston Interlok Winder Trays are fully customisable for you to create the perfect winder tray for an Absolute or Inception seatbox. The different sized trays lock together and then fit neatly into a 26mm Absolute or Inception Shallow tray unit.
The green 26cm tray takes up 50 per cent capacity of a box unit, while the red 13cm and blue 18cm trays take up 25 per cent. Any combinations adding up to 100 per cent will fill a shallow tray unit.
The Interlok slide winders feature a slider on each side and are available separately.
What we say: A great space, cost and organisational idea!
Price: TBC
Supera X Feeder Rods
What they say: We set out on a two-year mission in attempt to push the boundaries and improve upon our already outstanding Supera rods. After countless samples and hours of testing by Lee Kerry and Des Shipp, the result is the Supera X – simply the best feeder rod we’ve ever produced! A key improvement is the use of X wrap carbon weave – a super strong wrap that has allowed a reduction in diameter while providing an epic fish playing and casting action.
Minima guides feature on every model, reducing weight and adding extra distance to casts due to reduced friction and a wider diameter. As with all our premium rods, the Supera X range features flat EVA/cork handles finished off with the Supera X logo engraved into the EVA. A premium set of rods which look and perform like nothing else on the market.
Four models in 9ft, 10ft, 11ft and 12ft lengths cover everything from intimate commercial fishing work through to 60m casts on natural venues or carp-based waters.
All four models come with three carbon tips, selected to match each rod and ranging from 0.75oz to 2.5oz.
What we say: We were expecting an upgraded Supera range, but what we were greeted with was a set of rods so notably different, the Supera name could have been dropped. Lighter feeling, slimmer looking – even the lengths are different.
We managed a couple of hours fishing with the 9ft and found it to have an action we could only describe as mid-progressive. The top third felt soft, and very quickly and seamlessly blended into an exceptionally powerful lower. This gave the rod a soft feel, yet it boasted loads of power lower down, making it suitable for everything from smaller scrappy F1s to double-figure carp – a rod that can cover all close-range commercial feeder and bomb situations.
The 11ft version, although very light and soft feeling, again features plenty of power lower down, giving it a parabolic fish playing action in a rod that’s very clearly more tippy/progressive than that. Hopefully we’ll have a more thorough Live Test soon!
Price: 9ft £209.99, 10ft £229.99, 11ft £249.99, 12ft £269.99
DF Hydrotech Suit
What they say: Made using an extremely hard-wearing waterproof material and cut to be both practical and stylish, the jacket features a high neck, neoprene cuffs with thumb holes and a waterproof hood with stiffened peak and adjustable toggle cord to protect from the elements. Three fully waterproof pockets provide plenty of storage.
The bib n’ brace has reinforced knee and seat areas to prevent excessive wear, fully waterproof zips with storm flaps and pullers, wide opening adjustable ankle areas and an adjustable shoulder strap.
Available as a two-piece set in sizes small to XXXL.
What we say: We were impressed with how lightweight and comfortable this suit was with plenty of straps and cords to adjust to any body shape. Modest-looking and smart, and priced quite reasonably, we expect to see plenty of these out on the bank in the coming months.
Price: £164.99, www.prestoninnovations.com
