| Reel Size | Compact (1000-3000), Large / Distance (5500+), Medium (3500-5000) |
The Preston Centris is a popular mid-priced reel designed for coarse fishing anglers looking for a bit of quality in their float and feeder fishing. With its sleek black and red colour scheme, this reel isn't just about looks - it's packed with features that perform on the bank.
The Preston Centris Reel boasts a build that's both robust and lightweight. The CNC machined diecast body paired with a titanium carbon rotor gives it a premium feel without weighing you down.
Depending on the model, you're looking at weights ranging from a nimble 320g for the 320 model to a still-manageable 430g for the 520 model.
The aluminium spool adds to the durability without compromising on weight, which is always a win. One feature in the build that I love is the NiTi (Nickel Titanium) bail arm.
Now, I've had my fair share of reels with bent bail arms after a bit of rough handling, but this one's built to last. It's corrosion-resistant too, which is always handy!
When it comes to features, the Preston Centris Reel doesn't disappoint. The 5.0:1 gear ratio hits a sweet spot, giving you enough speed for quick retrieves without sacrificing the power you need when you're battling larger fish.
The micro-adjustable front drag system scores highly in our testing with a superb 9 out of 10. It offers precise control, allowing you to fine-tune your drag settings on the fly.
This level of control is especially handy when you're dealing with lighter lines or more delicate presentations and hook something that pulls back hard!
With 7 ball bearings plus 1 roller bearing, this reel offers a smoother operation than many in its price range. You'll feel the difference when you're retrieving, and it will hold up well over time too.
The reel comes with a single handle that is solid, comfortable to use and compliments the overall build of the reel nicely. Another feature worth mentioning is the two line clips and push-button spool release.
If you're into varying your tactics throughout a session, you'll appreciate how easy it makes managing multiple setups and switching spools with different line quickly.
In terms of performance, the Preston Centris Reel punches above its weight class. The retrieve rate, ranging from about 75-95cm per handle turn (depending on the model), gives you smooth and efficient line pickup.
The line capacity is ample for most match and feeder fishing situations. Even with the smallest 320 model, you're getting 150m of 0.28mm line, which should cover most bases.
The infinite anti-reverse system performs admirably and keeps you in good control when you're playing larger fish if you choose to use this over the clutch.
One area where you will notice the quality nature of this reel is in the overall smoothness of the retrieve. The 7+1 bearing system does a really good job and helps make the reel a real pleasure to use.
All in all, the Preston Centris Reel offers a quality package for anglers who are looking for a reel that performs exceptionally well.
Its combination of lightweight design, durable construction, and advanced features make it a versatile choice for a variety of coarse fishing scenarios.
While it scores slightly less than the superb Matrix HX, its light build, precise drag system, and focus on practical features make it a solid choice for those after a dependable, versatile reel.
If you're an angler with some experience under your belt, particularly in float fishing, and you're looking for a reel that offers good quality with a mid-tier price tag, the Preston Centris Reel is well worth considering.
| Feature | What this means |
|---|---|
| Power Drive Titanium Worm Shaft Gearing | A premium gearing system that uses titanium-coated worm shaft technology. This provides exceptional durability, smoother power transfer, and increased resistance to wear compared to standard gears, ensuring consistent performance even when fighting larger fish or retrieving heavy feeders. |
| Super Slow Oscillation | A precisely engineered spool movement system that lays line more uniformly across the spool. This reduces line friction during casting, resulting in greater distances, fewer tangles, and improved line durability as coils don't dig into layers beneath them. |
| CNC Machined Aluminium Die Cast Body | A high-precision body construction combining die-casting for structural integrity with CNC machining for exact tolerances. This provides exceptional rigidity, keeping all internal components perfectly aligned under load while maintaining a competitive weight. |
| Titanium Carbon Rotor and Arm Lever | Key components reinforced with titanium carbon composite material, delivering superior strength-to-weight ratio. This reduces rotating mass for faster stop-start performance while maintaining structural integrity during high-stress moments when playing fish. |
| Speed Drag System | An advanced drag mechanism designed for quick, precise adjustment with minimal rotation. This allows you to rapidly adapt to fighting different sized fish or changing conditions without losing precious time, particularly valuable during competitive match fishing. |
| Push Button Quick Release Spools | A user-friendly spool exchange system that lets you switch spools at the press of a button. This allows for rapid changes between different line types or diameters during a session without the need for tools or complex disassembly procedures. |
| Patented Titanium Alloy Bail Arm | A unique bail arm design using titanium alloy for superior strength and reduced weight. This exclusive technology provides reliable line pick-up while resisting deformation under stress, eliminating a common failure point found in standard reels. |
| Dual Handle Options | Each reel comes with both double and single folding handles. This versatility allows you to customise your reel to your preference – the double handle for balanced cranking power or the single handle for weight reduction and simplified operation. |
| Spare Spool Included | An additional matched spool provided as standard. This valuable inclusion saves you the cost of purchasing a separate spool and allows you to pre-load alternative line configurations for quick adaptation to changing fishing conditions. |
| 7 Bearings | A high-quality bearing system with seven precision bearings across all models. These bearings reduce friction at key rotation points throughout the reel, creating smoother operation when casting and retrieving, and extending the reel's working life. |
| Progressive Size Options | Available in three sizes (320, 420, 520) with graduated weights (313g, 322g, 339g) and retrieval rates (75cm, 85cm, 95cm per turn). This allows you to select the perfect balance between weight, line capacity, and retrieval speed for your specific fishing style and target species. |
| Consistent 5.0:1 Gear Ratio | All models feature the same versatile 5.0:1 gear ratio. This provides a balanced compromise between retrieval speed and cranking power, making the entire range suitable for multiple fishing techniques from float fishing to medium-range feeder work. |
See how the Preston Centris Reel compares with other coarse fishing reels on overall score and current price.
| Name | Price | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Preston Centris Reel | £120.50 | |
| Daiwa 20 Tournament Reel | £299.99 | |
| Daiwa 24 TDR QD Reel | £224.99 | |
| James Young Heritage Centrepin Reel | £328.99 | |
| Preston Intensity Feeder Reel | £159.99 | |
| Shimano Stradic FM Reel | £156.34 | |
| Daiwa 23 Ninja LT Reel | £49.99 | |
| Drennan Vertex Reel | £51.49 | |
| Sonik Xtractor Plus 5000 GS Reel | £41.71 |
eTackle looks for trusted, exact-match review sources and combines them where independent sources are available.
Tracked shop prices over time.
Confirm your email once, then watch other products on this device with one click.
It is a coarse fishing reel, chosen for the situations that style of fishing calls for.
Compact (1000-3000), Large / Distance (5500+), Medium (3500-5000).
A premium gearing system that uses titanium-coated worm shaft technology. This provides exceptional durability, smoother power transfer, and increased resistance to wear compared to standard gears, ensuring consistent performance even when fighting larger fish or retrieving heavy feeders.
A precisely engineered spool movement system that lays line more uniformly across the spool. This reduces line friction during casting, resulting in greater distances, fewer tangles, and improved line durability as coils don't dig into layers beneath them.
A high-precision body construction combining die-casting for structural integrity with CNC machining for exact tolerances. This provides exceptional rigidity, keeping all internal components perfectly aligned under load while maintaining a competitive weight.
Preston Extremity SD Feeder Reel 
Preston Invictus Reel 
Preston Intensity Feeder Reel 
Preston Inertia Match Reel 
