The Preston Intensity Feeder Reel is popular in the coarse fishing community thanks to its quality components, solid performance and mid-tier price point. Available in 620 and 720 models, this reel is engineered to meet the exacting requirements of long casting and heavy duty feeder fishing on both commercial and natural venues.
Let's dive into the specifics of how it performs.
Build quality8.5/10
Value for money8.0/10
Cast and retrieve8.0/10
Drag8.5/10
The Build
Crafted with a CNC-machined aluminium spool and compact body, the Preston Intensity Feeder Reel offers exceptional durability and balance.
The solid build on the Preston Intensity
The 620 model weighs 418g, while the 720 model tips the scales at 432g – a bit heavier than some rivals, but this extra mass translates to improved stability and durability.
The reel boasts an impressive 8+1 bearing system, meaning it has eight ball bearings for smooth operation and one roller bearing for the anti-reverse function.
This configuration is above average and ensures minimal friction during casting and retrieval, contributing to the reel's overall efficiency and longevity.
The soft-touch rubber grip handle adds comfort during use, though some anglers might find the overall weight a little too heavy for light feeder work.
Features
One off the Intensity’s standout features is its Speed Drag System (SDS). This system allows for quick, precise drag adjustments which is always handy when you’ve hooked something that pulls back.
The Speed Drag System (SDS) On The Preston Intensity Feeder Reel
For me, the micro-adjustable nature of the drag instils confidence when fishing with light presentations.
Another nice touch are the dual line clips which I find is always handy when targeting more than one spot in a swim. The reel's 4.6:1 gear ratio strikes a balance between power and speed, well-suited to the demands of feeder fishing.
Combined with the 86cm per handle turn retrieve rate, it ensures efficient line recovery.
The inclusion of a spare spool adds practical value, enabling quick changes between different line setups to adapt to varying fishing conditions or target species.
How does it perform on the bank?
Earning a score of 8.5 out of 10 for its casting and retrieve ability the Preston Intensity Feeder Reel performs admirably. Is it the best on the market? Not quite but it does shine in its core functions.
The smooth operation, very much facilitated by 8+1 ball bearings, guarantees friction-free casting and retrieval. Its line capacity (150m of 0.26mm for the 620 model) offers ample space for most feeder fishing setups.
The reel truly excels in long-range casting scenarios, where its weight and build quality contribute to enhanced power, accuracy and control.
Summary & Conclusion
The Preston Intensity Feeder Reel emerges as a high-performing option for dedicated feeder anglers, particular the long casters. Its solid construction, decent drag system, and practical features make it a valuable tool for long casting feeder fishing situations.
While the weight might give some anglers pause, the advantages in casting distance and control often outweigh this consideration.
Offering competitive pricing for its feature set, it represents good value, particularly for more experienced anglers who will appreciate its advanced capabilities.
For those specialising in long-range feeder fishing, the Preston Intensity Feeder Reel is a worthwhile investment that wont disappoint.
Pros
Exceptional casting ability and control for long-range feeder fishing
Responsive Speed Drag System for precise adjustments
High-quality construction with premium materials
Rapid retrieve rate
Cons
Heavier than some competing models
Overkill for small venues
Features and Specifications
Feature
What this means
Powerdrive
An enhanced gearing system specifically designed for feeder fishing applications. This provides superior cranking power when retrieving heavy feeders from distance or when fighting larger fish, reducing the effort required and ensuring consistent performance even under heavy loads.
SDS Speed Drag System
A quick-adjustment drag mechanism that allows for rapid changes to drag pressure with minimal rotation. This enables you to instantly adapt from a free-spool setting for detecting shy bites to a fighting drag when a fish takes, saving crucial seconds during those important moments when a fish is on.
3mm Aluminium Bail Arm
An extra-strong, oversized bail arm constructed from solid aluminium material. This robust design eliminates the common failure point found in standard reels, ensuring reliability during intensive use and providing peace of mind when fighting larger specimens that might put stress on lesser components.
Soft Touch Rubber Grip Single Handle
An ergonomically designed handle with a premium rubber coating for enhanced grip. This provides superior comfort and control in all weather conditions, reducing hand fatigue during long sessions and ensuring secure handling even with wet or cold hands.
Dual Line Clip
A system featuring two separate line clips on the spool. This innovative feature allows you to pre-set two different casting distances, perfect for feeder anglers who want to switch between spots without having to re-measure distances, significantly improving efficiency during competitions.
4.6:1 Gear Ratio
A power-oriented gear ratio that prioritises cranking strength over retrieval speed. This lower ratio provides greater mechanical advantage when retrieving heavy feeders or fighting larger fish, making it perfectly suited for medium to long-range feeder fishing where control is more important than speed.
Size-Specific Line Retrieve
The amount of line collected per handle turn varies by model (86cm for the 620 model and 96cm for the 720 model). This progressive increase gives you options based on your casting range, with the larger model offering faster retrieval rates for fishing at longer distances without sacrificing power.
Size-Optimised Weight
Each model has a purpose-appropriate weight (418g for the 620 model and 432g for the 720 model). These substantial weights provide stability and balance when using heavier feeder rods, helping to counterbalance the tackle for improved comfort during long sessions targeting larger fish.
Progressive Line Capacity
Line capacity increases with reel size (0.26mm/150m for the 620 model and 0.28mm/150m for the 720 model). This thoughtful progression allows you to match line diameter to your quarry size and fishing distance, with the larger model accommodating heavier lines for more demanding situations.
How It Compares
See how the Preston Intensity Feeder Reel compares with other coarse fishing reels on overall score and current price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Preston Intensity Feeder Reel best used for?
It is a coarse fishing reel, chosen for the situations that style of fishing calls for.
What sizes or models does the Preston Intensity Feeder Reel come in?
Large / Distance (5500+).
What is the Powerdrive on the Preston Intensity Feeder Reel?
An enhanced gearing system specifically designed for feeder fishing applications. This provides superior cranking power when retrieving heavy feeders from distance or when fighting larger fish, reducing the effort required and ensuring consistent performance even under heavy loads.
What is the drag like on the Preston Intensity Feeder Reel?
A quick-adjustment drag mechanism that allows for rapid changes to drag pressure with minimal rotation. This enables you to instantly adapt from a free-spool setting for detecting shy bites to a fighting drag when a fish takes, saving crucial seconds during those important moments when a fish is on.
What is the 3mm Aluminium Bail Arm on the Preston Intensity Feeder Reel?
An extra-strong, oversized bail arm constructed from solid aluminium material. This robust design eliminates the common failure point found in standard reels, ensuring reliability during intensive use and providing peace of mind when fighting larger specimens that might put stress on lesser components.
The idea is to make buying your fishing tackle easier by helping you compare a full shopping list, not just one product at a time.
When it is ready, you will be able to build a tackle list and see which shop, or mix of shops, gives you the best overall price once stock and delivery are taken into account.
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