| Reel Size | Compact (1000-3000), Medium (3500-5000) |
The Matrix HX Pro Match reel is a quality piece of kit designed specifically for coarse and match anglers. Available in 3000 and 4000 sizes, this reel aims to meet the demanding needs of modern feeder and float fishing on both commercial and running waters.
The HX Pro boasts an ultra-lightweight magnesium body, weighing in at just 291g for the 3000 model and 298g for the 4000 model. This is lighter than the majority of its competitors.
The carbon-reinforced rotor adds durability to the reel, while the CNC-machined aluminium drive gear promises longevity even under heavy use.
One standout feature is the triple-sealed body (TLS), which effectively keeps water and debris out of the internal workings. This is particularly valuable for anglers who frequently fish in challenging conditions or tend to be a bit clumsy around the margins (guilty as charged!).
The bail arm feels robust and inspires confidence. It's thick and solid, yet not too heavy, with a decent engaging mechanism that should prevent those frustrating accidental flips during casting.
The HX Pro is packed with features that cater specifically to match and coarse anglers. The 5.1:1 gear ratio strikes a nice balance, offering enough speed for quick retrieves without sacrificing control.
With 10+1 ball bearings, the reel operates incredibly smoothly, which makes the retrieve a dream. The SDX multi-disc drag system is a highlight, providing precise and smooth control when playing fish.
The large, easily accessible drag bar across the front of the spool is great for anglers who tend to adjust their clutch quite a bit mid-fight.
For backwinding enthusiasts, the anti-reverse lever is thoughtfully placed on the underside of the reel. It's elongated and easy to find by feel, yet unobtrusive during regular use.
Line capacity is ample for most match fishing scenarios, with the 3000 model holding 150m of 0.22mm line and the 4000 model accommodating 150m of 0.24mm line.
In action, the HX Pro is an amazing reel to use. The smooth operation is immediately noticeable, with both models feeling powerful and responsive.
The 3000 size is perfect for float fishing and lighter feeder work, while the 4000 model, with its wider spool and faster 86cm per crank retrieval rate, excels in heavier-duty feeder fishing.
The reel's performance in challenging conditions is impressive even after being caked in groundbait and suffering several dunks in the margins. Line lay is spot-on straight out of the box, with no need for washer adjustments.
The spool design allows for easy line control when feathering casts or trotting a stick float, even for those of us with shorter fingers.
One minor quibble is the taper-free spool lip. While it works fine with mono, those using braid might need to be careful not to overfill the spool to avoid any casting issues.
The Matrix HX Pro Match reel is a seriously impressive piece of kit that's been meticulously designed for UK match and coarse anglers. Its lightweight construction, smooth operation, and thoughtful features make it a joy to use in various fishing scenarios.
While it's not the cheapest option on the market, the build quality and performance justify the investment for serious anglers. Whether you're reeling in hundreds of roach in a speed match or battling double-figure carp on a commercial, the HX Pro is up to the task.
| Feature | What this means |
|---|---|
| 10+1 Ball Bearings | A high-performance bearing system with 10 standard ball bearings plus 1 roller bearing. This creates exceptionally smooth operation when casting and retrieving, reducing friction and extending the reel's lifespan. |
| 5.1:1 Gear Ratio | A mid-range gear ratio that provides a good balance between retrieval speed and cranking power. For every complete turn of the handle, the rotor makes 5.1 rotations, allowing for versatile fishing approaches in different conditions. |
| Ultra-light Magnesium Body | A premium body construction using magnesium, which is approximately 33% lighter than aluminium while maintaining strength. This significantly reduces overall reel weight, minimising fatigue during long fishing sessions. |
| Carbon Reinforced Rotor | A rotor constructed with carbon fibre reinforcement that provides exceptional strength while keeping weight to a minimum. This allows for better balance and smoother rotation, even when under load from larger fish. |
| CNCed Aluminium Drive Gear | A precisely machined main gear made from solid aluminium using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology. This results in superior durability and strength compared to cast or stamped gears, ensuring consistent performance under high pressure. |
| TLS Triple Sealed Body | Triple Layer Sealing technology that uses three separate seals to protect the reel's internal components from water, sand, and debris. This provides superior protection in all fishing environments, extending gear life and maintaining smooth operation. |
| SDX Multi Disc Drag System | A sophisticated drag system that utilises multiple carbon fibre discs to create smooth, consistent pressure. This allows for precise control when fighting fish, protecting your line from sudden stress and reducing the chance of breakages. |
| Sleek One-Piece Bail Arm | A single-piece bail arm construction that eliminates weak points found in jointed designs. This provides greater strength and reliability, reducing the risk of bail arm failure during critical moments when fighting fish. |
| Easy Reach Spool | A spool design that allows for quick and convenient access when changing line or adjusting spool tension. This ergonomic feature improves efficiency when setting up your tackle and makes on-the-water adjustments faster. |
| Size Options (3000 & 4000) | Available in two size variants to suit different fishing scenarios. The 3000 size is ideal for lighter lines and smaller species, while the 4000 offers greater capacity and power for larger fish and more demanding situations. |
| Line Capacity | The spool's line holding capability, with the 3000 model holding 150m of 0.22mm line and the 4000 model holding 150m of 0.24mm line. This allows you to match the reel to your fishing style and target species requirements. |
| Retrieve Per Handle Turn | The amount of line collected with each complete handle rotation (79cm for the 3000 model and 86cm for the 4000 model). A higher value means faster line retrieval, which can be advantageous when fishing at varying depths or when quick retrieves are needed. |
| Weight | The total mass of the reel (291g for the 3000 model and 298g for the 4000 model). These are exceptionally light weights for reels with such advanced features, providing all-day comfort without sacrificing performance or durability. |
See how the Matrix HX Pro Match Reel compares with other coarse fishing reels on overall score and current price.
| Name | Price | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Matrix HX Pro Match Reel | £149.99 | |
| 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 |
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It is a coarse fishing reel, chosen for the situations that style of fishing calls for.
Compact (1000-3000), Medium (3500-5000).
A high-performance bearing system with 10 standard ball bearings plus 1 roller bearing. This creates exceptionally smooth operation when casting and retrieving, reducing friction and extending the reel's lifespan.
A mid-range gear ratio that provides a good balance between retrieval speed and cranking power. For every complete turn of the handle, the rotor makes 5.1 rotations, allowing for versatile fishing approaches in different conditions.
A premium body construction using magnesium, which is approximately 33% lighter than aluminium while maintaining strength. This significantly reduces overall reel weight, minimising fatigue during long fishing sessions.
Matrix HX Pro Feeder Reel 
Matrix Ethos XR Reel 
Matrix Aquos Ultra Reel 
Daiwa 25 RZ Reel 
