Preston Coolmax

How well is the Preston Coolmax built?

Preston has gone down a different route here compared to some of their more all-weather options. The Coolmax uses a lightweight, UV-protective waterproof material which is effective at keeping the sun at bay and also offers a fair level of water resistance.

The taped seams add a degree of protection from showers, although this isn’t a shelter designed for prolonged use in heavy rain. The blue colour serves a practical purpose.

It reflects more sunlight than traditional black brollies, and you can genuinely feel the difference when sitting underneath it in direct sun. The fibreglass frame is light, which helps keep weight down without sacrificing basic rigidity.

Is it good value for money?

For around the £60 - £70 mark, the Coolmax is well-priced for what it offers. It fills a gap that many umbrellas don’t address, which is true summer usability.

The UV protection, reflective fabric and high placement are thoughtful touches, and they elevate it beyond just being “another brolly”. While it’s not the most versatile umbrella in the Preston range, the niche it fills is one that many anglers will appreciate.

If you often find yourself roasting on the bank during long summer matches, the Coolmax is a solid investment.

How does it handle wind and stay stable?

The Coolmax isn’t built to be a stormproof shelter, but it holds up decently with the help of guide ropes and pegging points.

The inclusion of an extra-long pole means it can be set high above your station, which is great for comfort, though naturally this does catch a bit more wind.

Pegs and guy ropes are included as standard to help keep everything grounded. It’s worth noting that this umbrella is most stable in fair to mild conditions. In heavier wind, the higher setup position and lighter frame can work against it slightly.

For what it’s designed for, though, warm and still days, it remains dependable with the right positioning and pegging.

How good is the coverage and adjustability?

At 50 inches, the brolly offers good usable coverage, especially when angled correctly. The high pole design lets you position it above yourself and your kit without feeling boxed in, which is a real advantage when you’re working from a seatbox or feeder chair with attachments.

The dual pegging points and guy ropes offer a bit of flexibility in how you pitch it.

Whether you’re tucking in behind it for shade or angling it slightly against a breeze, the umbrella responds well to small adjustments and keeps its shape. It won’t give you the protection of a full shelter, but it absolutely does the job for fair-weather fishing.