Since 2 January 2026
Reviewed
Preston Response Competition Handle
Lowest in-stock price
£111.39
from Fishing Tackle & Bait
Compared across 7 shops
, with 5 currently in stock
5 Things To Know
- A premium landing-net handle for match and specimen anglers who value a light, stiff pole for quick, clean netting.
- At just 284g over a full 4m it is genuinely light in the hand, reducing fatigue when you net fish all session.
- It splits into two threaded sections for transport and takes the Response 1m extension to reach 5m for deep or far margins.
- High-modulus carbon keeps it rigid so the net does not flex away as you ship a fish, and textured grip zones help with wet hands.
- It is featured in our best landing net handles guide.
Preston Response Competition Handle Review
The Preston Response Competition 4m Handle is honestly one of the best landing net handles I've used across all types of coarse fishing. What strikes you first is just how ridiculously light it is. At just 284g fully extended, you can net fish at 4m without your arms feeling like they're about to fall off. Despite being featherweight, it's very stiff - though at full extension there's a slight bend, which is pretty normal for handles at this length.
Preston have done a good job balancing lightweight construction with rigidity, which means you can still react quickly when a fish comes to the net. The two threaded sections are really useful for match anglers. You can fish it shorter and stronger on commercials when you're bagging up close in, then extend it to full 4m when you need the reach.
The threaded connectors are universal, so it'll work with pretty much any landing net head you've already got. I love the textured grip areas too. When your hands are wet or you're handling the pole in cold conditions, that extra grip makes a real difference.
Preston's consultant team regularly landed double-figure fish on this handle during testing, which gives you confidence it's not just built for skimmers and F1s. If you need even more reach, it's compatible with Preston's Response 1m extension, taking you up to 5m. Perfect for those high bank venues or when fish are feeding right in the margins.
For anglers serious about their match fishing or just wanting a top-quality landing net handle that'll cover every venue, this is a superb choice. If you're weighing up different options, our complete guide to the best landing net handles breaks down all the top models to help you decide.
It's not the cheapest, but you're getting a professional-grade tool that's built to last. For match anglers where every second counts, or specimen hunters who need a reliable handle they can trust, the Response Competition is worth every penny.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight at just 284g at full 4m length
- Two threaded sections allow multiple length configurations
- Universal thread works with most landing net heads
- Very stiff construction for quick reactions when netting
- Compatible with Response 1m extension for 5m total length
- Textured grip areas provide better handling in wet conditions
Cons
- Premium price point may be steep for casual anglers
- Slight flex at full 4m extension under heavy fish
Features and Specifications
| Feature | What this means |
|---|---|
| 4m with Two Threaded Sections | The handle has two sections with threaded connectors, allowing you to use it at different lengths. You can configure it as a shorter, stronger handle for close-in work, or extend it to full 4m for reaching further out. |
| Textured Grip Surface | Key areas of the handle feature a textured surface that gives you better grip when handling the pole, especially important when your hands are wet or you're netting in tricky conditions. |
| High Modulus Carbon Construction | Built from high-grade carbon fibre that's both incredibly light and super stiff. This means you can react quickly when netting fish without the handle bending or flexing, which is crucial when match fishing where every second counts. |
| Response 1m Extension Compatible | Can be extended to 5m total length by adding Preston's Response 1m extension piece. Perfect for those high bank venues or when you need extra reach to net fish in the margins. |
| Weight: 284g | Incredibly lightweight at just 284 grams when extended to full 4m length. This makes netting fish easy even at maximum reach, reducing arm fatigue during long sessions or when bagging up quickly on commercials. |
How It Compares
See how the Preston Response Competition Handle compares with other coarse fishing tackle on overall score and current price.
| Name | Price | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Preston Response Competition Handle | £111.39 | |
| Daiwa Air Landing Net Handle | £181.80 | |
| Guru Aventus 5m Landing Net Handle | £156.23 | |
| Matrix Ethos Power Landing Net Handle | £89.99 | |
| Daiwa N’ZON Feeder Pro Landing Net Handle | £114.99 | |
| Drennan Acolyte Pro Net Handle | £99.99 | |
| ESP Onyx Twistlock Handle | £69.99 | |
| Drennan Super Specialist Compact Twistlock Handle | £44.99 | |
| Preston Monster Xtreme Handle | £28.50 |
Useful Information
External angler reviews
5.0/5 2 verified buyer reviews from 1 source
Verified sources: Total Fishing Tackle
About this rating
eTackle looks for trusted, exact-match review sources and combines them where independent sources are available.
- Total Fishing Tackle : 5.0/5 from 2 reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Preston Response Competition Handle best used for?
It is a coarse fishing tackle, chosen for the situations that style of fishing calls for.
What is the 4m with Two Threaded Sections on the Preston Response Competition Handle?
The handle has two sections with threaded connectors, allowing you to use it at different lengths. You can configure it as a shorter, stronger handle for close-in work, or extend it to full 4m for reaching further out.
What is the handle like on the Preston Response Competition Handle?
Key areas of the handle feature a textured surface that gives you better grip when handling the pole, especially important when your hands are wet or you're netting in tricky conditions.
What is the Preston Response Competition Handle made from?
Built from high-grade carbon fibre that's both incredibly light and super stiff. This means you can react quickly when netting fish without the handle bending or flexing, which is crucial when match fishing where every second counts.
What is the Response 1m Extension Compatible on the Preston Response Competition Handle?
Can be extended to 5m total length by adding Preston's Response 1m extension piece. Perfect for those high bank venues or when you need extra reach to net fish in the margins.
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