PRESTON ABSOLUTE COMPACT

[TF_superslab]

I like the look of this new box and its configuration but am put off preston products i have bought previously,mainly from about 6 or 7 years ago,its seemed everything i bought i was testing it for preston and found out what broke or didnt work properly.people tell me their products are better now but i keep picking up on threads of how the absolute station has been unreliable, are these rumours true or just rumours because if true the compact could have similar problems,does anyone have first hand info on the station or compact.The price of the compact has fallen from 499 to 449 and somewhere it was 399 (cant find the site again) but others are selling it for 449 with £50 of free stuff,not bad in my opinion.

[TF_ianhody]

I am keen to look at this box as I currently have a preston compact, being 6ft 5 there are few boxes made with a non fixed footplate.
I looked at the original absolute last year and it was solid but very low to the ground.

I think a lot of it comes down to personal preference to seat boxes. I like preston boxes but I know people who wouldn’t touch them.

Hopefully off this morning to look at one.

[TF_superslab]

I had a preston x3 many years ago which was a good box and is still on the bank with my nephew,only probs that had was the plastic around the seat broke off and the draw handles turned soft on a sunny day,then i made the mistake of buying a rive d36 blackline.after buying accessories and extra draw to get right height came to £800.Within 12months 2 legs had failed at the ext knob, the footplate locking pins got broken because they dont lock in place properly.6 months later i had to first glue then screw the drawer frames as they become loose which stops the drawers opening and closing properly.Now after about 4 years the drawer guides are cracking and wont last much longer.Rive is overrated and overpriced and very heavy so something different this time,just hope the preston absolute compact is as good as it looks.

[TF_vicci5]

I have one of these boxes on order but will be giving it a through check over before I let go of my money. I have had various preston boxes over the years and am currently using the old compact. I have had it for about 5 years and it only sees the bank once or twice per week – can’t say I’ve been that impressed. Biggest problem has been the side draw sticking and having to take the weight off the seat to get it to slide out, I am only 12st !! Value for money preston boxes generally are but fantastic quality they have so far not been.

[TF_bakerboyParticipant]

All this money on a poxy box and not one of them has ever caught a fish!

[TF_ianhody]

I’ve never seen a seatbox catch a fish.

[TF_paulD]

Ive caught my boll***s on the stupid pole loop on my Rive seat a few times.
Agree that Rives are overated as my “RX” is a wreck after 4 years and have had to replace leg knobs and some catches. Side draw always sticks so grip eventually snapped off.
I looked at the Absolute Station but its even heavier than the Rive – and that takes some doing! I don’t see many of them round my way and my local shop returned the one they had. .
Everything seems to be getting bigger and heavier. The bloke who design these things cant have ever carried one loaded up.

[TF_JamesBryan]

I have this box and the price i paid for it (£350) it’s not bad. Would i pay the full £450 for one… i’d say no to be honest.

Overall it’s a nice box, it looks good and the 30mm legs are solid as is the footplate. There are a few things that could be made better though. The sliding side draw, while it has plenty of storage it does have one problem and that is when fully loaded and opened out all the way, it droops down and would no doubt fall out if i were to let go of it, which is a bit of a pain if trying to access something one handed. It could do with being a cross drawer setup, so that you can access it from either side thus eliminating the risk of it falling out at full extension.

Another thing is the hooklength boxes that come clipped underneath the seat, on mine they’re held in so tight that it takes quite a bit of force to remove them, so much so that i don’t bother and i just stick them in the frame mounted base unit. Like i say, that might just be my particular box, but it’s something worth noting.

This box is also marketed on being 20% lighter than the Absolute Station, if that’s the case then the Absolute Station must weigh a ton. This is pretty heavy and a bit awkward to carry. I’m considering getting a Shuttle trolley for it and the rest of my gear… Maybe that’s why they include the Shuttle adaptors with the box, Preston’s way of saying “you’re gonna need it” i think 😉 haha

The carabiner clips that come with the strap looked a bit weak too, so far they haven’t failed but i’ll be keeping my eye on them.

I hope that helps a few people with their decisions whether or not to get one. It’s not the best box by a long shot, but it works for me and no doubt for a lot of other people.

If anyone has any questions, i’ll do my best to help out.

[TF_superslab]

Thanks for reply on your absolute compact.Are the module locking clips working ok? Where did you buy your box from at £350.The box sounds generally good and worth £350, think its time to try one out in shop with some attachments/tray/groundbait bowl . Thanks again.

[TF_ianhody]

Where did you get one for £350? I got mine from angling direct who matched tackle uk, £450 with a £50 gift card.

[TF_JamesBryan]

Ordered mine in December when Bobco had their 20% OFF at Christmas.

Clips are ok, 1 or 2 are a bit stiff but will loosen up no doubt.

[TF_ianhody]

Ah I see, I think it is a good box. Very solid.

[TF_JamesBryan]

Yes, it does seem pretty solid. Just those few points I mentioned that could make it that little bit better.

What are your hooklength boxes like to get out Ian?

[TF_ianhody]

A little bit tight tbh James.

Are your shuttle adapters handed left and right, mine have to plates welded on both on the same side making it universal, one side is slight tight to fit the box into the adapter,

Are u having this issue?

[TF_JamesBryan]

@ianhody wrote:

A little bit tight tbh James.

Are your shuttle adapters handed left and right, mine have to plates welded on both on the same side making it universal, one side is slight tight to fit the box into the adapter,

Are u having this issue?

I haven’t got a shuttle trolley yet Ian, I think I will in a few weeks though.

So i’ll be trying to figure out how the adaptors work myself soon.

[TF_ianhody]

James

There is a thread on maggot drowners regarding the adapters, should be some pictures up soon.

[TF_JamesBryan]

Ahh yes, just found it.

I’ll keep a look out for when the pictures are uploaded.

[TF_ianhody]

just spoke to preston rep

the adapters for the box should be handed, if you have two of the same adapters, contact preston innovations and they will send the handed adapter which you need.

they are aware of this issue and it should only affect a few boxes.

[TF_JamesBryan]

@ianhody wrote:

just spoke to preston rep

the adapters for the box should be handed, if you have two of the same adapters, contact preston innovations and they will send the handed adapter which you need.

they are aware of this issue and it should only affect a few boxes.

Have you got a picture of yours Ian, so i can see what you mean?

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