Preston Innovations’ superb new ProType poles are priced to suit all pockets.
All four models have enough section wall and linear strength for energetic carp-bagging, yet retain enough rigidity and lightness of touch to be used for silvers as well.
PRESTON INNOVATIONS PROTYPE X400
The new 16m flagship ProType X400 pole, at a penny under £1,000, comes with four of Preston’s proven Roller Pulla top kits and is clearly aimed at the serious club or open match angler.
As it falls into the all-rounder class, I thought that a live test requiring some subtlety was called for, and Northamptonshire’s picture postcard day-ticket Stanwick Lakes sprang to mind.
Coot Lake is home to some seriously big bin lids, as well as some cracking tench. The fish sit well out into the lake, making it quite a difficult venue to tackle with a pole. Setting the hook in deep water requires something more aggressive than the regular quick lift, so you need to balance your elastic accordingly.
Starting the session by shipping out a weighty potful of chopped worms and casters to 14.5m was the first test of strength the new ProType X400 faced, and it passed that well enough.
A good pole should ship out feed without bouncing around wildly, and as the process also transfers a fair amount of upward force to your hands, the finish needs to be just right. A big tick here for the X400’s Easy Ship finish.
At 14.5m it’s pleasingly stiff with a decent enough tip speed, and still very fishable at its full 16m length. I was impressed with the reinforced butt sections which are unlikely to let you down, even if you’re given to the odd ham-fisted cloud-piercing strike.
As the float’s blaze tip disappeared from view, the moment of truth arrived. No crack-bang disaster here, but a huge bream – the X400 had clearly passed all the tasks I had set it.
Summing up, I’d say that this pole represents very good value for money.
It’s certainly durable enough to be used for commercial hauling and big fish and, as I proved, it’s also a good all-rounder with a sensible price tag.
Price: £999.99 (but shop around)
PRESTON INNOVATIONS PROTYPE X100
AT 13m, the entry-level X100 is ideal for the newcomer to pole fishing, and will serve equally well as an upgrade from a margin pole where extra length may be required.
Super-strong, with a very acceptable level of rigidity, key features of this workmanlike pole are shared with all other ProType poles and include section alignment arrows, Easy Ship finish, reinforced butt sections, pre-bushed top kits, Roller Pulla side system and holdall with tubes.
Price: £429.99
Package
ProType X100 13m pole with Match kit included Two Roller Pulla Power top-2 kits featuring 3.7mm internal bush
PRESTON INNOVATIONS PROTYPE X200
The perfect all-round 13m pole, the X200 is suited to a variety of venues and styles of fishing, thanks to its enhanced rigidity and wall strength.
It’s the perfect step up from a margin pole, and will suit those who never need to go out beyond 13m.
As with all the ProType X poles, the X200 benefits from section alignment arrows, Easy Ship finish, reinforced butt sections, pre-bushed top kits, Roller Pulla side system and a dedicated holdall with tubes.
Price: £549.99
PACKAGE
ProType X200 13m pole (Match kit included) Three Roller Pulla Power top-2 kits featuring 3.7mm internal bush Kupping kit with kups
PRESTON INNOVATIONS PROTYPE X300
The ProType X300 pole offers a fantastic spares package of four Roller Pulla Power top-2 kits and a Kupping Kit.
At its full 14.5m it is extremely strong yet responsive, making it the perfect all-round pole for the angler who requires no more than 14.5m of carbon – a perfect upgrade from a 13m or margin pole.
The ProType X300 benefits from all the key features of the poles already mentioned.
Price: £749.99
PACKAGE: Protype X300 14.5m pole (Match top-3 kit included) Four Roller Pulla Power top-2 kits featuring 3.7mm internal bush Kupping Kit with Kups.
PRESTON INNOVATIONS PROTYPE X400
THIS top-of-the-range ProType X400 pole (reviewed in full on these pages) is extremely rigid, even at its full 16m length.
Designed as true all-rounder, thanks to its added strength and rigidity, the X400 comes with a fantastic spares package, making it an obvious choice for the serious match angler.
All key features are shared with the other members of the ProType X family.
Price: £999.99
PACKAGE: ProType X400 16m pole (Match top-3 kit included) Four Roller Pulla Power top-2 kits featuring 3.7mm internal bush Kupping Kit with Kups.