Matrix XR36 Pro Fishing Box Seat Review
The Matrix XR36 Pro Fishing Seat box review. A stunning box with curves in all the right places thanks you hydroforming.
I appear to have gone down the rabbit hole for Matrix seat boxes and was absolutely blown away by the Matrix XR36 Pro. Not only does it look a mean box seat, but built on the huge success of the Matrix S36 I felt a review was in dire need.
The version of the XR36 I will be reviewing today is the Black and Lime Green Version, however it is also available in the "Shadow" colour as pictures below.
Design - Sleek and Beautiful
The design of the Matrix XR36 seat box appears to be something from the future sent back in time to prevent a seat box revolution. The Lime and Black colours compliment the streamlined curves of the seat box. The unique hydro-formed aluminium frame similar to the Absolute Station adds style and elegance to your "end of the day catch" photos.
If we move away from how it looks, the added benefits of hydroformed aluminium seat boxes include:
- Improved Durability
- Reduced Weight
With the above in mind, I know that this seat box will survive even the roughest of weather conditions, whilst being light enough to carry to and from my peg.
One Hand Footplate Release
The single-handed Matrix footplate release mechanism is a great addition to this seatbox, making it easy to pull out and set up in a matter of seconds. The footplate is covered in a durable textured plastic covering providing you with the best grip even in rainy/wet conditions.
Included at the front of the footplate is it's own spirit level - making setting up much easier when compared to other boxes on the market.
For smaller pegs - the footplate can be completely removed - perfect for canal fishing.
6 x 36mm Adjustable Legs
Similar to System-36 Daiwa seat boxes, the Matrix XR36 features 6 x adjustable textured 36mm diameter round legs which have been finished in a "non-slip anodised" coating which can easily be securely tightened using the enlarged rubber over moulded hand wheels.
The bottom of each leg features individual rotating mud feet making wet muddy pegs no problem at all. For those that want to add additional rests / bars is easily achievable with each leg having a threaded cap.
As noted by the official specifications, the Matrix XR36 features re-engineered non-marking leg clamps to ensure once tightened your seat box will remain at the correct level without any slipping - even when fully loaded with tackle.
Is the Matrix XR36 comfortable?
The dual-colored ultra-hardwearing PU fabric covered seat cushion is a welcome addition to this seatbox. It's both comfortable and durable, ensuring that you'll be able to fish for hours without any discomfort - absolutely perfect for matches!
Built into the seat box is a heavy duty pole crook (for resting the butt of your pole) relieving lower back pain when fishing out at large distances.
The seat box is one of the widest boxes I've seen at 76cm width - perfect for us larger anglers.
Easy to Carry with the Padded Shoulder Strap
The Matrix XR36 Pro Fishing Seatbox is easy and comfortable to carry, thanks to its lightweight design, weighing in at only 18.5kg. The removable padded shoulder strap is attached with a four-point fixing system that ensures it stays securely in place whilst being transported.
This makes it a breeze to carry your seatbox to your favourite commercial.
What's the storage like on the Matrix XR36 Pro Seat Box?
Looks aside, one thing I always look for in any fishing box seat is storage. The X36 comes with a single deep side drawer as standard with coloured compartments (Yellow / Blue / Black).
Lifting the lid unit up reveals a small shallow tray - great for winders, hooks and other terminal tackle.
At the bottom of the seat box is a tray stacker which can be used to store additional pole rigs depending on what type of venue you're going to be fishing at. Additional trays can be purchased from your favourite tackle shop.
Matrix XR36 Pro Specifications
- Available in Lime or Shadow
- Unique Hydro formed Aluminium frame – one-piece tube design
- Single handed footplate release mechanism
- Durable textured plastic footplate cover with built in sprit level
- Textured non-slip anodised 36mm extending legs
- Threaded caps on all legs
- Re-engineered non-marking leg clamps
- Enlarged rubber over moulded hand wheels
- Sprung pin single release for under frame stacker unit
- Dual coloured ultra-hardwearing PU fabric covered seat cushion
- Built in Spirit level and pole support
- 4 point fixing for removable padded shoulder strap
- Supplied with: 1 x Deep Drawer Unit with Drawer Inserts
- Supplied with: 1 x Shallow Tray Unit
- Supplied with: 1 x Transport Lid with carry handle
- Weight 18.5kg
- Dimensions:
Footplate Open Width: 761mm x Length: 830mm
Footplate Closed Width: 761mm x Length: 561mm
My Verdict
The Matrix XR36 Pro Box Seat is an innovative box that any pole angler will appreciate. Its unique curved design and durable hydroformed construction make it a great investment for match and commercial anglers.
The ability to easily slide the footplate out using only 1 hand is a breath of fresh air - especially for those of us who have often struggled with dual release pins found on other seat boxes.
I am a little disappointed in the overall storage of the box - with limited room for reels and other larger pieces of tackle - this box is definitely more geared towards Pole fishing, however if you're just wanting a professional pole match fishing box - then this is the one for you.
Cheapest Price for the Matrix XR36 Pro
You know I love to bag a great deal and below are some of the best prices I've found for the XR36 Pro Seat Box with some coming in with 20% below the RRP of £749.99.
- Angling Direct (Shadow) - £549.99 (link)
- eBay - New - £644.99 (link)
- Angling Direct (Lime Green) - £674.99 (link)
- Danson Angling (Shadow) - £663.99 (link)
- Ians Fishing Tackle (Shadow) - £644.99 (link)
- Billy Clarke Fishing Tackle (Lime Green) - £669.99 (link)
