Photos: Preston Innovations · supplied retailer imagery
Coarse reels · Match fishing · Our take
Preston Innovations Centris NRG Reel
Centris NT 320, 420 and 520 sizes
A smart, quick-witted match reel with plenty of useful features for modern coarse fishing — from short-range float work to proper feeder chucking.
- Available as the Centris NT 320, 420 and 520.
- 5.0:1 gear ratio, with retrieve rates from 75cm to 95cm per handle turn.
- CNC-machined aluminium die-cast body with titanium-carbon rotor and titanium shaft.
- Supplied with a spare aluminium spool plus both single and double handles.
Make sure it’s the right one. The product is commonly referred to as the Centris NRG, while the current size names in the checked specifications are Centris NT 320, 420 and 520. This review covers that Centris NT range.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A well-equipped, versatile match reel with a premium feel and sensible size choices.
- Product Quality9.4/10
- Performance9.2/10
- Impact on Fish Catching8.8/10
- Ease of Use9.2/10
- Value for Money8.6/10
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Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Match anglers fishing several methods. The three sizes and spare spool make it easy to cover float, feeder and mixed commercial-fishery work.
- Feeder anglers who like a rapid retrieve. The 5.0:1 gearing and strong line pickup help when winding in repeatedly or clearing line after a cast.
Maybe skip if
- Anglers shopping purely on price. There’s plenty included, but this is still a more premium purchase than a basic float reel.
- Specialists wanting an ultra-light finesse reel. Even the 320 is built as a capable all-round match reel, not a tiny, featherweight trotting reel.
The lowdown
Introducing the Preston Innovations Centris NRG Reel
A smart, quick-witted match reel with plenty of useful features for modern coarse fishing — from short-range float work to proper feeder chucking.
- Available as the Centris NT 320, 420 and 520.
- 5.0:1 gear ratio, with retrieve rates from 75cm to 95cm per handle turn.
- CNC-machined aluminium die-cast body with titanium-carbon rotor and titanium shaft.
- Supplied with a spare aluminium spool plus both single and double handles.
Quick verdict
A proper all-rounder for the match angler
The Preston Centris is a cracking reel for coarse anglers who want speed, smooth operation and useful versatility without lugging a brick around. The three sizes cover everything from light float work to heavier feeder jobs.
It’s not the cheapest reel on the bank, and the design is more feature-packed than some anglers will need. But with a spare spool, two handles and a very tidy build, it makes a strong case as a dependable, do-it-all match reel.
A well-equipped, versatile match reel with a premium feel and sensible size choices.
- Product Quality
- 9.4/10
- Performance
- 9.2/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 8.8/10
- Ease of Use
- 9.2/10
- Value for Money
- 8.6/10
The aluminium construction, titanium components, NiTi bail arm and supplied aluminium spools make for a properly well-equipped package.
The 5.0:1 gearing and size-specific retrieve rates suit quick float work and repeated feeder casting.
Fast line pickup, useful balance and flexible spool options can help you fish more efficiently when bites are coming regularly.
The push-button spool, two line clips per spool and supplied handle options keep setup and changes nice and straightforward.
It’s not a budget reel, but the spare spool, two handles and broad range of uses add genuine value.
Head to head
How it stacks up
Side by side with the closest kit we've reviewed. This updates as we add more reviews.
Preston Innovations
Preston Innovations Centris NRG Reel (this one)
Shimano
Shimano Stradic FM
Top scorer
Top scorer
Scores are our own, out of 10. Best in each row is in green. Prices change, so check the latest before you buy.
The full rundown
Everything you'll want to know about the Preston Innovations Centris NRG Reel
The Preston Innovations Centris NRG Reel is aimed squarely at the angler who wants one smart, versatile reel rather than a bag full of very specialised options. It comes in three useful sizes, so there’s a Centris for lighter float work, general match fishing and more demanding feeder jobs. Handy, that.
The range is listed as the Centris NT 320, 420 and 520. The 320 is the compact option, the 420 sits nicely in the middle and the 520 gives you the biggest spool and quickest line recovery. So, whether you’re fishing a small commercial, a canal or a proper feeder chuck, you can pick the format that fits the swim.
All three use a 5.0:1 gear ratio. That’s a lively setup for coarse fishing, especially when you’re making plenty of casts or winding in a long length of line after every feeder drop. Retrieve rates are 75cm per turn on the 320, 85cm on the 420 and 95cm on the 520. The bigger sizes are properly rapid when a shoal is on the munch.
That speed also helps with float fishing. When a fish comes charging towards you, there’s less frantic handle spinning to keep the line tight. It’s not just about landing fish quicker, either. Fast line pickup makes repeated casts feel less of a chore, which matters when you’re trying to build a bag or nick a bite-time before the swim goes quiet.
Build-wise, the Centris has a CNC-machined aluminium die-cast body, along with a titanium-carbon rotor and titanium shaft. In plain English, it’s designed to feel solid and stay composed when you’re working a feeder, setting a hook into a decent lump or winding against a lively fish. It shouldn’t feel like a flimsy bargain-bin reel bolted to a decent rod.
The NiTi bail arm is another useful bit of kit. It’s designed to flex and return to shape, which is reassuring when the reel gets knocked about in a holdall or catches an awkward bump on the bank. We’ve all had that moment when the rods are down and tackle takes a cheeky tumble. A bail arm with a bit of resilience is no bad thing.
There are seven bearings inside, plus a quick-release push-button aluminium spool. That button makes spool changes nice and straightforward, with no daft faff when you want to switch lines between matches or sessions. Each spool also has two line clips, giving you useful reference points when fishing different distances or setting up a second mark.
The 320 holds 150m of 0.23mm line, the 420 holds 150m of 0.26mm and the 520 holds 150m of 0.28mm. That gives the range a clear progression. Use the 320 for lighter work, move to the 420 for a proper all-round setup, and reach for the 520 when bigger venues, heavier feeders or extra line recovery come into play.
A spare aluminium spool is included, and Preston supplies both single and double handles. That’s a decent bundle. The single handle gives you a familiar, direct feel, while the double handle can feel nicely balanced when you’re fishing quickly. Overall, the Centris looks like a reel for anglers who want tidy details, broad usefulness and a bit of polish rather than something merely cheap and cheerful.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Sizes
- Centris NT 320, 420 and 520
- Gear ratio
- 5.0:1
- Weight
- 312g (320), 324g (420), 336g (520)
- Retrieve rate
- 75cm (320), 85cm (420), 95cm (520) per turn
- Line capacity
- 0.23mm/150m (320), 0.26mm/150m (420), 0.28mm/150m (520)
- Construction and extras
- CNC-machined aluminium die-cast body, titanium-carbon rotor, titanium shaft, seven bearings, spare aluminium spool, single and double handles
Specs checked with Preston Innovations, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
Why the Centris makes sense on the bank
The big appeal is flexibility. Pick the 320 for lighter float and short-range work, the 420 as the proper middle ground, or the 520 when you’re fishing bigger waters, heavier feeders or need more line pickup. That gives you a sensible route through different swims and tactics.
The 5.0:1 gearing keeps the retrieve brisk, while the larger models bring in more line per turn. Add the spare aluminium spool and you can swap between lines rather than faffing about with another reel or stripping line off before a match.
Closer look
A reel built for busy coarse fishing
The Centris range is sensibly split across three sizes. The 320 is the neatest option for lighter float work and closer swims. The 420 is the middle ground, making it a strong choice for general match fishing. The 520 brings the largest line capacity and the fastest retrieve, which suits feeder anglers and bigger venues.
The aluminium body, titanium-carbon rotor and titanium shaft give the reel a purposeful feel on paper, while the seven-bearing layout is aimed at smooth operation. The NiTi bail arm adds a bit of protection against the knocks that come with real tackle-bag life.
The quick-release aluminium spool is particularly handy. Load one spool with a lighter line for float work and the spare with something more robust for feeder fishing. The two line clips on each spool make it easier to stay organised when you’re clipped up to different distances.
Worth knowing. Retrieve speed varies by size: 75cm per turn on the 320, 85cm on the 420 and 95cm on the 520. If you’re constantly winding in long casts, that extra pickup from the bigger models can make a real difference.
Who it suits
Pick the size around your fishing
For canals, commercials and lighter float setups, the 320 is the obvious starting point. It keeps the outfit reasonably compact while still offering useful capacity and a brisk retrieve. It’ll suit anglers who fish wagglers, pellet wagglers and general margin work without needing a huge reel.
The 420 is the safest all-round choice if you fish a bit of everything. It has enough capacity for general feeder work, enough speed for float fishing and a size that won’t look silly on a broad range of match rods.
The 520 is the one for longer casts, heavier feeder baskets and venues where you want to recover line quickly. It’s also the sensible option when you’re fishing deeper water or want more capacity in reserve rather than running things close to the wire.
Worth knowing. Don’t automatically buy the biggest reel. Match the spool and balance to the rod. A 520 can be bob on for a feeder setup, but it may feel unnecessarily bulky on a light float rod used at close range.
FAQs in full
The bits anglers usually want to know
The range uses a 5.0:1 gear ratio across all three sizes. The difference is the amount of line recovered per turn, with the larger spool sizes picking up more line. That makes the 520 especially useful when you’re repeatedly winding in from distance.
The supplied spare spool is more than a nice extra. It lets you keep two proper setups ready, which can save a load of faff on match day. A lighter line on one spool and a stronger one on the other gives you a quick change when the venue or method changes.
Both single and double handles are included. There’s no magic answer here; it comes down to personal preference. Try the single handle for a simple, direct feel, or the double handle if you prefer a more balanced rotation when fishing at speed.
Worth knowing. The Centris is best viewed as a versatile coarse reel rather than a specialist distance-only or ultra-light float reel. Choose the right size and it can cover a lot of bank work without leaving you skint for the rest of the season.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Quick retrieve for feeder and float work.
- Useful choice of three sizes for different venues and methods.
- Spare spool, two line clips and both handle options included.
- Rigid aluminium body with a durable NiTi bail arm.
- Push-button spool release makes changes quick and tidy.
Worth knowing
- It’s a premium-priced match reel rather than a bargain buy.
- The extra features may be overkill if you only fish one simple method.
- The 520 is still fairly light, but its larger format won’t suit every short-range float angler.
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Your questions answered
What anglers want to know
The stuff you’d ask your mate on the next peg. Straight answers, no waffle.
01Which Centris size should I choose?
Which Centris size should I choose?
The 320 suits lighter float work and shorter-range fishing. The 420 is the best all-rounder for many coarse anglers, while the 520 gives you more line capacity and faster line recovery for bigger waters and feeder fishing.
02Does the Centris come with a spare spool?
Does the Centris come with a spare spool?
Yes. A spare aluminium spool is supplied, and each spool has two line clips. That’s handy when you want one spool loaded for lighter work and another set up with a heavier line.
03Can I change the handle style?
Can I change the handle style?
Yes. Both single and double handles are supplied, so you can choose the feel that suits your fishing. A single handle often feels more natural for general use, while the double handle can give a very balanced, controlled feel.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: a proper all-rounder for the match angler. The strongest reasons to choose it are quick retrieve for feeder and float work. and useful choice of three sizes for different venues and methods.; the main trade-off is it’s a premium-priced match reel rather than a bargain buy..
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Quick retrieve for feeder and float work.”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Match anglers fishing several methods: The three sizes and spare spool make it easy to cover float, feeder and mixed commercial-fishery work.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “It’s a premium-priced match reel rather than a bargain buy.”
Tackle Index’s take from the product details and fishing fit we checked. We haven’t found enough independent public feedback to call this an angler consensus yet.
Angler score
What our readers rate Preston Innovations Centris NRG Reel
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