Photos: Preston Innovations · supplied retailer imagery
Coarse match · Feeder reels · Our take
Preston Innovations Centris NT 520 Reel
Long-distance feeder and coarse-match reel
A proper long-distance and feeder reel with the build, spool capacity and gearing to handle serious coarse fishing without turning every cast into a faff.
- 5.0:1 gearing with 95cm of line retrieved per turn
- 336g full aluminium reel with titanium carbon rotor and titanium shaft
- Supplied with a full-specification aluminium spare spool
- Designed for long-distance fishing and feeder angling
Make sure it’s the right one. This review covers the Preston Innovations Centris NT 520, model P0010003. It’s the 520-size reel, not one of the smaller Centris NT models.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A premium, purpose-built feeder reel that earns its keep when distance, line control and durability matter.
- Product Quality9.7/10
- Performance9.4/10
- Impact on Fish Catching9/10
- Ease of Use8.9/10
- Value for Money8.6/10
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Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Long-distance feeder anglers. The 520 size, 95cm retrieve, generous line capacity and twin line clips all make sense when you’re clipped up and fishing at range.
- Commercial and reservoir match anglers. The robust body, useful spool options and quick line recovery suit sessions where you’re casting, winding in and rebaiting all day.
Maybe skip if
- Light float and short-range silvers anglers. The reel is more substantial than you need for delicate short-range work, where a smaller and lighter model would feel livelier.
- Anglers on a very tight budget. This is built as a premium workhorse, so its price bracket may be hard to justify if you only fish occasionally.
The lowdown
Introducing the Preston Innovations Centris NT 520 Reel
A proper long-distance and feeder reel with the build, spool capacity and gearing to handle serious coarse fishing without turning every cast into a faff.
- 5.0:1 gearing with 95cm of line retrieved per turn
- 336g full aluminium reel with titanium carbon rotor and titanium shaft
- Supplied with a full-specification aluminium spare spool
- Designed for long-distance fishing and feeder angling
Quick verdict
A cracking reel for distance work
The Centris NT 520 is a serious bit of kit for feeder anglers and coarse fishers who need clean line lay, a decent retrieve and a body that won’t feel flimsy when the fishing gets demanding.
It’s not the cheapest route into a match reel, and the 336g body won’t appeal if you’re chasing the lightest possible setup. But for long-range work, commercial feeder fishing and big reservoir swims, it’s a proper bob-on option.
A premium, purpose-built feeder reel that earns its keep when distance, line control and durability matter.
- Product Quality
- 9.7/10
- Performance
- 9.4/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 9/10
- Ease of Use
- 8.9/10
- Value for Money
- 8.6/10
The aluminium construction, titanium components, NiTi bail arm and included spare spool make this a very well-equipped reel.
A 5.0:1 ratio, 95cm retrieve and super-slow oscillation suit repeated long-range casting and tidy line management.
It won’t find fish for you, but reliable clipping, line control and a useful drag can make distance feeder fishing more consistent.
The quick-release spool, supplied handle options and two clips per spool keep setup flexible, though the reel has a fairly substantial feel.
It offers a strong package with a spare aluminium spool, but anglers fishing short range may not get full value from the premium features.
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 NT 520 Reel (this one)
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 NT 520 Reel
The Preston Innovations Centris NT 520 is aimed squarely at anglers who like their feeder fishing with a bit of ambition. Think long chucks, clipped-up lines, big reservoirs and commercial pegs where the rods are working hard all day. This isn’t a tiny float reel dressed up in posh clothes. It’s a proper 520-size tool for getting a feeder out there and bringing it back without loads of faff.
At 336g, it has a bit of heft about it. That won’t suit everyone, especially if your idea of a session is a light float rod, tiny reel and a few pints of maggots. On a distance feeder setup, though, that extra substance can feel reassuring. The reel matches the sort of rod and feeder work where you want everything to feel planted, controlled and ready for a screaming take.
The 5.0:1 gear ratio gives the Centris NT 520 a useful balance between winding power and speed. More importantly for the bank, it retrieves 95cm of line per turn. That’s handy when you’re fishing at range and need to pick up slack quickly, or when you’re bringing in a feeder for another pouch of bait. Less winding is always welcome when the fish are on the munch.
Long-distance fishing also puts plenty of pressure on line management. The reel has a line capacity of 0.28mm/150m, giving you a decent amount of room for heavier feeder lines and long casts. The two line clips supplied on each spool are a smart touch, too. You can use one for a favourite distance or keep another clip ready for a second line, depending on how you like to organise your swim.
The body and frame are made from aluminium, while the reel uses a titanium carbon rotor and titanium shaft. That’s a serious construction list, and it fits the job. Feeder reels get knocked around, worked hard and repeatedly loaded during casting. A firm, rigid platform helps the gearing and spool stay feeling composed rather than vague when you’re leaning into a heavy feeder.
The NiTi titanium-alloy bail arm is another interesting bit. It’s designed to return to shape after bending, which is useful insurance against the usual bank-side clumsiness. We’ve all caught a bail arm on a sleeve, net handle or tackle box at some point. Anything that helps it spring back rather than staying wonky is a proper bonus.
Inside, the PowerDrive super-slow oscillation worm-shaft gearing is there to help produce an even line lay. That matters when you’re casting hard and fishing with a clip. Neat line coming off the spool can help the cast feel smoother, while good lay also makes the reel nicer to use when you’re winding in under pressure. It’s not flashy bank talk, but it’s the stuff that keeps a session running sweetly.
The quick-release push-button aluminium spool has an integrated multi-disc drag, giving you a straightforward way to change spools and manage a run. That’s useful when a feeder session turns up something bigger than expected, or when you want a different line ready for another swim. The drag isn’t an afterthought hidden in a basic spool; it’s part of a package designed for proper coarse fishing.
You also get seven ball bearings, a full-specification aluminium spare spool and both single and double handle options. That makes the Centris NT 520 feel like a complete setup rather than a reel that needs upgrades before it’s ready. It’s a premium, purposeful bit of tackle. If your fishing revolves around distance and feeder work, it’s got plenty going for it. If you mostly fish a close-in margin, it may be more reel than you need, mate.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Model
- Preston Innovations Centris NT 520 · P0010003
- Gear ratio
- 5.0:1
- Weight
- 336g
- Retrieve
- 95cm per turn
- Line capacity
- 0.28mm / 150m
- Bearings and spools
- 7 ball bearings; quick-release aluminium spool plus full-specification aluminium spare spool
Specs checked with Preston Innovations, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
Built for the cast, not just the tackle box
The big story here is control. The slow oscillation, aluminium construction, generous spool and 95cm retrieve all point towards anglers who fish beyond the comfortable chuck and want the reel to behave properly when the pressure comes on.
The spare spool, two clips and supplied handle options make it a versatile package too. You can set it up for different lines or switch the feel of the handle without buying half the reel again.
Build and features
A proper distance reel with useful extras
The Centris NT 520 has the build you’d expect from a reel aimed at long-distance feeder work. Its full aluminium body and frame give it a solid foundation, while the titanium carbon rotor and titanium shaft keep the internals focused on strength and smooth operation. At 336g, it’s not featherweight, but it feels sensibly matched to powerful feeder rods and repeated casting.
The PowerDrive super-slow oscillation worm-shaft gearing is designed to lay line evenly across the spool. That’s especially useful when you’re fishing clipped up, as tidy line lay helps the line leave the spool cleanly. The 95cm retrieve also makes short work of winding in from range, which is dead handy when you’re rebaiting every few minutes.
The quick-release aluminium spool has an integrated multi-disc drag, and there’s a full-specification aluminium spare spool in the box. Two line clips are supplied on each spool, so you’ve got plenty of flexibility for different distances or line choices. Single and double handles are included too, letting you set the reel up to suit your preferred feel.
Worth knowing. The NiTi titanium-alloy bail arm is made to return to shape after bending. It won’t excuse throwing the reel in the bottom of the barrow, but it’s a useful bit of resilience when tackle gets knocked about on a busy peg.
On the bank
Best when you’re fishing with intent
This reel makes most sense on a distance feeder rod, especially when you’re casting to islands, far-bank features or clipped-up lines on a reservoir. The line capacity gives you useful breathing room, while the fast-ish retrieve helps clear line quickly after a cast. That keeps the rhythm of a feeder session moving along nicely.
It should also suit commercial anglers who regularly fish method feeders or larger open-end feeders and want a reel with a bit of backbone. The strong construction and multi-disc drag are reassuring when a proper lump turns up in the swim and heads for the next peg. Keep your drag sensibly set and let the rod do its job.
For light float work, close-in margin fishing or tiny silverfish rigs, the Centris NT 520 is probably overkill. A smaller reel would balance a delicate rod better and feel less bulky in the hand. This one wants a job to do: range, accuracy, repeat casts and enough power to deal with fish that don’t fancy coming quietly.
Worth knowing. Use the clips to your advantage, but don’t rely on them blindly. Check your line, knot and leader before clipping up, and use a shock leader where your casting style and feeder weight demand it. Good reel features still need good bank habits.
Quick answers
The bits you’ll want to know
Is the 520 size only for feeder fishing? No, but feeder is where it makes the most sense. The capacity, retrieve and line clips are useful for any coarse setup involving distance and repeated casting. It could work for other heavier match jobs too, provided the rod balances it properly.
Is 336g too heavy? That depends on the outfit. On a light float rod, it may feel a bit much. On a distance feeder rod, the weight is more easily justified because the reel’s strength, spool size and handling are part of the package. Balance the full setup rather than judging the reel on its own.
What’s the benefit of the spare spool? You can keep different lines ready for different swims or conditions. One spool might carry a stronger distance setup, while the other is prepared for a finer approach. It saves a fair bit of faff when the fish suddenly want something different.
Worth knowing. The model covered here is the Preston Innovations Centris NT 520, product code P0010003. Don’t assume the details automatically apply to every reel in the Centris NT range, as size, weight and capacity can vary between models.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Strong aluminium body and frame with a quality, purposeful feel
- 95cm retrieve suits distance feeder work and picking up slack quickly
- Spare aluminium spool, two line clips and single or double handle options included
- NiTi bail arm is designed to return to shape after bending
Worth knowing
- 336g is fairly substantial on a light match setup
- The premium build means it won’t be the cheapest 520-size reel around
- The feature list is aimed at serious fishing, so casual short-range float anglers may not use all of it
Want one?
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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.
01Is the Preston Centris NT 520 suitable for feeder fishing?
Is the Preston Centris NT 520 suitable for feeder fishing?
Yes. That’s one of its main jobs. The long-distance focus, 95cm retrieve, line clips and 0.28mm/150m capacity make it well suited to feeder fishing at range.
02What handle options come with the Centris NT 520?
What handle options come with the Centris NT 520?
It comes with both single and double handle options, so you can choose the feel and leverage that suits your fishing.
03Does it come with a spare spool?
Does it come with a spare spool?
Yes. A full-specification aluminium spare spool is included, giving you a handy way to carry a different line setup.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: a cracking reel for distance work. The strongest reasons to choose it are strong aluminium body and frame with a quality, purposeful feel and 95cm retrieve suits distance feeder work and picking up slack quickly; the main trade-off is 336g is fairly substantial on a light match setup.
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Strong aluminium body and frame with a quality, purposeful feel”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Long-distance feeder anglers: The 520 size, 95cm retrieve, generous line capacity and twin line clips all make sense when you’re clipped up and fishing at range.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “336g is fairly substantial on a light match setup”
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 NT 520 Reel
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