Matrix P25 - Mk2 Fishing Box Seat Review
Competitively priced, the Matrix P25 MKII Box Seat comes complete with sliding footplate and light enough to carry to and from your fishing peg.
I've focussed far too much attention to main stream Daiwa / Preston seat boxes recently and decided I wanted to dedicate some time to "other brands". I came across the Matrix P25 Mark II (similar to Matrix F25) seat box whilst browsing the tackle over at Fishing Republic and thought I'd take a look to see what's on offer, if it's worth it, and what my thoughts were for the black and yellow fishing seat box.
The black and lime green box seat is incredibly distinctive, with the non coated legs really makes this seat box stand out from the crowd.
Matrix P25 Photo Gallery
Matrix P25 Specification (MKII)
- Lightweight aluminium H-frame
- Padded seat with integrated spirit level
- Matrix drawer units
- 1 x front drawer unit
- 1 x shallow tray unit
- 6 x telescopic round legs (25mm)
- Swivelling mud feet - for grip on uneven ground
- Non-scratch sliding footplate with locking mechanism
- Threaded leg caps (inserts)
- Snag-free fitting throughout - effortless functionality
- Removable padded shoulder strap - for easy transportation
- Contrasting lime green frame and black footplate
- Colour: Black/Green
How much does Matrix P25 Seatbox weigh?
Coming in at 13.5kg (29.7lb) the "lightweight" aluminium H-Frame is around the same weight at as other box seats I've recently reviewed (Inception 3D - 15.4kg), if anything it's a little lighter!
The Matrix P25 comes complete with a removable padded strap making transportation of your box seat a breeze which can then be packed away.
Padded Seat and Ease of Setup
The padded seat with an integrated spirit level is a key feature of the Matrix P25 Seat Box Mk2 and is a valuable addition for anglers. A comfortable seat is essential for anglers to ensure they do not suffer from lower back pain from prolonged staring at the float (it's a proven fact that staring harder at a float will indeed encourage fish to bite - side note: this may not be a fact, but I practise it every week)
Located at the front of the padded seat is a pole butt rest (Pole Crook) which once seated inside will alleviate muscle strain / lower back pain if you're fishing several meters out into your swim.
Like most other box seats, the P25 has a built in/integrated spirit level ensuring your box seat is perfectly level without requiring a separate spirit level.
A box seat that is not level will cause long term lower back discomfort and delay reaction times due to muscle fatigue.
Matrix P25 Storage Drawers
Unlike other seat boxes with hinges, you are able to fully remove the padded seat by unclipping the top section of box seat which reveals a shallow winder tray with more than enough room to store small, medium or even wide pole rigs.
Located on the front of the box are 2 smaller drawer units (with dividers) to store your smaller items such as hooks, weights, feeders or even mobile phone.
Unclipping the front Matrix catches reveals another shallow tray for more storage - maybe a copy of the latest Angling Times, Pole Winders or smaller terminal tackle.
What legs are on the Matrix P25 Fishing Box?
I was pleasantly surprised that the P25-MKII has 6 (yes six) adjustable/telescopic legs to ensure your box seat can be set perfectly level quite unlike the Preston Inception 3D 150 (review) where only the front 4 were telescopic.
The width of the legs is a little less than what we're used to coming in at only 25mm - meaning you won't be able to use attachments from other manufacturers 30mm / 35mm, each with mud feet and a threaded top (thread caps) to attach your other bits and bobs (rod rests / feeder arms etc).
Perfect for sloping banks or muddy pegs!
Mud feet at small plastic / metal discs usually round or octagonal in shape that make contact with the ground. Their increased surface area ensure that the legs of the seat box will not sink into the mud, hence the name "mud feet".
Branded Plastic leg screws are easy accessible to tighten or loosen the seat box at the desired height.
Matrix Cassette Style Footplate
Included in the package is the cassette style "non - scratch" sliding footplate (remains under the box when carrying) which is strong and stable yet lightweight. Once the 2 thumbscrews are locked into place the footplate remains solid for the whole duration of your fishing day.
Best Prices for the Matrix P25 MKII Seat Box
Part of my reviews I do quite enjoy looking round different online tackle shops for the price ranges. The RRP for the P25 is £349.
The prices below are correct as of the 13th February 2022.
- Todber Manor - £234.49 (link)
- Angling Direct - £249.99 (link)
- eBay - £249.99 (link)
- Fish Deal - £255.95 (link)
My Verdict
The Matrix P25 MKII Box Seat is a cracking little seat that offers more than enough storage for the average angler. When comparing to seat boxes in a similar price range - it's obvious why so many anglers choose Matrix over other brands.
Could the P25 have more storage - well yes (you can never have enough storage), but at less than £250 (prices correct as of 13th Feb 2022) for a brand new full kitty seat box with footplate - I would be hard pushed not to recommend anything else.
Do you have this seat box? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below - it's free to sign up!
