Best Pole Rollers

The Preston Innovations Absolute is the best pole roller in the guide for most anglers. It stands on four double-extending legs, each locked by its own handwheel, and it adjusts from 500mm to 1,150mm high.

Each leg has two angle settings for uneven or steep banks, and a spirit level helps you set it square. The centre upright lifts out to make one large roller, while the outer uprights angle in to hold the pole on windy days.

Match and commercial anglers who fish a mix of pegs, from flat platforms to steep banks, will get the most from it. Next to the Daiwa Rockin Roller, it has two fewer legs to set and costs less, yet the angled legs and handwheel locks still give it plenty of grip on most banks.

To be fair, it's a big outlay for a pole roller. For anglers who want one roller to cover pretty much every peg, though, I think it's the one to buy.

The Daiwa Rockin Roller is a six-leg double roller that keeps the pole running across both of its horizontal rollers as you ship back. Every roller turns on double ball bearings, which should keep a pole running smoothly and cut down on bounce.

Its outer uprights sit at 20° to trap pole sections in wind, and a sliding centre upright lets you split the pole across two sides. The six-leg version is 120cm wide and works up to 135cm high, with ground spikes for low-level use.

For me, this is the roller for steep, rough banks and awkward river stagings. Next to the Preston Absolute, it has two extra legs and reaches higher but costs more, while the MAP Dual Pole Roller Mk11 is cheaper and makes more sense on flatter commercial pegs.

To be fair, it's heavy and it's the dearest roller of the lot. For anglers who fish difficult terrain every week, though, I think it's money well spent.

The MAP Dual Pole Roller Mk11 is a double-shipping roller with two independent horizontal rollers. Its central upright moves between mounting points, or comes off to leave a wider open area for shipping back. It comes in Medium and Large sizes, at 78cm and 109cm wide.

Soft extruded foam covers the rollers, which run on stainless steel bearings to cut vibration bounce. Four telescopic legs detach to take the included mini set, and anchoring points take weights or guy ropes in wind. A padded carry bag is included too.

It's at its strongest for commercial anglers who double-ship on fairly level pegs. Next to the Daiwa Rockin Roller, it has two fewer legs and doesn't reach as high, but it costs less, while the Preston Inception Flat Roller is a cheaper, simpler choice if you rarely double-ship.

To be fair, its 92cm maximum height limits it on steep banks. For double shipping on commercials, though, I think it's a smart, well-made buy.

The Preston Innovations Inception Flat Roller is a four-leg roller with telescopic legs that adjust one at a time, silent bearings and fixed angled uprights that hold the pole in place.

Its party trick is in the name. Fold the legs up and it lies flat for ultra-low-level work, while the Standard stands 64cm tall with the legs out, and an integrated spirit level makes it quick to set horizontally.

Commercial and club match anglers who want one roller for high and low set-ups will get the most from it. Next to the MAP Dual Pole Roller Mk11 it's simpler and costs a lot less, though the MAP is the pick for double shipping. The Matrix Compact Single Pole Roller costs about the same, and the Inception's spirit level and fold-flat setting give it the edge on awkward pegs.

To be fair, the Standard's 64cm height runs out on really steep banks. For commercials and level match lengths, though, I think it's the most rounded roller at this price.

Light and compact, the Matrix Compact Single Pole Roller is a single roller with extruded soft EVA rollers and stainless steel sealed bearings in the main rollers. It weighs 2.6kg, and its legs extend to 670mm.

Packing away is where it shines. The uprights fold and carry EVA caps, it stores at 740mm by 200mm in a durable carry case, and oversized leg extrusions stiffen the frame. Matrix roller leg extensions fit when you need more height.

For me, it suits commercial anglers who travel light and fish level pegs. Next to the Preston Innovations Inception Flat Roller it costs about the same, but the Inception's spirit level and fold-flat setting suit uneven ground a little better. The Maver MV-R X2 Flat Bed Roller costs slightly more and adds a weigh-down hook for windy venues.

To be fair, it isn't as planted as bigger, heavier rollers on steep or bumpy banks. For commercial match anglers who want a small, tidy roller, though, I think it's a very smart buy.

Two horizontal EVA rollers and two EVA uprights give the Maver MV-R X2 Flat Bed Roller a long, soft bed for the pole to run back across, with EVA on everything the pole touches.

Four telescopic legs adjust for uneven ground, and spirit levels help you line it up. A weigh-down hook underneath keeps it upright in harsh weather, while push-button opening and closing at both ends speeds up setting up and packing away.

Anglers on open, windy match venues will get the most from it. Next to the Matrix Compact Single Pole Roller, it swaps a little build refinement for the flat bed and that weigh-down hook. The Preston Innovations Ignition Pole Roller costs less and is the one to pick if the budget is tight.

To be fair, its build sits a step below the Matrix, and it costs a little more. For anglers who fish exposed pegs and want a steady roller, though, I think it's a very sensible step up.

The Preston Innovations Ignition Pole Roller is a compact single roller on four foldable telescopic legs. Its 54cm width gives it a broad base, and a wide flat centre roller sits between two angled uprights to keep the pole running true.

Each leg adjusts on its own for sloping or uneven banks, and the splayed stance should hold firm when a heavy pole lands on it.The uprights hold the pole in line so it shouldn't drift sideways in a breeze, and it all folds down small for the car.

It suits pleasure and club anglers on commercials who fish one main pole line. Next to the Maver MV-R X2 Flat Bed Roller it's the simpler roller, as the Maver adds spirit levels and a weigh-down hook for a fair bit more, while the Leeda Concept GT Double Roller is the pick if you double ship.

To be fair, the single roller isn't built for double shipping. For a stable, simple roller on a budget, though, I think it's the best value going.

Two independent EVA rollers sit side by side on the Leeda Concept GT Double Roller, with three upright rollers along the top. That gives you two channels to ship back over, which is a rare layout on a budget roller.

It's a lightweight roller on four telescopic legs, and each leg locks fully once it's extended, so the height stays where you set it. The EVA is soft on a pole and should let it roll smoothly rather than skid, while the end uprights keep it from sliding off either side.

Match anglers who double ship on commercials will get the most from it. Next to the Preston Innovations Ignition Pole Roller it's the more versatile layout for similar money, though the Ignition has the sturdier frame, and it's a clear step up in function from the single-roller Maver MV-R UK Pole Roller.

To be fair, the light frame can get pushed about in a strong wind. For double shipping on a tight budget, though, I think it's very hard to beat.

Soft-touch EVA covers the single roller and both upright end rollers on the Maver MV-R UK Pole Roller. It stands on four extendable legs that lock with snap-lock fittings, and it comes with its own carrying case.

The EVA is soft on a carbon pole and should roll it smoothly as you ship back, with a little cushion against bounce on a long line. The case keeps it tidy in the car between sessions, which is a handy extra on a budget roller.

Pleasure anglers and club regulars on sheltered commercials will suit it well. Next to the Leeda Concept GT Double Roller it gives up the double-shipping layout, and it's a more refined roller than the cheaper Nytro SLS Pole Roller, though the Nytro stands a little steadier.

To be fair, it's not the steadiest roller in a strong wind. For anglers who put pole protection first, though, I think it's a sound, sensible buy.

As an entry-level single roller, the Nytro SLS Pole Roller keeps things simple with a 40cm concave roller and integrated uprights. The concave shape keeps the pole centred so it's less likely to slip towards the ends.

Underneath, a four-legged frame uses double extendable legs and an adjustable-height system, so there's plenty of adjustment for sloping or bumpy ground. It's light, and it folds flat with the legs tucked under the roller.

Newer pole anglers, juniors and anyone wanting a second roller will suit it. Next to the Maver MV-R UK Pole Roller it's the plainer build but the steadier stance, and it costs a fair bit less than the Preston Innovations Ignition Pole Roller, which has the wider frame.

To be fair, the build is basic and the 40cm roller is on the narrow side. For a first roller on a small budget, though, I think it's a smart, low-cost starting point.