Maver MV-R X2 Flat Bed Roller

How well is it built?

The X2 is made from tough materials, with EVA on both uprights and both horizontal rollers. EVA is soft, so it protects the pole and cushions every section that runs across it.

The frame has push-button mechanisms at both ends for opening and closing, which is a neat system and should be quick to use with cold, wet hands.

There's also a weigh-down hook underneath and extra spirit levels for alignment, and both show a roller designed around real bankside problems rather than a basic frame with a tube on top.

So, why an 8.0 rather than an 8.5? The Matrix Compact Single Pole Roller puts stainless steel sealed bearings and oversized leg extrusions into a roller that costs a little less, and the X2's strengths sit more in its layout and fittings than in its materials.

It's still a solid, well-made roller, and I think 8.0 is a fair score.

Performance & Handling

Two horizontal rollers give the X2 its name, as they make a long, flat bed for the pole to travel across.

That should give you more room to ship back at a slight angle without the pole riding up onto an upright, and with EVA on everything the pole touches, it should run back fluidly and quietly.

The EVA uprights at each end keep the pole on the bed, which is handy when you're shipping back in a crosswind or watching the float rather than the roller.

Because the uprights are EVA as well, a section that knocks against one on the way back should come to no harm, and that's reassuring with an expensive top kit.

On a long pole, a bigger area to land the sections on should make shipping back less fiddly, especially when you're unshipping quickly to a hooked fish. For me, that's what earns it an 8.5 for handling.

Stability & Footing

This is where the X2 really earns its keep. Four telescopic legs let you set it up on uneven ground, and the spirit levels make it easy to get the rollers level and aligned with the line you ship back on.

A roller that's level and square to the pole should keep the sections running straight, rather than drifting towards one end.

The weigh-down hook underneath is the standout feature for exposed venues. Hang a weight from it and the frame is pinned down, so it should stay upright in the sort of wind that can blow a lighter roller over, and that's a real plus on big open lakes and windswept match lengths.

Does anything beat it for footing? The Preston Innovations Absolute Pole Roller and the six-leg Daiwa Rockin Roller go further on steep banks with their adjustable leg angles, but they cost a lot more. At this level, I think the 8.5 is fully deserved.

Is it good value for money?

For the money, it sits a little above the Matrix Compact Single Pole Roller and the Preston Innovations Inception Flat Roller, and the extra goes on the second horizontal roller, the weigh-down hook and the spirit levels.

If you fish exposed venues that's a sensible trade, but on sheltered commercials those cheaper rollers do most of the same job.

It's also worth comparing it with the Maver MV-R UK Pole Roller, which costs less and has soft-touch EVA, upright end rollers and snap-lock legs. The X2 is the clear step up if you want the flat bed and better footing in the wind.

I'd recommend the MV-R X2 to match and commercial anglers who fish open, windy venues and want a roller that stays put and gives the pole plenty of room. If you'd rather have the lightest, most compact option, the Matrix Compact Single Pole Roller is the one to look at.