The Top 10 Best Pole Rollers
So, you've gone the whole hog and invested in a 16-metre pole?
Yep, those things can get pretty unwieldy.
The answer is a decent pole roller.
They can turn you into a pole shipping (and fish catching) machine.
In this article, we will talk you through what features to look for in the best pole rollers and even show you some great suggestions to suit all situations and budgets.
Quick answer...
The best poles rollers are those that are easy to setup, easy to level and allow for resistant free movement of your fishing pole as you ship it back and forth.
If you are in a rush, then you can skip straight to our choice of top pole rollers below:
What Are the Different Types of Pole Roller?
Pole rollers come in many different shapes and sizes, and there can often be a little bit of overlap. As a general rule, you'll find four different types.
Here are what they are and the advantages and disadvantages of each: -
Single Pole Rollers
Single pole rollers are the simplest type used for pole fishing. They nearly always tend to be the cheapest too. Essentially, you'll find they look like the lower three sides of a square or rectangle with a single roller at the bottom.
You'll occasionally find them mounted on a frame, but it is more common to see them screwed into a bank stick.
The upsides of single-pole rollers
- Cheap
- Easy to set up
The downside of single-pole rollers
- They are normally a small target, meaning you'll need to look back to house your pole sections.
- They aren't good for multiple sections
Double Pole Rollers
Double pole rollers are like the bigger brother of single rollers. As a general rule, you'll get more space to manoeuvre your sections as you ship in and out. Expect to see two rollers mounted on top of a flat frame with a divider in the middle.
These rollers make it easier to stay organised, plus you've got the added benefit of avoiding banging your sections together (wince).
You might occasionally see double pole rollers mounted on a bank stick. Still, it is much more common to see them as multi leg-mounted systems.
The upsides of double pole rollers
- Easy to set up and get level
- Can house multiple pole sections
The downside of double pole rollers
- Harder to transport
- They cost a little more
Flat Pole Rollers
Flat pole rollers can be either single or double. They are so-called as the main roller that supports the pole is usually mounted 'flat' in a horizontal position. They are particularly good if you will be moving and unshipping multiple pole sections.
The upsides of flat-pole rollers
- They make an easy target to hit
- Great for smooth shipping
- Good for keeping pole sections separate
The downsides of flat pole rollers
- It requires a bit of trial and error to get set up properly
V Rollers for Fishing Poles
V rollers are a little bit different. They are ok if you are only unshipping a single-pole section, but they aren't good for several sections. Ideally, you will use them as an intermediate guide or as a front pole roller.
They are brilliant for guiding large pole sections further back onto a larger roller.
The upsides of V pole rollers
- No need to get them level
- Poles stay put
The downside of V pole rollers
- Very small target
- Not suitable for multiple sections
Do You Need to Use a Pole Roller?
The truth is that unless you are using a whip or fishing with a very short pole, a good pole roller is worth every penny, and yes, you will need to use one.
Holding 5 metres of pole behind you constantly will lead to you holding 2 metres of pole eventually. Why? Your pole will break.
Pole rollers allow you to fish much more efficiently. With a little calibration and practice, they will become second nature.
Pole rollers aren't expensive, and they ultimately will prolong the life of your pole, meaning they are really cost-effective.
Want more tips on how to look after your pole? Here's a great guide on pole maintenance.
What Size Pole Roller Do You Need?
The best advice is to go for the biggest pole roller you can, especially regarding width. The bigger the roller, the bigger the target and the easier you'll find it to ship and unship your poles.
As you grow in experience, you'll also have the advantage of storing more sections, so there'll be no need to upgrade.
If you can, go for a pole roller that you can vary in height. The topography of the bank behind you will dictate how high the roller needs to be. Still, you will want flexibility if you fish in more than one venue.
The Best Pole Rollers
We've tried and tested a whole host of pole rollers and can safely say the following products tick the majority of boxes.
Check them out below as we tell you what makes them an excellent choice and why...
The Best Flat Pole Rollers
#1. Preston Innovations Inception Flat Roller
Preston seems to always nail it with their efforts to produce affordable fishing gear, and this pole roller is no exception.
At first glance, we thought the vertical supports weren't high enough…
Except, actually, it's a great idea when you think about it! It is easy to recover if you miss the target, making shipping easy.
We love that this roller comes with an integrated spirit level and individually adjustable legs, making it easy to get it dead level every time.
The double rollers move independently, which is ideal for multiple pole sections. The chunky middle roller will also keep your pole sections separate.
This roller folds down neatly and comes with its own compact carry bag as a final flourish.
Top Features & Benefits
Any Drawbacks?
#2. Middy Hi-Viz Elite Pole Roller
Speaking of things that are easy to see, you most definitely need to look at this.
This 60cm roller has the best visibility out of any on our list.
Made with high quality and high-density foam, it will keep your pole sections in perfect condition.
The twist-lock adjustable legs make it really easy to deploy, and if it isn't quite level, adjusting it is a breeze.
We'd have liked to have seen a little more vertical profile in the legs, but it should be pretty great for relatively level swims.
Top Features & Benefits
Any Drawbacks?
#3. Leeda Concept GT Pole Roller
Solid, stout and chunky. That's how we'd describe this effort by Leeda.
This is a little tank and is practically bulletproof.
This single foam roller is easy to set up. Just take it out of the bag, unfold it, and you are away.
We did have a minor gripe. For such a large roller, we wish it was a double.
If you are shipping multiple sections, you may find that you end up with a 'conveyor belt' effect as the roller pushed the previous section off.
However, this would be a great choice for those who don't have too many sections.
If you are looking for smaller poles? We've got a great article here about the best poles for margin fishing
Top Features & Benefits
Any Drawbacks?
The Best V Shaped Pole Rollers
#4. Matrix free flow quad roller
Sometimes it is worth it to pay just a little bit extra.
This clever solution far surpasses the 'normal' V rollers that you might encounter.
It's the ideal choice if you fish on steep banks or those with a drop off behind you.
We particularly like the folding upright sections. On windy days and with a lot of pole behind you, it is easy to get blown out. Not so here as the padded sections go over the top of your pole.
This is a little heavier than some of the other models. It is also a little bulkier when bagged up. But, considering what you gain, these things are both tolerable.
Check out this video link of the Matrix free flow quad roller in action...
Top Features & Benefits
Any Drawbacks?
#5. Preston Innovations Pro V-Roller
Preston has once again managed to come up with the goods.
As V rollers for poles go, this is solid.
The tripod style legs are really smart.
Being independently adjustable, you can deploy this on most terrain with ease.
The horizontal section in the centre makes this a sort of hybrid. And there is just enough room to fit multiple pole sections should you need to. Although there is only a single central roller, so you'll need to be careful.
Another great feature is the extendable centre section. It gives a decent amount of clearance, but in truth, it would have been perfect if it was just a little higher, but for 90% of anglers, this isn't going to be an issue.
Finally, it folds down into next to nothing, easy for storage and transport given its size.
Top Features & Benefits
Any Drawbacks?
#6. Map Flat V Pole Roller
Remember how we talked about there being a bit of crossover in pole rollers?
This is what we meant.
This is a little bit of a dual roller, a touch of a horizontal pole roller and a V roller, all in one package.
This is an ideal halfway house if you are looking for a few solutions in one.
It isn't huge, nor is it tiny. How you use it is up to you. You could use it as the main roller for multiple sections, get cracking with a single large section or even use it as a guide.
The bright blue colour stands out well on the bank too, and because it is V-shaped, you don't need to worry too much about getting it perfectly level either.
Check out this video that visually shows some of the features of the Map Flat V Pole Roller...
Top Features & Benefits
Any Drawbacks?
#7. Preston Innovations Super Pro V Roller
Alright, so we did a little more research…
We had a couple of minor gripes about the Preston Pro V roller.First, it is taller. The central legs can be extended, giving you increased flexibility in deploying it. A big plus…
And it doesn't stop there. In their wisdom, Preston has also split the central roller into two. Easier shipping? Yes, please.
They have attached a small anchor to the centre section for added stability as a final plus.
Top Features & Benefits
Any Drawbacks?
The Best Compact Pole Roller
#8. Browning Black Magic Compact
Alright, so it is not the longest, but a compact solution could be just what you need if you are trying to keep a fairly light setup.
The Browning Black Magic is just over a foot long.What it lacks in size, it makes up for in build quality. It's rock solid and super stable. It feels really well made.
The 4 fully adjustable legs are long enough for all-terrain, and the substantial vertical rollers will keep your pole sections safe and secure in even the windiest conditions.
Weighing just 1.1kg, it is one of the lightest on our list, and it packs into a small pouch that is smaller than a shoebox!
Top Features & Benefits
Any Drawbacks?
The Best Budget Pole Rollers
#9. Dinsmores 4 Leg Adjustable Freestanding Silver Pole Roller
Pole fishing can start to get a bit pricey, so it's good to save where you can.
This roller from Dinsmores is excellent value and has most of the features you'll find in the more premium models.
Dual foam rollers, adjustable legs and foldable for portability are a worthy choice.
We aren't sure about the finish, we suspect it won't be quite as corrosion free as, say, something from Preston, but we aren't complaining for a quarter of the cost!
Top Features & Benefits
Any Drawbacks?
#10. Dinsmores Pole Roller Rest
It doesn't get much cheaper than this.
We wouldn't use this as our main pole roller, but as a good support to use with another system, this is excellent value.
All you'll need is a bank stick.Position it where you need to, and you are away!
This pole roller would be an ideal supplement to the above budget model. A full pole roller setup for less than a few bags of ground bait!
Top Features & Benefits
Any Drawbacks?
Final Thoughts
The function of a decent pole roller is twofold. They protect your poles and keep them off the ground. They also make shipping so much easier.
Try and pick something easy to see, and more importantly, easy to use that will allow you to fish in various locations.
Poles aren't always expensive, but you will still want to look after them!
If you want to know more about poles and the best brands, check this out.
Thanks for reading.
All of the fishing tackle featured in this article can be found at one of the following online shops...
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