LONG TERM TEST: Preston Innovations Competition Pro Super XL Pole Fishing Roller

This isn't a single session test of Preston's Competition Pro Super XL Roller as I've been throwing my poles over a pair of them for at least eighteen months, as you may be able to tell from the one in the picture! Here's my verdict... 

First, the 'XL' gives away the fact this is a big pole roller. Straight out of the bag it's 88.5cm wide and 67cm high, in my book a large roller gives a bigger target to aim for and speeds up your fishing.  

As standard it's the perfect height to ship a pole back on to. Too low and you'll be bending down and putting unnecessary strain on your sides and back. Adjust the telescopic legs however and you've got a roller which extends to a height of 114.5cm, which is great for high banks or going over obstacles. The base clips to lock the height in place are excellent and don't slip at all.   

The rollers themselves are extremely free moving, allowing for quick shipping. Infact the first time I put a 14.5m pole on two of them it actually rolled off and into the lake within a couple of seconds! So always secure your pole at your end with a pole grip or sock with these. 
 
A small design point, but one which means a lot to me, is the inclusion of a secure ring with a caribiner-type clip fitted in the middle of the frame, underneath the roller. Don't get me wrong, this is about as stable as rollers come, but for a bit of extra security in windy conditions I'll clip a bucket of water into the caribiner to weigh it right down. 

On the bank a few anglers have commented on the upright rollers which keep the pole in place on the main roller itself, more specifically the short length. Surely the pole could blow over them and off the roller? Well I've not had a pole come off one yet and the upright rollers are slightly tapered inwards in the middle for the section to rest in, so there is no risk of it lifting up and over.  

THE VERDICT
This is an extremely well-built and well-thought out roller for the serious match angler. If it's a little too big for you, there are two smaller versions in the range too. The Super XL doesn't come cheap but you get what you pay for and these are made to last. One of the best out there? Definitely.  

Ben Fisk

PAY AROUND
£94.99