Displays Explained: What Are Roller Banner Stands?

We often get asked what the difference is between a pop up banner stand and roller banner stand. In reality, they are the same product with the same type of mechanism. Roller banners are commonly referred to by its interchangeable counterparts: pop up, pull up and retractable banner stand. We see where the confusion creeps in so we have compiled this short guide to outline all the important information one needs to know about roller banner stands.

What is a roller banner?

roller banner stand with banner welcoming students back to school

A roller banner is a type of banner stand. To illustrate, banner stands are freestanding displays that hold a printed banner. 

With this in mind, ‘roller banner’ refers to the mechanism inside the base unit that controls how to banner is stored and erected. 

These are the most popular type of banner stand due to their affordability and ease of use. However, to change the graphic, these stands need to be sent back to the company to complete in-house.

Other terms often used to describe roller banners:

  • Pop up
  • Pull up
  • Roll up
  • Retractable

Other types of banner stands:

  • Tensioned banners (Also known as X or Y banners)
  • Outdoor banners
  • Double-sided banners

How does a Roller Banner Work?

The parts that make up a roller banner stand include: the base, the banner cassette and the pole. At Discount Displays, our banner stands come with a carry case to fit all the parts, making it easy to transport or store between locations.

The base comprises of a metal unit (where the banner cassette is stored) with flat and study feet so that the banner is freestanding. 

Black economy banner stand base unit

The banner cassette contains the printed banner graphic that is wrapped around the roller mechanism. For example, imagine a piece of paper being wrapped around a pencil and you can get an idea of what is happening within the cassette housing. Attached to the top of the banner graphic is a top rail. This is used in conjunction with a stabilising pole to keep the banner taut.

The pole is either multi-sectional (multiple pieces that need to be joined together), or telescopic (sections are slotted within each other and pulled out to create the full length pole). In addition, on some banner stands the pole allows the banner to be height adjustable so that you don’t have to buy another banner stand if you decide you want to use a taller or shorter graphic.

Most importantly, roller banner stands can be set-up in a matter of minutes. The video below is a good demonstration of how easy roller banner stands are to assemble.

What is a roller banner stand used for?

Due to roller banner stands high portability, they are a versatile promotional tool that can be used in a variety of environments. Some applications that our customers have used roller banner stands for include:

  • Exhibition and trade shows
  • Reception areas
  • Outdoor events
  • In-store promotions
  • Car showrooms
  • Presentations
  • Schools, colleges and universities
  • Hospitals, GP surgeries, pharmacies 

What is a replaceable cassette?

You may have heard the term ‘replaceable cassette’. Roller banner stands with a replaceable cassette have a banner cartridge that is independent of the base unit. This means that banners can be swapped in and out by yourself- no need to send the stand away to replace the graphic. 

To summarise, roller banners (Also known as pop up, pull up, or retractable) are versatile and high-impact banner displays. They are ideal for those who need a display to transport around to different locations, or those looking for an affordable display solution. Hopefully this article has cleared up any confusion you had surrounding roller banners. If you have any questions about banner stands or displays in general please contact us or leave a comment below.

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