European or Cage Frame Roller System?
We are often asked: Which rollers are better — cage frame or European system?
In fact, the system itself is not that important. What always matters is:
- material quality
- fabric density
- proper matching of material to the paint or varnish
- quality of the bond between fabric and core
- bevelled edges
Why do we recommend the European system?
For anyone who uses rollers regularly or even just occasionally, the most important thing is easy and fast work without unnecessary complications. The European system with a straight handle is more practical and adapts more easily to various needs.
With cage frame systems, the handles have clips or caps matched to the core diameter of the roller. The core diameter varies by manufacturer, so before buying you always need to know which handle you have at home.
The size problem
Chinese and American rollers are measured in inches — large rollers are 7" or 9" (17.78 cm and 22.86 cm). Cage frame rollers made for the European market usually come in 18 and 25 cm sizes. Because of this difference, a good handle from one company often does not fit a roller from another.
With the European system you don't have this problem — you just need to know whether your handle has a 6 or 8 mm diameter.
Advantages of the European system
Professional rollers are always made for 8 mm handles. If you have any handle with this diameter at home, it will always fit your roller, regardless of the manufacturer.
In addition, rollers with the European system can have a foam backing, which is very useful when painting facades or very uneven porous walls. Because these rollers must be sewn, they cannot be manufactured for cage frame handles.
Summary: We always recommend a roller with the European system, preferably 8 mm diameter. No issues with bearings, clips or other fastenings. And the price is usually lower than with the cage frame system.