Frame Comparison
The Banner Bar vs. common alternatives
A straight, side-by-side look at five freestanding banner frame approaches — The Banner Bar, Fiber Frame, Banner A-Frame, galvanized steel banner frame and everyday T-posts & rope — so you can get the best frame for your job.
Shopping freestanding, in-ground metal banner frames? Every approach on this chart will hold a banner up on a calm day. The differences show up in the wind, in week six, and at banner-change time. Photos show real installs of each system.
| Feature |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Build & Capability | |||||
| Made in USA | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| U.S. Patent | 10,410,553 B2 | Unknown | N/A | ||
| Wind resistance rating | High | High | Low | Low | Bad |
| Number of frame sizes | 4 frame options — accommodate 7 banner sizes | 6 sizes | 2 sizes | 3 sizes | N/A |
| Largest banner supported | 4' × 16' | 4' × 10' | 77.5" × 38" | 4' × 8' | — |
| Available V-shape (two banners) | Yes | ? | Possible | ||
| Adjustable to different sizes | Yes | Yes | |||
| Supports double-sided banners | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Supports banners back to back | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not suggested | |
| Works with stock banner sizes | Yes | Yes | Yes | N/A | |
| Uses ground stake | Yes | Yes | |||
| Uses ground sleeve | Yes | ||||
| What You'll Need | |||||
| Requires guy wires or rope | Yes | ||||
| Requires T-post | Yes | Yes | |||
| Requires concrete | Suggested | ||||
| Requires post driver | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Requires digging | Yes | ||||
| Requires zip ties | Yes | N/A | |||
| Requires rope | Yes | ||||
| Parts & Upkeep | |||||
| Includes bungees — Made in USA | Yes | N/A | |||
| Includes lightweight bungees (made overseas) | Yes | Yes | N/A | ||
| Replacement bungees available | full inventory, Made in USA | N/A | N/A | ||
| Replacement parts available | full inventory, Made in USA | ? | N/A | ||
| Maintenance | Replace bungees, reinstall if needed | Replace broken zip ties, reinstall if needed | Replace bungees — good for short-term use only | Replace bungees, reinstall if needed | Not suggested |
| Ease of banner change | Fast & easy, bungees stay in place while changing banners | Slow & cumbersome | Fast & easy | Bungees don't stay in place and no bungee retainer included | Cumbersome |
| Ownership | |||||
| Estimated install time (minutes) | 15-20* | 5-10* | 10-15* | 15-20* | 5-10* |
| Install instructions & videos | Helpful videos & printed instructions | ? | Printed instructions | Printed instructions | N/A |
| Availability | Readily available — ships quickly — Made in USA | ? | Readily available | Readily available | Readily available |
| Suggested uses | Best for repeat banner campaigns, especially in windy areas | Good for ongoing banner campaigns | Best for short-term use only | Low budget | Not suggested |
| Cons | T-posts easily removed with T-post puller (con is buying the T-post puller for $45 +/- but it's worth it) | Ground stakes possible tripping hazard, difficult to remove | Ground stakes, not good in winds over 15 mph, no replacement parts | Ground sleeves too short, cheap bungees, frame looks cheap, no replacement parts, ground sleeves cause tripping hazard | Banners don't last, looks unprofessional, T-posts collapse under wind load, not good for longer-term use |
| Advantages | Looks professional, bungees provide higher wind rating, adjustable size, uses readily available T-posts | Looks professional | Works on pavement (if no wind) | No advantages | Lowest cost |
*First-time install may take longer.
Sign code: check your local codes for size & placement — this applies to every frame type.
Ready for the professional option?
Four kits, seven banner configurations, replacement parts always in stock — and a guarantee it can't collapse.