Pull-Up Banners vs X-Stands: Which Is Right for Your Event in Singapore?
When you need to make a visual impact at an event, banners are a must. They're bold, eye-catching, and — if chosen right — can instantly elevate your brand presence. But with two popular display options on the table — pull-up banners and X-stand banners — which one should you go for?
If you’ve ever asked, “Which banner is better for my event?”, you’re not alone. The answer depends on your budget, venue, and how often you’ll use it. Let’s break it all down for you.
🧍♂️ Pull-Up Banners: Polished, Professional, Plug-and-Play
A pull-up banner (also known as a roll-up banner) is your go-to option for professional, ready-to-roll displays.
Your design is printed on waterproof synthetic material and rolled into a durable aluminum base. To set it up? Just pull the banner upward and hook it onto the rear support pole. Done in under 15 seconds. No tools, no stress.
These banners shine at corporate functions, high-profile exhibitions, and formal retail launches. The sleek structure speaks volumes even before anyone reads the text — it’s clean, compact, and quietly powerful.
Perfect when you want your visuals to do the talking — without you breaking a sweat setting it up.
- Ultra-fast setup and takedown
- Neatly stored in a carry case
- Professional, premium finish
- Great for repeated use in formal settings
That said, pull-up banners do come with a few trade-offs. They’re typically fixed at 85 x 200 cm, slightly heavier than X-stands, and not designed for easy banner swapping — once mounted, the graphic stays put. But if you’re after quality and convenience, it’s a solid choice.
🧍♀️ X-Stands: Light, Flexible, Budget-Friendly
Need something affordable, portable, and reusable? Say hello to the X-stand banner — the crowd-favourite for schools, pop-up stalls, roadshows, and community events.
Instead of a roller mechanism, X-stands use a lightweight frame shaped like an “X” that holds your banner taut using grommets in all four corners. It's quick to assemble and even quicker to carry.
Think of it like the IKEA version of banner stands: lightweight, practical, and great if you're setting up 10 of them in 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly and cost-efficient
- Frame is reusable — print new banners as needed
- Super lightweight and easy to transport
- Ideal for short-term use or multi-location setups
But be warned — they’re not ideal for windy environments or high-traffic areas where stability matters. Setup takes a bit more care too, since each grommet needs to be aligned and tensioned properly.
Still, when you’re managing multiple events or working within a tight budget, X-stands offer unbeatable flexibility.
🆚 Pull-Up vs X-Stand: Which One’s Right for You?
Here’s a real-world breakdown to help you decide:
| Event Type | Recommended Banner Type |
|---|---|
| Corporate conference | Pull-Up Banner |
| School open house | X-Stand Banner |
| Product or retail launch | Pull-Up Banner |
| Pop-up booth at flea market | X-Stand Banner |
| Government outreach booth | Pull-Up Banner |
| Tuition centre promotion | X-Stand Banner |
💡 Still unsure? Think about your audience. A trade show crowd expects polished visuals. A school fair? Just get the message across clearly and affordably.
💰 Cost & Material Breakdown (So You’re Not Guessing)
| Feature | Pull-Up Banner | X-Stand Banner |
|---|---|---|
| Price (approx) | $75–$120 | $50–$80 |
| Common Sizes | 60 x 160 cm, 85 x 200 cm | 60 x 160 cm, 80 x 180 cm |
| Reusability | Moderate (base is fixed) | High (swappable banners) |
| Finish | Fully mounted in base | Eyelets + standalone frame |
| Material Used | Waterproof UV Paper or Fabric | Waterproof UV Paper or Fabric |
| Ink Type | UV-cured (long-lasting) | UV-cured |
At Doorstep Prints, we print both pull-up and X-stand banners using UV-resistant, vibrant ink — so whether you need 1 unit or 100, you’re getting consistent quality, fast.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✅ Make sure your artwork matches the correct size and orientation
- ✅ Always include 3mm bleed and crop marks
- ✅ Use CMYK colour mode for accurate print colours
- ❌ Don’t use low-res images or screenshots — they’ll pixelate!
- ❌ Don’t assume one stand fits all — pull-up and X-stand graphics are sized differently
📥 Need a template? Just email us at cs@doorstepprints.com.sg — we’ll send you a print-ready guide.
🙋♀️ FAQs
Q: Can I reuse a pull-up banner?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The banner is mounted inside the base and not meant to be changed frequently. If you need frequent swaps, go for an X-stand.
Q: Can I use Canva to design my banner?
Absolutely — just be sure to set your canvas size correctly (e.g. 85 x 200 cm) and download your file as PDF with bleed.
Q: Are either of these suitable for outdoor use?
Both are best used indoors. If you need something for sheltered outdoor use, we recommend printing on foam boards or using heavy base stands for pull-up banners (We have those too, check with us!)
🏁 Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to event banners. It depends on your goals:
- Choose a pull-up banner for a polished, corporate-ready look with hassle-free setup.
- Choose an X-stand banner for affordability, flexibility, and easy banner swaps.
Both can be printed and delivered within 3 working days in Singapore — just make sure your artwork is ready by noon.
🚀 Need help choosing?
We’re happy to walk you through your options or recommend the right format for your event setup.
📩 Email us anytime at cs@doorstepprints.com.sg
📦 Ready to print? Visit our Urgent Printing page for fast-turnaround options.