Selden Furlex vs Harken MKIV vs Profurl vs Facnor: which furling system is right for your boat?

When you set out to buy a roller furling system, you quickly end up with four brands: Selden, Harken, Profurl and Facnor. Each brand has its own approach, its own strengths and its own price bracket. But honest comparisons are nearly impossible to find online. Manufacturers only write about their own products, and forum threads are a mix of personal preferences and outdated information.

We sell all four brands. That gives us the ability to compare them objectively, based on technical specifications, construction and value for money. In this article we compare the genoa roller furling systems from each brand: the systems that roll and unroll your forestay jib or genoa.

The four brands at a glance

Selden Furlex comes from Sweden and with over 200,000 units sold is the most widely used roller furling system in the world. The Furlex is known for combining performance with affordability. Our prices start from €867.

Harken MKIV is an American premium system used by both cruisers and racing sailors. Harken is known for maintenance-free Torlon bearings and robust construction. The MKIV Ocean starts from €2,402, the standard MKIV from €3,267.

Profurl is a French brand with two main lines: the C-System for cruisers and the R-System for racers. Profurl stands out with sealed bearings in a grease bath and a 10-year international warranty. The C-System starts from €1,776.

Facnor is also French and offers the LS system for cruisers and the unique Flatdeck system with webbing drive. Facnor focuses on easy installation and maintenance-free operation. The LS system starts from €1,108.

Bearings: the heart of every system

The bearing type is one of the most important technical differences between brands. It determines how smoothly the system turns, how much maintenance it needs and how long it lasts.

Selden Furlex uses a combination of stainless steel ball bearings and roller bearings in the fourth-generation Furlex. The ball bearings provide low friction while the roller bearings handle heavy loads. This dual bearing system is one of the reasons the Furlex operates so smoothly. The bearings need periodic cleaning and re-greasing.

Harken MKIV uses multiple rows of Torlon ball bearings. Torlon is a high-performance engineering polymer that is extremely wear-resistant and requires no lubrication. The major advantage: the bearings are completely maintenance-free. You only need to rinse them with fresh water occasionally. This makes the Harken particularly popular with sailors who want to spend minimal time on maintenance.

Profurl uses carbon steel ball bearings sealed in a grease bath. Double lip seals prevent salt, sand and debris from reaching the bearings. The result is a system that lasts a long time without intermediate maintenance, provided the seals remain intact. Profurl backs this with a 10-year warranty.

Facnor LS uses sealed, greased bearings designed for offshore use. The system is described by Facnor as "maintenance-free": rinsing with fresh water after saltwater use is sufficient.

Foil profiles: round or elliptical?

The foil profile (the aluminium guide rail the sail slides into) differs per brand and affects aerodynamics and system rigidity.

Selden Furlex has an elliptical, double-groove profile. The elliptical shape creates less air resistance than a round profile. The double groove makes it possible to fly two sails simultaneously (wing-on-wing) or to change sails quickly in racing situations.

Harken MKIV also uses a double-groove airfoil profile. This profile is hardcoat-anodised and UV-stabilised for maximum durability. The aerodynamic shape is comparable to the Furlex.

Profurl C-System has double-groove anodised aluminium profiles. The R-System (racing variant) has an elliptical profile for better aerodynamics.

Facnor LS uses round profiles with a telescopic connection. The advantage is that you do not need to cut profiles during installation. You simply slide them together to the correct length. The Flatdeck system additionally offers a choice between elliptical R-profiles (lighter, for racing) and round SX-profiles (for comfort cruising).

Installation and special features

Selden Furlex stands out with the patented "Free Turn" function. During the first revolution of the furling line, the halyard turns freely, causing the top of the sail to roll up first. This produces a better sail shape when sailing reefed. The drum is also split, allowing removal for racing.

Harken MKIV has a removable drum and independently rotating tack swivel. Triple interlock couplings make installation straightforward. The separable drum is convenient for sailors who want to disassemble the system in the off-season.

Profurl C-System has double cage arms that prevent the furling line from jumping off the drum. Selection works via a cascade: first choose your forestay diameter, then the available lengths. The R-System adds a ratchet function for extra control when reefing.

Facnor Flatdeck is the most innovative system in this comparison. Instead of just a furling line, it uses a polyester webbing that runs over the drum. This prevents riding turns (furling line wrapping over itself), improves torque and maximises sail area through the low-profile drum design. A 360-degree rotating guide allows flexible lead angles.

Price comparison

The prices below are our current prices including VAT. Roller furling systems come in different sizes depending on your forestay diameter and boat length, so the final price depends on your specific configuration.

Which system suits you?

Best value for cruisers: The Selden Furlex is the world's most popular system for good reason. The combination of proven technology, smooth operation from the dual bearing system, the Free Turn function and a competitive price makes it the logical choice for most sailors up to 50 feet.

Minimal maintenance: Want a system you can forget about? The Harken MKIV with Torlon bearings needs no lubrication. Rinsing with fresh water is enough. The higher purchase price is offset by lower maintenance costs over the years.

Long-term warranty: Profurl offers a 10-year international warranty on their sealed bearing system. For sailors making longer voyages to remote areas, that provides extra peace of mind.

Budget-friendly entry: The Facnor LS offers a reliable system with telescopic profiles (no cutting needed) at a competitive price. A solid choice for sailors who want a good system without paying top dollar.

Innovative and trouble-free: The Facnor Flatdeck with webbing drive solves the eternal problem of riding turns. If you have ever been frustrated by a jammed furling line, this system is worth considering.

Racing: The Profurl R-System with elliptical profile and ratchet function is specifically designed for racers who want to get the most out of their sail wardrobe.

Comparison table

Need advice?

Choosing a roller furling system depends on more than just the brand. Your forestay diameter, boat length, sail type and budget all play a role. Not sure which system suits your situation? Get in touch for personal advice. We sell all four brands and are happy to help you make the right choice.

Also browse our complete range of manual roller furling systems to compare prices and specifications per size.