Hi
I am thinking of getting a couple of these--can anyone give the pros/cons of the use of these such as ease, clean up, etc. Also what would be some alternatives?

Thanks

I have a polka dot rolling pin. I dust it with cornstarch before rolling it over fondant or gum paste and have no trouble with it sticking to the pin and clean up is a breeze.
The only problem with my 8 inch pin is that it is only good on smaller pieces like a length ribbon. On bigger pieces like a six inch round circle for example, I can't seem to push down evenly enough to get uniform dots, so I am wondering if anyone has solved this problem?

Wilton makes pins with a variety of designs. Haven't measured them but I'd say they are 12 in long. Instead of rolling, you press the pin into fondant, that is already rolled; rolling will stretch the piece. I love designs as opposed to plain flat fondant. Clean-up isn't an issue and they are about $20 and of course if you use a coupon . . .

i have a number of these (im in the UK) here the prices vary greatly from place to place and also online. I love them, I find the larger ones easier to use than the smaller ones i have. It takes practice getting a even roll (abit like everything with caking!!) but they give stunnng results whatever the siza and stape of cake. Regarding clean up i find them no different to normal rolling pins - just wash in hot soapy water. Ive never had a issue with them sticking and i would advise to roll out the fondant a couple of mm thicker before you texture it.

I would recommend them to anyone. Its expensive to start with but you will never have to replace them.