Pick a Brand
- X Pole X pole is known for its versatility. X Pole Xpert poles come in pieces that fit together and a tension mounted disk holds it all in place. No drilling, completely removable, and easily transported. However, you could probably get your degree in Engineering by the time all is said and done. The instruction booklet is a book.
- Platinum Stages This brand is the right choice for you if you're looking for a permanent pole to put up and never have to futz with again. Also, this company makes the best freestanding poles out there, although X Pole will get the job done, too. You will need to know your exact ceiling height down to 1/8" and anything over 94 inches will cost extra. Our studio hosts Platinum Stages poles. Also, GLOW POLES!
- Lil Minx Lil Minx poles are one solid piece with only one screw required. A Lil Minx pole is by far easier than an Xpert to take down and put up once it's been adjusted to your ceiling height. It's held in place by what looks like a sprinkler head that comes with a handy dandy plant hook in case you ever find that you want to camouflage it. This pole is great if you're on a budget (and who isn't) but be aware that the stability falters a bit above 8 feet. Lil Minx is the only company out there to offer powder coated poles.
- Permanent A forever pole will require several screws in a stud in your ceiling and a few in your floor, as well. Permanent poles will usually hold more weight but will obviously leave marks if taken down.
- Removable Friction mounted moveable poles also require a stud, but no drilling and won't leave a mark when taken down or moved. Many dancers opt for this kind of pole for the convenience and portability.
- Free standing A wide, usually round base holds the pole in place. It's easily transportable but can be bulky to store. Also, the height is often limited to around 8 or 9 feet.
*All poles will be either static or spinning. Every pole that spins will also lock to static mode, but not every static pole will spin. It's easier to transition from learning on a static pole to a spinning pole than vice versa. It's always nice to have the option, but you will probably pay for it.
Pick a Finish
- Stainless Steel Stainless steel is the industry standard found in pole dance studios around the world. Offering the least grip, this will force you to build more strength to hold onto the pole. It also has the added benefit of making things extra easy when you try one of the other stickier finishes. Don't buy stainless steel if you live on an island or near the beach as the salt air will eventually eat into the finish.
- Powder Coated Powder coated poles offer a grip similar to stainless steel and chrome, but will hold up better in extreme environments such as high humidity, salt air, or excessive sunlight. Powder coating is durable and less likely to become nicked or scratched and doesn't need to be warmed up like other poles. As such, sweaty handed dancers will probably fare better on a powder coated pole. Also, powder coated poles come in a rainbow of colors!
- Chrome Although a more porous material, chrome and stainless steel are basically interchangeable, although some say the grip on a chrome finish is a bit better.
- Brass In terms of grip brass falls somewhere between chrome and titanium gold. Upkeep on a brass pole requires a step beyond the occasional rubbing alcohol rub down. An application of Brasso once or twice a month will keep it shiny and functional. Also, Brass is likely to be harder on your skin as this finish heats up slightly with enough friction, but certainly not enough to stop millions of dancers from opting for it!
- Titanium Gold It's fancy. It's sticky. It's gold. Buy it if you can afford it.
Pick a Size
- 40mm (1.5 inches) Obviously, a smaller diameter is great for smaller hands. The downside is that most professional studios host 45s or 50s which may be hard to get used to.
- 45mm (1.75 inches) 45mm can be found in many studios these days. It's the standard competition width and it's quickly being adopted as the standard the world over.
- 50mm (2 inches) The original pole size and also found in a good number of studios out there. Any pole made before 2009 will be 50mm.
Happy hunting and feel free to ask us any questions before making your final purchase!
-written by JLK
