So you want to buy a home pole, but have no idea what to get? Congratulations you have come to the right place! I have poled quite a bit on Powder Coated, Brass, and Chrome in that order. (I own a Brass X-Pole Pro and a Chrome X-Pole stage.)
Want to skip the details? Scroll to the bottom for my general thoughts!
There is no wrong pole to get...actually I take that back. Do not buy a cheap pole off of Amazon! Firstly, why would you support Amazon if you have alternatives, and secondly why do you want to risk your life like that?
Finishes
Chrome poles are commonly used at competitions. They tend to be the most affordable option. They are often described as the most slippery, but those just starting pole will find almost all materials slippery. (It takes time to improve grip strength and for the nervous sweat glands chill out.) Those with nickle allergies may have adverse reactions. Stainless Steel poles range from similar grip to chrome poles to a bit slipperier (depending on the brand). Stainless steel tends to age better, especially in humid environments and is generally allergy safe. Stainless steel is also a more expensive material. Brass poles are typically the most expensive. Brass is a more porous material so it offers increased grip for those with sweaty palms than chrome or stainless steel. It is useful in dry and hot areas as the grip actually enhances in those conditions. Brass has a distinctive smell that will stay on your hands after poling until you wash them. Brass, like stainless steel, ages well, but will need brass cleaner if you want to make it look "brand new" again. Brass is commonly used in Australia and in some competitions as well!
Titanium Gold poles are mechanically coated chrome poles for an enhanced grip that give them a more similar grip and appearance to brass. The titanium will eventually wear away to show the chrome underneath. Titanium poles are less expensive than brass poles because the base metal is still chrome.
Powder Coated poles come in a variety of colors and have as much grip, if not more than brass. When freshly wiped, the pole will likely be gripper than brass, but as powder coated poles are not as porous as brass you may need to wipe more often when sweaty. They also are not as expensive as brass or stainless steel because the base metal is still chrome.
Silicone poles are VERY grippy. These are a great option if you want to be able to pole fully clothed or have serious grip concerns and want to be able to start doing tricks without worrying about sweaty palms or slippery legs. If you start with silicone you may struggle switching to other forms of pole because it is easier to stay on without the best hand, knee pit and elbow grip techniques. Silicone is great if you have access to another pole type to cross train and build strength in moves you would otherwise fall out of. You cannot really do spins on a silicone pole when it is in static mode – there is too much friction! Also, do not buy if you are allergic to silicone!
Types of Poles
Pressure poles work by pushing into the ceiling. They are not screwed into the floor or ceiling. This will work if you have solid ceilings or beam supported ceilings (it will have to go right under the beam). Maximum ceiling height depends on brand, but for X-Pole with extensions it is 3380mm (11′ 1″). Disclaimer: you must always check your tension pole to make sure it is well installed. It does not matter the brand! Accidents happen and they will fall if they get loose. That said in a year and a half of 2-3 times a week use this only happened to me once and I learned my lesson! Ceiling Mounted poles are a must for studios (see above about falling), but are also an option if you own your own place or your landlord allows it. These also are essential if you have slanted ceilings. Typically, you buy a tension mounted pole and a separate top piece that screws into the ceiling. If you have the money you could also get a custom pole fitted for your home. Stage poles are nice if you want to be able to pole without the need for ceilings, whether that be under the stars, on the beach, in a room with super tall ceilings. These are another option if you have false ceilings (like me). You can get an extension to actually make the pole shorter to fit in your home. One annoying thing about stage poles is it will be much harder to do floor work and scarier to do flips as you might fall off the platform. One good thing about stage poles is that, although they are more expensive, if you want to switch finishes you do not need to buy a whole new stage and those extensions tend to be less expensive.
Flying poles you can mount to your STURDY ceiling (under a beam) or to an A-Frame. (Best practice is to have a professional rigger check your set up.) Flying pole is a whole different ball game as you are not only dealing with spin, but swing. I have never tried flying pole but it seems awesome. Check out some flying polers if you are interested in going this direction!
Poles in the Ground I used one of these on the beach so I thought it was worth including. If you have backyard space you can also create install your own. The only issue is making it weather safe. Be aware that if you leave a pole outside "the elements" will wear on the material.
Reputable Brands
X-Pole Has distribution centers in the US, UK, and Australia and have been in the business since 2004 when their first pole was produced and shipped. My two poles are both from XPole.
Lupit Based in Slovenia. One of my friends have these in their studio. This will probably be the next pole brand that I buy.
ThePole Italian based company with beautiful stage poles that you may have seen on Instagram. They also sell pressure mounted poles, studio poles, and more.
Fit2Flaunt Based in USA, have their own app to teach you pole and are a black owned business, which is too rare in the pole world. The community seems lit and I have only heard good things about the poles.
Pole4U Based in Russia. Solid poles perfect for high impact. (I used these at Dimitry Politov's camp in Turkey).
Diameters
Yes, poles come in different diameters...here are some of them! 40/42mm - if you have small hands or want easier grip 45mm - current industry standard 50mm - prior industry standard, good for grip training
Modes
Poles typically come in static only or spin and static that switches modes with a hex key, a pin that you take out, or a feature that lifts and easily adjusts. Static means that the pole does not move. Spin means that the pole will spin in place. Get yourself a pole that can do both!
So What Should I Do?
Unless one type of pole really sticks out to you, for example now you are dreaming about spinning around on a silicone flying pole in a catsuit, I would go with the basics. Start with a chrome 45mm pole and then think of what aspects you would want that will fit your budget and home. (Allergic to chrome? Try stainless steel) (Insanely high ceilings? Try a stage or ceiling mounted pole.)
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