Newbie buying pole for the first time

jabbourjk9570 started this discussion · 8/23/2015

Hi guys! So I took a few pole dancing classes a while ago and really REALLY enjoyed it, I'm a rock climber so naturally anything that I can climb up is a blast for me. The classes were pretty expensive and so I figured if I love it that much I might as well buy my own. Finally have the money for it but I'm not sure which is best to buy-- 45mm or 50mm. I know 45mm is easiest to grip onto since most girls can wrap their fingers entirely around it, but I've seen some posts about how people's poles bow after a while, and if I'm spending this kind of money on it, I'd really like to avoid having the pole bend/bow and become unsafe. ( is that a common thing? ) So, is it best to just get the 50mm? I imagine a thicker pole will have a harder time bowing under weight ( I'm 125 pounds ), or am I safe just buying the 45? I want to learn to do enthusiastic tricks on it, so I won't be using it to just walk around or dance on, i wanna do the crazy stuff! :D Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

4 replies

Evjo · 8/23/2015
I have a 45 and I love it! I recommend one that you can put in spin mode as well, You might want to start spinning at some point. I have used my pole daily for a year now, and it does not bow or bend. The 45 mm at the studio is not bending either. I think, now that I am use to 45 mm that 50 is to thick to get a good grip on. I have a x-pole expert btw.
Runemist34 · 8/23/2015
Hey there! Congrats on your decision to buy a pole! It's pretty awesome having one at home. In my experience, I've never found that fully wrapping my hands completely around the pole to be useful or helpful- I would say that it could, potentially, be harmful due to encouraging to "newbie grip" (that is, overgripping and grabbing on too hard!), and also in some hand and arm positions, you definitely do not want those fingers all the way around! Also, bowing poles sounds like an issue from cheaper made poles, rather than poles that are of appropriate quality! In the USA, Canada, and most of the UK, we trust three pole manufacturers: Lil Mynx, Xpole, and Platinum Stages. My first Lil Mynx pole was larger (I think 50mm?) and I would say the problem I had with grip was not due to the size, but with the finish. Stainless steel was just a bit too slippery for me! I had that pole for a full five years, and did lots, and lots of spins on it. Not a once did it ever bend or bow! My current pole is also a Lil Mynx, but it's smaller, and has a powder coat finish (it's the Studio Veena pole, which is unfortunately no longer available). Again, no bowing, and no indication that it would do so. However, I can grip it better, due to the finish! I never do fully grip the pole, as far as I know... no fingers wrapping all the way around. I've also heard that certain sizes are easier to grip in certain moves, but other sizes are better in other moves. So, a larger pole may be beneficial for some things, but in others, you'd find a smaller pole easier. So, I don't think there is one "perfect pole" for everyone- it's all about personal preference! Be safe, and I hope your soon-to-be pole is everything you want!
Veena · 8/23/2015
45s are great and I would suggest that diameter. Yes, thinner poles can bow but that doesn't mean they are ruined or dangerous! As long as the pole isn't crazy warped and all other parts are in working order a bit of a curve is ok. My brass is a 40 and has a bit of bowing.
jabbourjk9570 · 8/24/2015
thank you so much guys!! I really appreciate all the advice. :D I ended up buying an Xpole Xpert 45mm. waiting for it to arrive at my house and then i'll start practicing. and maybe make some videos if i learn anything. thank you so much again! =D