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buying a second pole: X-Pole X-Pert vs. PS Extreme Super Pole Multi Piece
I know there are a bunch of threads already comparing these companies' poles, but I have a few specific questions I didn't find the answers to (unless I overlooked them in the other threads – some of them were quite lengthy!) Sorry if this is a novel:
I already have an X-Pert (50mm) and am looking to eventually get a second pole (45mm). However, I'm torn between getting a second X-Pert and trying out a PS pole.
I have had a great experience with X-Pole. I did have a lot of issues with the joints rotating and getting stuck but I think I finally solved that problem and haven't had any issues with that in a while. I also of course didn't like the fact that you have to unscrew the base to make it spin, but then I realized if I use the opposite end of the hex key (I'm dumb) and held the bent part it didn't take nearly as long to make the switch. I've never had any problems with the spin mode that I've read about on other threads – my x-pole has great spin. I also do not find the chrome finish to be overly slippery. I also like that the pole came with a sturdy, fabric carrying case which I've found very useful. The only real issue I've had with the pole is that the ball bearings broke, but X-Pole sent me a new height adjuster for free, which I really appreciated. Every time I've spoken with an X-Pole representative I've had great customer service.
I'm curious about the PS Extreme Super Pole Multi Piece though. It is a little more expensive (although I do have a $25 gift certificate to PS which will lower the price a bit). I have heard the finish is really slippery, but I've been fine on our studio PS poles and my friend (who has a PS pole) says it has been stickier ever since she cleaned it with acetone. I do like the idea of only having to pull a pin to make it spin, although I know the pole can still move a tiny bit when the pin is in (but I guess that doesn't really make a difference). It would be nice not having to worry about joints like I do for my X-Pole, although I've heard the PS threads can get stuck too. One thing I'm worried about though is that the adjuster cover is not flush with the pole and sticks out a bit (even though the edges on the top are slanted). My friend says she doesn't really notice it but I feel like I would be really conscious of it (our studio poles are permanent so they don't have this). Also, apparently the PS pole only comes with a cardboard carrying case unless you pay extra for a better one. I have no idea what the case is like or how sturdy it is and how long it would last, plus I like the fact that my X-Pole fabric case folds up easily and doesn't take up much space. Another big issue I'm worried about is, what happens if my pole breaks? I emailed PS asking about this and they said the pole has a 1yr warranty during which you don't have to pay for replacement parts that arise from manufacturing issues. X-Pole's warranty lasts 6 months for manufacturing issues, but when the ball bearings in my pole broke (pretty sure that was not a manufacturing issue) I had had the pole for over a year and they still replaced that part for free. I have no idea if PS would do that, but I do know that their customer service is supposed to have drastically improved in the last year or so…
Does anyone else have experience owning both removable poles? Any thoughts on the above?
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12 Replies
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Do you actually take the pole places? If not then I would not be so concerned about the case. I also believe that people have purchased ski cases to carry their poles which work out a little better than even the ones supplied.
It was my understanding that you could still make the PS pole a top loading if you so chose to. I want to say that a few have done that but I may be remembering incorrectly. I think they may even have that as an option when you purchase the pole.
I think it is good to have poles from each company and different finishes so that you can see the difference. I am not a spinny person but pulling the pin is probably the one big plus that PS has.
I do know that PS is still having issues with the machining of the multi piece poles (at least they were about 6 months ago, maybe not now). The breaking issue was fixed by them making the threads longer than they used to be. My friend had pieces that were not threaded properly so they did not fit together. It took I want to say 2-3 weeks to fix that problem.
As for the sticking, purchase anti-seize spray before putting it together the first time and you should be fine.
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The case for the PS is like a large metal briefcase. It’s got foam inside to fit all of the pieces and has wheels on the bottom so you don’t have to carry it. It also has combination locks. If you are going to be traveling ALOT or if you plan on taking it on a plane/train/boat/bus/horse drawn carriage/etc., it’s probably worth it.
As for the finish, stainless is slippery as hell when it’s new. The more you use it the grippier it gets, so if you are willing to “break it in” it ends up being a really great finish to work on. -
any tips for breaking it in besides cleaning it with acetone?
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Oh and Yes, you can make your PS pole top or bottom loading depending on your preferance.
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Acetone is the best cleaner I have found for it… Other than that, have lots of pole parties so other people can do the work for you 😉
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unless PS has redone the case since last year, it's not actually metal– it's hard carboard with printed metallic laminate paper on it, and metal on the corners only. when they shipped mine to me, the case was already busted- the pole pieces had come loose during transit and completely ripped through one part of the case.
back then when i bought my PS, it took me about 2 months of back and forth to get enough pieces to put a pole together that threaded properly. not sure how it is now.
I believe that the multipiece pole ships slightly less polished than the one piece– every mutli piece i've been on has been perfectly sticky out of the box, but i'm used to stainless and it's my preferred finish. it's tough to say, YMMV!
another factor to note is that the PS pole stays in place with FRICTION– the top piece isn't a dome, its a plate, and it's not as large. If the pole is loose, the entire thing WILL slip out, unlike an xpole, which is made so that the dome will shift and keep the pole up. just something to note, because while you should check a removable pole each time you use it, it does make me much more leery of using the multipece PS pole on spin mode.
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The case I have is 3+ years old and is definitely not cardboard. I would suggest calling PS and asking them about anything you are unsure of. They have always been more than happy to answer any questions I’ve had.
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hm…I probably use spin mode more than I use static so that's definitely something I'll keep in mind…
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I've not had my PS one piece come down. The ceiling place is fully covered in the grippy silicone, so it has more surface area to grip than the x pole. I have pix of my 1 piece (including the base and top in my album.) I made mine top loading. For the multi, you need to tell them you want to make it top loading so they can include a special adapter.
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I leave the PS multi-piece on spinning all the time. Never had an issue with it coming down. The plate is very grippy, but like ANY and EVERY pole, you really need to check it prior to use, ie some times things start moving, unscrewing, carpet settles, etc. PS cases on the other hand, have never seemed to be worth the money. Granted my last case was a free gift with the new extreme pole when it came out a few years back, but it is considerably more trouble than it was worth, and in using it, have incurred damage to the pole. And it is not the hard case that I see on their site now, so I don't think they sell it any more.
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With heavy use, i’ve had both ps and XPOLE loosen and come down. All poles CAN. I’m merely stating that a PS and XPOLE react differently when they actually do.
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Like Chem said, if you like the style of the Xpole bag, get a snowboarding bag. I saw a few of them while waiting in line at the airport a few months ago and it would totally fit. Im currently working on storage bag for my ssa, im hoping to submit it to them as a possible option for a carrying bag. I also do like like the quick pin pull and your instantly on spin.
When we opened the boxes for my stage at AGT, I asked if we could clean it down with rubbing alcohol. Having past experiences with new poles out of the box, I knew there could be something film like on the pole from packaging. My producer was impressed how easily it came together as well (she had only worked with xstage previously). I wipe mine down with alcohol but I want to get some of the cleaner Itac makes, I used it at the Annapolis studio on the brass poles and I liked the way it cleaned.
Your best bet is to give PS a call. Erica has been great since shes joined the PS team and is really helpful as well.
Just like everyone else said, before you start poling, just do a quick saftey check.
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