40 or 45?

Rachel12345 started this discussion · 3/21/2012

I have a 50mm chrome X pole already but I want to get a second one for days when the arthritis in my hands is acting up. I would still be using the 50 every week in my lessons but thought a smaller pole could help me with technique. I was planning on getting a 45mm either a chrome or TG xsport but then I found the 40mm chrome xsport. Obviously I now want all of them but can only afford one :( Do you think the difference between 40 and 50 is too much? Unfortunately I don't know of anywhere with poles that small to try for myself.

16 replies

Dancing Paws · 3/21/2012
I've done all 3. It took me a short time to get used to the 45 going from a 50. When I went and tried the 38, I had no problem as I was used to really squeezing on the 45. I think it would be difficult to go from a 50 to a 40 right away, but it's totally possible. I found certain knee pit based moves to be much easier on the 38 compared to my 45 (like the star and the modified cupid.) It will be tougher to do thigh holds at first, but you get used to it pretty quickly. Here is my comparison album of pole sizes with my hands. https://www.studioveena.com/photos/view_album/4ee3f549-75cc-4e73-97b3-4f300ac37250
Rachel12345 · 3/21/2012
How are spins on the smaller poles? For now that's mostly what I'm working on. My hands look about the same size as yours, I didn't realise the 50 was so big compared to the other two. That 5mm makes a huge difference.
Dancing Paws · 3/21/2012
Spins are MUCH easier on my 45 than my 50. The 38 I was on was only spin mode, but I'm positive it would be easier since the hand grip is better.
Veena · 3/21/2012
Sensual is right...Spins on smaller poles are easier on the joints too. At least for me. You'll feel like you can hold on forever! You'll have to adjust a bit to either size so I say, go with which ever you like. 🌸
Rachel12345 · 3/21/2012
I have been running around my house with a tape measure, the only thing with the same diameter is the neck a bottle of vodka haha. That is tiny but it definitely be easier on my hands.
Rachel12345 · 3/21/2012
Same as a 40 that is
Veena · 3/21/2012
Lol
Dancing Paws · 3/21/2012
I also find the smaller diameters easier on my wrists.
Rachel12345 · 3/21/2012
The annoying thing is, I got the 50mm because I had arthritis in my knees only and it would be easier on my legs. Now it's in my hands too :( I'll just have both poles up at once, one for leg things and one for hands :) Thanks for all the help, I'm going to get the 40 so it's easier on my wrists. 😀
FeeDen · 3/22/2012
I originally got a 50mm sport but after a year bought a 45mm Xpert because of joint pain in my fingers. The 5mm difference didn't seem like much but I could get my fingers around the pole and I was able to attempt thing I didn't feel comfortable with on the 50mm. I think a 40mm would be great and I'm sure you would soon adjust with thigh holds etc and if you are keeping your 50mm it would def be a good choice.. Let us know how you get on. I want one now :)
Dancing Paws · 3/22/2012
If you like the smaller diameters, you could always end up selling your 50mm and after time goes by and end up with 1 of each (a 45 and a 40.)
So4Niki · 3/22/2012
I decided for a 45mm XPert, the 40mm was not available at this time. I will offer also 40/ 45/ and 50mm poles, starting with a 45mm prototype soon.
Sarahb69 · 3/22/2012
I work on all 3 x-pole sizes. I have both a 50mm and 40mm up in my house. The studio where I teach , we have 50 and 45mm poles. So far, the only move I'm having issues moving from one diameter to the other is my Iron X work. I do it on the 40mm at home. I've tried it at the studio on the 45mm and I'm ok with it, but cannot as yet play with that move on the 50mm.
Rachel12345 · 3/23/2012
My 40 arrived this morning :) It's a perfect size. I haven't used it properly yet but it feels comfortable to hold. I have to wait 3 weeks to try it out though :( unless my parents let me set it up in their house.
poletrickster · 3/23/2012
I just got a 45 spins are so much easier! Also I just have to ask you how long you have had arthritis and if you eat gluten because I had debilitating arthritis in my hands,wrists and knees until I figured out I was gluten intolerant now its has been 3 weeks since I cut it out and I have not had a single flare up.
Rachel12345 · 3/23/2012
@poletrickster - I've had it for 2 years now, I have heard that people with RA do see a massive improvement with a gluten free diet but I didn't think it would work. I will have to give it a go now, thanks for the advise :)