Best finish for X-Pole?

Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace started this discussion · 9/27/2013

About to buy an X-Pole for the first time and I'm not sure which finish to choose. I know most people probably have chrome, but I've heard it can be very slippery. When I was at Body & Pole in New York I found their stainless steel poles SO frustratingly slippery.... I do want to improve my grip strength by challenging myself on something other than brass, but I also don't want to be screaming at my new pole because I can't do anything on it haha.... Any advice would be very welcome, thanks! The options are below: * XX XS Pole Finishes: Chrome Finish Titanium Silver Finish Titanium Gold Finish Hi-grade Stainless Solid Brass Tubing

9 replies

SmilingFox · 9/27/2013
I started poling in February, and I got a Chrome xpole in March. I will be honest, I was frustrated for a month or two. I could go to class at a studio, which had stainless poles, and perform a move or pose, and then come home unable to do it. I would slip down the pole. I have gotten used to it, and honestly prefer my own pole, but it was rough for a bit. I did have a bit of victory though in learning to play on the chrome. I kept thinking, "If I learn on a slippery pole, I will be able to use any pole and not rely on grip aids." It took a bit to break in the pole then get familiar with it, but I use it all the time and then not worry too much about grip on other poles I use. I do use grip aids on occasion, alcohol it every session (multiple times, if learning something new) and steam clean the pole every now and then to keep it grippy. The studio I go to has 2 chrome xpoles that nearly everyone else will avoid because the poles are "too slippery," but I usually don't have any troubles with them. I have never used a brass pole, so I don't really know how they compare. Since you have already used a brass pole, I don't think you will have the troubles I had. I was starting from scratch, learning grip technique and strength from the beginning. I think that had a lot to do with my issues. Terribly sweaty hands, being the other main issue as well. :-)
chemgoddess1 · 9/27/2013
Do you have the opportunity to try the different finishes anywhere? And I am jealous that they offer the titanium silver there.
Dancing Paws · 9/27/2013
So many factors are involved that it is best to try them out first. Skin type and climate are factors. Did you struggle on stainless because you were sweating or you had smooth skin? If you aren't sweaty and struggle with
Dancing Paws · 9/27/2013
Grip because you have soft smooth ski n titanium gold might be good. Make sure you find out if the titanium silver is high shine polish or matte. I recall seeing photos of it and it looked matte, which can cause major grip issues on soft dry skin.
Pinkie Pip · 9/28/2013
We use either chrome or stainless at class, but at home I have titanium gold. Its certainly grippier, and I had read this from reviews so thats why I bought it. I think it helps me get to grips with moves so to speak so when its time for class i manage to nail them on their poles too
Veena · 9/28/2013
Titanium!!!! Powder coated is my fav, but titanium is next for me!
Dancing Paws · 9/28/2013
Some ladies love brass, but honestly its a gamble. Some girls slide really bad on it, some have super mega painful death grip on it (like me.) Powder coat is interesting. I am noticing that solid opaque colored pc is much gripper than the transparent pc colors. Is the veena pole a clear color over an opaque? If that is the case I'm betting its the smoother less grippy type (but still pretty damn grippy.) Note that x pole will be releasing pc sometime soon! I have a feeling they will be the opaque PC, and they
Dancing Paws · 9/28/2013
The pc xpole will be available world wide. That's why the release if taking forever.
Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace · 9/28/2013
Ok thanks for the advice ladies. I already have a brass pole so I want to try something different, to challenge and strenthen my grip. Oooo decisions....