Hey. I have a LMR Black, Painted pole, and a Xpole (50mm chrome) and I am in the process, like picking up-next week, a Stainless Steel rotator from a seller I've found. If i weren't getting a great deal, on a pole that I am familiar with, I would look into a brass pole. Funny enough, there is a building on 72nd street that has an overlay, with brass legs, and I'm ALWAYS passing by there, and doing a hold/lift on their pole.
I had been happy with my LM pole for some time, until I started taking classes at a studio, and found that I can spin (on stationary), and slide (ex. exit a superman, slink down) smoother. I too have torn my skin due to the stickiness of the pole. I do not plan on selling my painted Rotator, but either having both up, or switching out the poles from time to time. I also had the problem with the screw in the ceiling. This prevented me from tightening my pole. But my husband has placed a wooded piece there, and now it is not a problem.
The XPole is kept in my bedroom, and I find it to be slippery. This isn't a big deal, because you get more grip, as you warm the pole. I don't use it as often because of space, and my room is usually freezing, but since my bedroom is carpeted, and my poleroom is not, I can practice different things comfortably. Plus hubby demands we keep it there. Lol!
