Horrible Grip on Brushed Steel Pole

Tarapebbles started this discussion · 7/7/2012

OK, so I dance at this event space and they have a man made 22ft pole. I think its brushed steel which gives NO grip. It feels and looks like the bottom of an alumium can. I have tried itac2, firm grip, and dry hands (even though sweat is not the problem) if I clean it with alchohol its way too slippery, I still climb to the top but I don't dare do tricks that high up. Wondering if it's possbile to get it polished or finished??? OR, if anyone can recommend a super sticky grip that might be better? THANKS! (only plus side is it makes my xpoles feel SOOO easy, I guess it's good for building strength)

26 replies

JeHanne · 7/7/2012
I haven't used Brushed Steel before... would thigh high boots offer any grip? I'd probably end up doing more dancey stuff moves and keep my feet on the floor with that type of finish. Sounds dangerous!
Tarapebbles · 7/7/2012
i tried boots and it was way worse if you can believe that. it IS dangerous, i do the same tricks over and over. but the reason they hired me and not a regular gogo dancer or stripper was because they wanted someone to be able to use the whole pole, i get paid well to dance so I can't complain, just wish i could do more on it, i'd get so much better too.
Aviva · 7/7/2012
I am glad you brought this up and do not wish to highjack your thread, however I have heard that both the brass and ss from X-pole are brushed which is supposed to be "enhanced grip". I have worked on brushed ss and it was never possible for me personally to grip it. Ever. Even with DRYHANDS. I am wondering if anyone has had experience with either of the two or if both and found the brass is grippy but the ss is not, or they are both not grippy.... I wish I could explain why brushed isn't grippy but I really don't know enough about that kind of stuff. I just know what works for me so far.
Tarapebbles · 7/7/2012
I am assuming it's brushed because its not polished, it is very matte and not shiny. I love my xpoles which are chrome and titanium, have not used the xpole brass one.
JeHanne · 7/7/2012
Tarapebbles... be careful on that pole! If you can pole on that you can pole on anything! Aviva, I don't know enough about those finishes to offer feedback, hopefully someone can offer some good info. I prefer SS, then chrome, then brass. I like powder coat but it burns my skin so I rarely use it.
CapFeb · 7/7/2012
I work with brushed aluminum at my club. Vinyl makes it so much worse, but treated leather MIGHT work? Sometimes bare skin is the best thing, unfortunately :/
Cherished · 7/8/2012
What about trying Cramer Firm Grip spray? It's really really sticky.
Tarapebbles · 7/8/2012
I use the cramer firm grip (which I find too sticky for my xpoles) but it still doesn't work great, I like the itac better, but only used 2, has anyone used itac 3 or 4????
Paunobs · 7/8/2012
I use itac 4 at times but also find I need to put a touch of dry hands on top to stop the slip ! I prefer it to itac 2.
Paunobs · 7/8/2012
I also have the brushed brass x pole! If my skin is dry I slip. really helps with that! And making sure my skin is well moisturised a day before I pole.
Tarapebbles · 7/8/2012
@Paunobs... Thanks! Yes, I DO feel like my legs are too dry for the brush finish. i will try the . I have pole pyshics lotion but always afraid to put it on right before I pole.
chemgoddess1 · 7/8/2012
I have been on a brushed steel pole before and I will agree that they SUCK! There is a product called Grrrip that I know a few work with (http://www.titansupport.com/products/workout-essentials/grrrip-lotion.html) that may be an option. If the club is not willing to take the pole down then there is not much you can do. If you feel unsafe on the pole DO NOT attempt stuff aerially. A friend of mine totally crashed onto her back doing an ayesha.....it was not pretty. There are many different types of brushing. Typically clubs are going to go with the cheapest option which is going to be a cheap stainless or even galvanized steel pole. I ahve not been on the X SS or brass so I cannot comment on those poles.
amy · 7/8/2012
Can you have them wrap the pole with tape, or liquid latex? Anything? :/
Tarapebbles · 7/8/2012
i just ordered some ultra , hope that will help my skin on my legs @amy i'm wondering if i could find a cheap option to somehow finish the pole with something I bet they would. what kind of tape? and I know nothing about liquid latex?
Tarapebbles · 7/8/2012
and thanks for all the words and advice guys! xoxox :)
chemgoddess1 · 7/9/2012
Look into powder coating the pole. I know of quite a few people here who have had it done at a body shop and the cost was under $100. The only problem I see with both tape and liquid latex is both of them are going to need constant replacement. I am also not sure how well liquid latex sticks to metal....
amy · 7/9/2012
I've seen poles taped. they do need constant replacement, and it can be too much grip to do some tricks, but i wasn't sure if the 22 foot pole was one piece and instaleld in place... in which case it'd be hard to have it powder coated unless you know someone who can do something like an electrostatic spray on site.
Dancing Paws · 7/9/2012
I second Chemmie. If grips aids don't work on the brushed steel, powder coating will do the trick.
Dancing Paws · 7/9/2012
btw, have you tried corn huskers lotion and pole?
IttyBitty · 7/15/2012
Hi ladies I just got a chrome xpole and I slip very easily. I have gloves which help my hands but not the rest of me. Any suggestions on what I can put on the pole itself?
Tarapebbles · 7/15/2012
my came and I like it for the brushed steel. thanks @ittybitty I have a chrome xpole and when I first got it, it was so slick. USE DRY HANDS eventually the coating will go away and will have a better grip. (I also use itac sometimes but not too much, and wash the pole with rubbing alcohol)
Dancing Paws · 7/16/2012
ittybitty - I suggest buying some corn huskers lotion and slathering it on your points of contact. Once the factory finish comes off the pole, the chrome should have better grip.
IttyBitty · 7/16/2012
Thanks sensualcimitar & Tarapebbles I'm gonna try it all. I'm ready to get my pole on ASAP!
QueenJewell · 7/17/2012
Hi everyone! Can anyone tell me how long the xpole will be slippery? I've had it for over a month and it's still slippery but I don't use it often because it's so slippy. I've used alcohol and windex.
Tarapebbles · 7/17/2012
@queenjewell the more you use the xpole the faster it will get a better grip. Invite friends over and all play on it a bunch that will help, Ive had mine for 3 yrs now and its sooo much better than the first yr I had it. Dry hands grip helps a ton!!!!! I know its frustrating at first but keep at it, you will be glad you did :)

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