How long did it take to adjust to a new pole???

ReDD Velvet started this discussion · 11/30/2011

Hi all! I'm pretty new to the site but so far it seems like such a supportive community <3 Anyway, I recently bought an Xpole titanium gold pole and was super excited to set it up. The studio where i take lessons at has skinny brass poles and we just started working on the butterfly. I'm finding the TG to be a real challenge to get used to after working on brass. My spins are all fine, and I can invert..but I feel like I freeze when I invert and can't do much else because I feel like i'll fall on my head. Has anyone else experienced this? Any advice on how to adjust to the new metal??

6 replies

distracted · 11/30/2011
I hate to say this, but it's in your head. That's not saying your concerns aren't valid, but just realize that it's a mental block you're having. The first time you go to a pole that's made from a different material is a scary thing, especially if it's a brand new pole that hasn't been "broken in" before. There's also a trust issue. Personally, I didn't find there to be much of a difference between brass and TG, but I also play on chrome at home. If it's the studio I'm thinking of, you're also going from a 38mm brass to either a 45mm or a 50mm TG. The size change itself makes a big difference. Can you invert on the 50mm poles at the studio? What I tell my students who freeze when they invert is that even though they might slide down initially, they will very rarely fall. To actually fall, you have to completely let go of the pole with your hands and legs. I've "fallen" out of moves (no limbs on pole) and still managed to catch onto the pole after falling a foot. Your body will instinctively reach out for something. Anyways, just keep practicing on your pole and learn to trust it. When I first installed my XPert, I didn't trust it enough to go upside down because I thought it would fall on me. After a week, I had enough faith in the pole to try things. After two weeks, it was as though I was playing at the studio. I also got my boyfriend to just "hold" the pole whenever I inverted just to make sure it was stable for my own peace of mind. Can you get someone to "spot" you? Once you've done it enough and know that it's safe, you'll start to trust and be more adventurous. Sometimes, you just have to go balls out and go for it. If you're feeling like you don't have enough grip, get a grip aid. Hope that helps! (The TG is so awesome--so jealous!)
Brumby · 11/30/2011
I have to disagree, distracted. It is NOT in your head. I'm new on a TG and the pole stickiness makes a huge difference, as does the diameter of the pole. I have a chrome x-pole and it can be tough to spit grip on the darn thing. I use windex and acetone to clean the pole and have to wipe it before I attempt a TG handspring, or I might fall and hurt myself. The studio has a lot grippier poles, they are stainless, but I suspect they have accumulated residual grip aid over time, and that's what makes them so grabby. You should try a grip aid, like Gorilla grip at home, when you get a little buildup on your pole, you may find it easier to keep from sliding. Other than that, just practice, and condition and your hands WILL get strong enough to hold onto any pole!
hookedonpole · 11/30/2011
When I went through decision-making for my pole couple years ago debating between titan gold vs chrome, it was sooo hard. I ended up with 50mm titan gold and was scared in the beginning; I expected great grip and no slipperyness. But when I got it and started practicing it was so slippery and thought I spent too much money. But I was encouraged to clean it and give it some time. Not too long after, I loved it. I recently got a 45mm and again struggled with which finish to get. I ended up getting chrome and wondering if I made a mistake and should have stuck with titan gold. It's hard to tell though because it's winter and room is quite cold. I may put my 50mm titan gold up and see if there's a difference in the same cold weather. My husband is going to kill me LOL When I got the 45mm, I told him we should take the 50mm totally apart and put in carrying bag. He said "Heck no!, want to make sure you aren't going to want it back up." It's standing in a corner haha I know I won't get as good as top polers who can work on any pole, so need something that I can get the best out of at home. Time will tell with my 45 chrome and if it's just need time or go back to titan gold, ugh. BTW Lindsay, what size did you get?
JeHanne · 11/30/2011
Not all finishes jive with each of our bodies. So many factors like our skin, moisture levels of our skin, humidity, temperature, diameter of pole all play a part. You may want to practice, practice and practice some more on the new metal. Don't do anything crazy until you are confident with it. Be safe! I would suggest experimenting with different grip aids. Just to begin building a comfort level with the metal and seeing what may or may not help you grip to it. Also maybe a small room heater to help warm the metal a bit. It is really so much experimentation. I hope that this finish does work out well for you.
ReDD Velvet · 12/1/2011
@hookedonpole: I got the 45mm! Thank you all for your replies and your advice. My Itac came yesterday in the mail and it does make a bit of a difference, i guess it is just a matter of being patient and practicing my butt off until i get used to it. Glad to know i'm not alone though!!! :)
nymphdancer · 12/1/2011
your so not alone! I never could really use my stainless steel. My chome is MUCH better and easier for me to do things on, I had them both up at the same time for awhile and would go back and forth between the two and it was so crazy what I could do on the chrome that I couldn't do on the Stainless. Heck and still can't do. I finally took the stainless down. One club that I go to has a brass one I get to play on and that is the bomb.com! I did my first real teddy on it my first layback ect. because I never could stop sliding enough to do them on the stainless.