Armonia started this discussion ·
hi! Ive been going to classes for 4 months now and Im looking into buying a home pole to continue to practice. I want an Xpole, but Im questioning to buy a 50 mm or a 45mm? We have a 50mm at the studio were I go to class, but would a 45 mm be easier to grip? chrome? or other finish? help! thanks!
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Are you a shortie? If so, then a 45mm is my suggestions (especially since you already have exposure to the 50mm's at the studio.) Even if you are a taller girl, I'd still go with the 45 for the variety and the easier hand grip. I find the 45mm to be so much easier than the 50mm's (personally.) I am a shortie with small hands, so the 45 is good for grip. I had originally gotten a 50mm for my home and HATED IT! I got fed up and got the 45 (and haven't looked back!) The 45 really isn't that much harder for leg grip, and it is much easier for knee pit grips. Check out my photo albun comparing the diameters: https://www.studioveena.com/photos/view_album/4ee3f549-75cc-4e73-97b3-4f300ac37250
As for finish, that really depends on your body chemistry. I've not danced on chrome, but I have danced on stainless steel. One thing to consider is whether you have dry skin (even when exercising) or if you get tacky with sweat while exercising. If you are dry, the extra grip of a titanium can be good. Brass can be slick if you are dry, but not necessarily. Stainless is very difficult to grip with dry skin (I tried it and I felt like I was going to fly off in a spin), so I would imagine chrome would be sorta hard to grip as well (but don't quote me on that as I have not danced on it.) On the other hand, if you get tacky during exercise, then the stainless or chrome would be a good option as you can glide easier on it in spins, but will still be able to stick to the pole. Titanium can be good for body grip in this case, but it can give you mega pole burn on your wrists. Spins will also be a little more difficult on a TG in this case as the friction between your hand and the titanium is greater, so it slows you down in a spin. Brass is not a good option in that case as it can be too grippy and feel like your skin is going to rip. Hope that helps!
FeeDen ·
I agree with Sensualscimitar, I originally learnt at home with a 50mm but I got a 45mm a year later and really love it, I got the chopper straight away and just felt much more confident with grip etc,. It's a matter of preference but I read all the threads on here before I bought the 45mm and Im glad I did, I love it, and thigh holds and leg holds didn't really feel much different than on the 50mm.
FeeDen ·
I meant to add that I have chrome, which works for me most of the time in the U.k.
FeeDen ·
sorry I sent before I'd finished, I find chrome very very slippy in the winter when its cold here even when I'm really warmed up I still spend 30 mins sliding down it, and I have to really heat up the room before fhand, but I find the grip generally ok for the rest of the year.
JenLFG ·
i am 5 foot 6 inches tall, i feel like i have kinda bigger hands, i have a 50mm & a 45mm & i prefer the 45mm. i prefer stainless, powder coated OR titanium gold for the grip they provide. && of course get the tallest pole you can! :)
I am very short, I have huge hands, I live in a hot and humid area, and I sweat like a race horse (seriously, the pole has sweat drops on it after I work out). I tried only stainless steel coating and crome (didn't want TG because I think its ugly and there is no way I'm installing something like that in the middle of my living room). Chrome is by far my favorite, I feel like I practically stick to the pole without putting any effort into it. Stainless steel felt like it had no grip at all - no matter how much I cleaned it, it felf wet because of the humid air. I started working out with 50mm pole like you, and then moved to another studio that had 45mm poles, but bought a 50mm one for myself because I prefer the veraiety and challenge. I don't feel that the 50mm pole is much harder to work with (probably becaue of the hands, though), but the 45 ones are more secure. I do think that the fact that I work out with a bigger pole at home helps me advance faster in class. Since I'm short, moves that require "wrapping" your body around the pole (i,e - ballerina) are harder for me on 50mm. Be sure to get the model that has spin mode, they rock :)
Armonia ·
EVERYBODY!!! wow, thanks! great advice! I'm average 5ft 7 but my hands are not smal haha! I will def go with the 45mm! this helps me make a desicion!! I'm looking foward having this at home! xo
