Pole brand for newbie

DharmaDancer started this discussion · 1/6/2013

Hi all... I've been lurking a while and have been really impressed by the threads and the kind manner in which you all address each other. I'm really excited about poling, I've taken a couple classes and been surprised at being both both fairly adept and also really sweaty hands-wise. I'm wanting to commit to a permanent home pole but the steel poles at my studio are so slippery for me, I'm shocked to discover how debilitated I am by sweaty hands! I didn't even know I had sweaty hands! I find I stick better to brass. Online I've found custom brass spinning/static at PoleDanzer.com but I haven't noticed that brand come up on any threads. Does anyone have a positive or negative experience with them? I see they are pricey, but I have lower than standard ceiling height and I haven't found another brass pole manufacturer that does custom sizes. Thank you for any input and hello to all, especially ChemGoddess who seems like someone I'd love to be friends with!

14 replies

calipolepixie · 1/6/2013
I dont know about pole danzer poles but I LOVE my Xpole. You might like/do well with a titanium gold xpole Also check out lil mynx poles.
Dancing Paws · 1/6/2013
There are tons of threads on this. It comes down to preference I fyou want a 1 piece, then PS, PD, or LM. If you want a multi, the x pole. I've heard nothing but good things about Pole Danzer. Platinum stages also makes a good removable 1 piece, and it comes in more diameters (PD only has 50mm.) Lilmynx is a good begineer pole. I have sweaty hands, and grip wise, brass is best on my hands, but it overgrips my body.
Charley · 1/6/2013
I can so relate - I have the sweatiest hands EVER! I started on a Lil Mynx powder coated pole and that was not so good for my hands because the sweat just kind of sat on top of the paint. I move to stainless steel - which was better but not by a lot. I then moved to X-pole and found the chrome was much more user friendly - then I moved to 45 chrome and that was really nice. Last year I broke down and the X-pole titanium 45 and that has yeilded the best results for me. I have talked to other sweaty hand girls who have said chrome wasn't easier for them - so it's really how about your body chemistry. I don't recommend brass at all. I find it is like the powder coated - really grippy on my body but my hands are a mess, a huge mess. Since you have really sweaty hands - take all that into account but you should also look into a antiperspirant like Tite Grip or Dirty Girl Poletice ( a mud mask fro y our hands to prevent sweating.) that will make all of the finishes much better for you and I do recommend smaller diameter poles for dancers with sweaty hands - doesn't stop the sweating but they are easier to manage since you can grip your hand around the pole better. Just my 2 cents. *everyone with sweaty hands has different ways of dealing with it and might have different advice - this is just my findings. :)
DharmaDancer · 1/6/2013
Thank you for the advice, ladies! Too bad there's not a shop somewhere that has every option and manufacturer for sampling. It's an expensive potential mistake to purchase the wrong pole. It's funny how much one discovers about oneself when trying a totally new physical thing...sweaty hands, physical abilities and unexpected fears, good days when things are easy and bad days where the stuff one accomplished yesterday is suddenly so difficult! It's a journey for the mind and body...and wallet lol..
Charley · 1/6/2013
It really is. My first pole was a crappy Peak-a-boo and it fell over while I was on it. I was so scared of poles after that! When I went to purchase my second pole - I was afraid of anything that didn't bolt in. 6 years and 12 poles later lol...
Saphyre · 1/6/2013
Hey, Charley, will there be multiple pole finishes to check out at the Michigan festival? I want to purchase a second pole for the hot, sweaty summer months (I have 45mm chrome), and can't decide between TG and Brass. I can only control the sweaty hands to a degree in summer, and I can handle not doing spins at home, but I need the stick for tricks at home. I had heard that there wasn't much of a difference between the TG and chrome in the hot, humidity. Getting too much info and can't make up my mind without touching them for myself!
Charley · 1/6/2013
Hi Saphyre, I will try to get as many X-Pole finishes as I can. The pole will also be on sale at the Festival too for a really good discount. Last year we had the TG and Chrome in 40-45-50mm. I will try and see if I can get a brass, if not, I will look into purchasing one for the event :)
CD Hussey fka Jivete · 1/6/2013
I have a brass and a chrome pole, and thought the brass was the bee's knees before it got cold. Now it's a little better, but I'm thinking of selling my chrome and getting a TG. The chrome is 50 mm and I much prefer 45 mm. I barely stick to chrome ever. I have super sweaty hands too. I've ordered some mighty grip gloves and I'm hoping that helps.
Lyme Lyte · 1/6/2013
I had a fellow Veena member over today and she couldn't believe how slick my brass was too. She has used other brass so could compare the difference. Can't wait until I get my grip aid samples from MIGHTY GRIP! :)
Saphyre · 1/6/2013
Just to clarify, I would only use the brass or TG in the warm, humid summer. It doesn't seem like a good cold weather choice. I love my chrome the rest of the year!! Thanks, Charley! Looking forward to meeting you and checking out other pole finishes! - Susan O
Lyme Lyte · 1/6/2013
Yeah, I might buy another Pole there too.
Charley · 1/6/2013
I actually really like the TG in winter too. When I was teaching in studios one of them had tg's and chrome 45's and tended to be on the very cold side when class would start and I could still manage on the TG with , the chrome wouldn't cooperate as well. I know people compare TG to brass and having worked on both - it's not the same with my body chemistry - I do feel like the brass is slippy in winter but not the TG. Also just to add - for winter dryness you can always try or Pole Physics - I use both products and have been having an easier time this winter because of them. Pole Physics keeps my skin healthy and moiturized and the gives some added tack on those days where I am super, duper dry.
Lyme Lyte · 1/6/2013
Yes, Megan was over today and she has a TG at home, she said she couldn't belive the difference between that and my brass. She really stuggled with the brass. I had a full can of Cramers sprayed on it! We did clean it as well, and that was still as bad. BTW, I am just ordering my tickets for the Detroit show now. :)
Saphyre · 1/6/2013
I should be getting my Cramers this week, Lyme! Won't be able to use it yet, but I can still spray some on and pretend..You might soon be getting a prize for the most poles in a residence!