Pole diameter experiences?

ScoopAway started this discussion · 7/14/2013

Hello. I'm trying to decide between and 45mm and 50mm chrome x-pole. I'm sure you've all heard that or been there before. xD The instructor at the studio suggests I get the 50mm so that advanced tricks are easier to pick up. We use 50mms at the studio. The problem is x-poles are supposedly slippery and I've heard too many stories on the internet about women who purchase the 50mm and regret it because of poor grip. 45mm has better grip and 50mm is better for advanced tricks. Does anyone have experience with both? What would you recommend and why? I'm not sure whether or not I have small hands. Thank you for your time!

11 replies

frenchhornprof · 7/14/2013
I have a 45mm (TG, not Chrome), and I much prefer that diameter. I think it's easier to do hand grip related tricks on a 45, especially if your hands are smaller. Bottom line, I'm glad I got the 45.
ScoopAway · 7/14/2013
Thanks thats the one I'm leaning towards. It doesn't pinch your thighs/elbows/shoulders more than the 50? If it does is it something you can get used to? Some people say there are holds you just cant do on the 45. Idk how true that is.
calipolepixie · 7/14/2013
I have a 50 mm chrome & it was good when I was a beginner but once I got into intermediate & advanced holds & inverts, I found a 45 mm was alot easier to grip & execute SG & TG moves. My next pole will definitely be a 45 mm titanium gold.
ScoopAway · 7/14/2013
Kk most people seem to say 45. I wonder why my instructor seems to insist on a 50. I think Ill wind up ordering the 45 and if it proves difficult I'll just have to get used to it.
kasanya · 7/14/2013
Better questions to ask: Are you bigger than average or have big hands? You might prefer a 50mm. Are you smaller than average or have small hands? You might prefer a 45mm. Are you a tiny, petite little thing? You might prefer a 40mm. Are you planning to dance in clubs? They usually have thicker poles. You might prefer a 50mm. Are you planning to dance in non-exotic pole competitions? 45mm chrome seems to be the standard for those in North America. Do you want to be able to easily transition between your home and studio poles? Go with what they use. Do you want a good resale value for your pole? Go with a 45mm. It's easy to find second hand 50mm poles, but not many people are parting with 45mm ones.
Lyme Lyte · 7/14/2013
Go with the 45! I have a 50, 45 and 38 and it is easier doing things on a smaller pole!
Veena · 7/14/2013
It's not uncommon for instructors to suggest the diameter used in their studio. 45mm is becoming standard, so if you plan on competing then going with that size might be nice. I personally never use my 50mm and love my 45s. 🥂 The SV pole is also a 45mm pole btw. 😉
Lina Spiralyne · 7/15/2013
I've got one thing I'd like to add to kasanya's questionaire :): Do you like to work on spinning pole/plan to do it later - go for the 45 mm. You'll need a good hand grip. I, like many others started on a 50 mm (I guess because that's what they had in the studio I went to back then) and as long as I was below advanced level it probably didn't make much of a difference. But then when I got to all the handsprings etc where there's no contact with the body, and also as I liked to work on spin, I switched to 45 and never went back to 50. I suppose the 45 pinches knee pits a little more, but I never paid that much attention to it. But I don't like to do a CAR on a spinning 45 mm.
ScoopAway · 7/15/2013
Woah thanks you guys. I do want to do things on spin because they involve more movement. I am 5'5 with I think average hands. It seems like most people suggest a 45. Besides it doesnt seem THAT much smaller than a 50. I'll probobly go with the 45. Thanks for your time everyone! Huge help!
dustbunny · 7/15/2013
Hopefully this will help put your mind at ease. There is NOTHING that CAN'T be done on any of the commonly available sizes. :) Hand grip is generally better/easier on a smaller diameter, and leg grips are generally better/easier on a larger diameter. But I originally learned how to sit on a 38mm, the smallest. It was fine. You will just get used to whatever you have. :)
FeeDen · 7/15/2013
I started with a 50mm 3 years ago, but after a year got a 45mm, it was much easier for grip and I didn,t really notice too much difference with the leg grips, I'm 5ft 5 with small but not tiny hands, I would def say go with 45mm.