Powder Coated X-pole for beginner?

ashleighsheila1055 started this discussion · 10/15/2015

I'm a beginner pole dancer for just a few months, but my local pole studio recently closed so now I am looking into buying one for myself. I was originally going to buy a megabrand pole since it's cheap and I'm a beginner, but I've heard terrible things about it and that it's just all around not safe. I've decided to buy a powdered NX X-pert X-pole but since I've only ever used stainless steel, I don't know how it feels. Since I'm a beginner am I more prone to it being harsher on my skin during spins? Should I not even splurge for it since I'm a beginner? All advice is appreciated, thank you so much!

8 replies

ashleighsheila1055 · 10/15/2015
Cheaper but at the same time SAFE pole recommendations are also appreciated, thank you
Runemist34 · 10/15/2015
Hey there! Congrats on your decision to buy your own pole! The transition from studio to home-pole can be a little jarring, but it's definitely do-able. I danced on a stainless steel for quite some time as a beginner, and now that I have a powder-coated one, I honestly prefer the latter. I think I would have been more sure of my grip when I was starting out if I had a powder coated pole, which is definitely something to consider. However, yes, they can be harsh on the skin, no matter what your level! I've not torn my skin on mine, but I have heard of it occasionally happening (some people go hard). Also, if you preferred the feel of stainless, you can still go with stainless! It all depends on what you like, and what feels best for you. Also, the three "trusted" brands for the majority of pole dancers is X-Pole, Lil Mynx, and Platinum stages. It's important to get poles that are built strong and safe, because you are trusting your weight, your safety, and your strength to them! Any of those three have been tested, and are danced upon by the people here and everywhere else. I honestly would be wary of any other pole brand! Yes, they're cheaper, but much like buying a tattoo- you get what you pay for! Cheaper does not necessarily mean safe, or still useable. Please be careful!
poleisnewtome · 10/15/2015
Pole finish is a very individual thing. I use stainless steel poles in the studio but have a powder-coated pole at home. Personally, I prefer stainless steel because I find powder-coated too grippy and makes it harder for me to perform certain moves. But it's an individual preference. Everyone is different. I do think, though, that for a beginner, the type of pole is probably more important than the finish. You don't want to get a cheap pole that is dangerous to use. I would follow Runemist's advice and get a pole from Lil Mynx or X-pole. Lil Mynx makes a powder-coated static pole that is pretty affordable.
CrazyKosters · 10/16/2015
Sorry so long!! Just wanted to share some info and it is just my preference and experience. I have personally owned a chrome pole, titanium gold pole and a powder coated pole. I have used stainless steal, brass, and a pole sleeve. I prefer for myself powder coated or brass. I just got my chrome 45 xpert powder coated at a local shop black glitter :) I tend to sweat easily and my grip can be horrible even on a powder coated, but brass and powder coated have been the best so far. It depends on your skin, weather (humidity etc) and if you are really sweaty. If you found yourself constantly having to wipe the pole and or keep applying grip aids during your practice or both then you might like a powder coated. But they can be too grippy for some. It really just depends though and it can change from day to day. The ideal situation would be to try a powder coated. Or even a chrome pole or TG might be a little more grippy for you. You can always find a playground with powder coated equipment and try it out lol. If you don't have a problem with the stainless steel and you are trying to save money, they can be the cheapest of the finishes. My titanium gold was a little more grippy than stainless or chrome. Brass is awesome for me but I wouldn't want it for static spins, it's a little uncomfortable lol. I am soo ungrippy that I have to use grip aids on my powder coated and when I use a brass. I get super sweaty and no matter what your pole is, sweat will make you slip and also it can gunk up the pole if you are using too much grip aids and you can get the opposite effect. So if you have to apply a lot all the time then get a grippier pole. Not all grip aids or poles are the same for everyone though. Some people find stainless steal just fine. Demographics can play a role as far as weather is concerned too. It is just all personal preference. I agree to not buy a cheap pole. Save a little more money if you have too. I have had crappy poles and seen others and they suck lol. They fall,break and even bow really bad in the middle. I had mine fall with me on it and I almost went through a 60" plasma tv. Stick with professional brands like xpole, lil minx and platinum stages and be wary of any suppliers on ebay and amazon. LOTS and lots of knock offs claiming to be xpole etc..
CrazyKosters · 10/16/2015
For safety... I personally would not get any pole other than an xpole, lil minx or platinum stages. I have owned a lil minx, and the one from spencers at the mall (not the carmen elektra one, the one meant for tricks etc.) 2 xpoles and a cheap one from amazon. I will not buy another brand other than xpole as of yet. Nothing wrong with the other 2 pro brands I mentioned, I just prefer the way it holds and doesn't make my ceiling creak like the lil minx. Also the lil minx I could pole the bottom out too easily regardless of the flooring and anti slip mat it comes with. I have used that brand on carpet and hardwood and laminate. But others have had no problems whatsoever with them. Just stick with the 3 pro brands mentioned and make sure it is installed properly and you should be fine. Stay away from the cheap amazon/ebay ones and make sure any xpole etc.. dealer is legit!!
poleisnewtome · 10/16/2015
Another thing to consider which is also an individual thing, is pole diameter. Poles come in 45 mm and 50 mm. 45 mm makes hand grip easier and 50 mm makes leg holds easier. I've used both and don't really have a preference. If your hands are really small you might prefer 45 mm. I personally prefer 50 mm. There is a lot to consider but no matter which you end up picking just make sure it is one of those 3 brands and not a toy pole.
ashleighsheila1055 · 10/16/2015
Thank you for your advice everyone! I decided against powder coated until I'm more comfortable down the road doing spins, and have decided to just get a steel Lil Mynx pole like I am comfortable with. I'm sure I'll need a brass or powder coated pole down the line, I live in FL so the weather combined with me being a sweater means I need lots of grip aids, but for now this seems like the right choice (: thank you for being so helpful!
Veena · 10/16/2015
I think you'll like the lil mynx, and honestly any finish can be worked with and the more advanced you are the better your ability to work with any finish, so you don't need to necessarily upgrade! You may want a difference size/diameter pole just because it can be nice to try smaller sizes. Since you'll have warm humid weather stainless should work well for you! When purchasing grip aids to reduce sweat avoid things like itac and . The are great grip aids but not meant for sweat! :) Have fun with your new pole and take a photo with it for us!