Sair started this discussion ·
I'm just curious as to what everyone prefers, 45mm or 50mm? Which is better/easier for which moves/tricks/spins I'd like to know if it's easier to try certain things on certain sized poles :) whatchu thinks??
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Kira ·
45 all the way! even better for me is 38... but I can't find anywhere near me that have 38s... I have small hands and find gripping on the 50 hard and frustrating at the best of times but it is a standard pole size used in competitions and most studios around here use them so I have no choice :( I personally find it easier to do most tricks on the 45 and it gives me more confidence to try new tricks without having to worry about grip problems etc. The only thing I like 50 for is that it's a little more forgiving on my legs in terms of pain but I think a lot of the nerves in my legs have long since gone after learning some pole tricks lol
I prefer a 50. I can and have used a 45 but to me they are a bit harder to work with not as much to grip. I can't even fathom using a 38, I would never be able to do anything that required thigh grip, I have been riding horses for 33 years and my thighs don't meet at the top...
Charley ·
I started on 50's and moved to 45's this past fall. Overall I can do more in a 50 but continue to train mostly on 45's these days because for my small hands the smaller diameter makes a huge difference. Leg grips are MUCH harder though and I found I hate elbow grip on a 45. I'd love to try a .38...In my head I like to think I'd look Bobbi's girls hahahaha!
Veena ·
I love my 45mm! I have both 50 and 45 but the 45 is much easier on my shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. Leg grip can feel difficult if you are use to a larger pole but over all I feel I have more control over any move that requires hand grip. Split grips are amazing on 45s! I have no trouble at all with leg grip. A 50 feels like a tree trunk to me now. lol
Sair ·
Thanks for the feedback ladies! :) I'm a pretty small gal and my little paws do have to overcompensate on the 50 for sure, but thats the size I've learned on right from the get go at the studio and it's also what I have at home. I'm just begining to realize that it is quite difficult to complete any kind of really "hand grip" focused move/spin/trick with such tiny hands on a 50mm. You're probably right about the thigh/leg holds being easier on a 50mm though, there's just more to grab obviously :) One of the studios I go to has a couple of 45mm's, i'm going to give them a shot next time i'm there :)
I originally trained on 50mm for the first six months, but I got a 45mm for home. I now prefer the 45mm but continue to use the 50 when I go into the studio, so I get experience on both. I used to think it was such a huge difference, but now I'm not really that phased.
Charley ·
I think it's good to switch between the 2 if you have the option. If you're thinking about investing a second pole I would get a 45. The x-poles are so easy to take up and down that youcould swap them out from time to time. I have 2 45's and 2 50's...I have my 45 up now but will probably replace it with my 50 since for my next show I'll be on a 50. Our studio has 5 skinnies and 6 50's so it's good for students - if you can't get something on type of pole you have the option to move. For practice sake it works well because once you nail the move you can take it to your desired pole and work on perfecting it. :)
OMG.......45mm please!!!!!!!! Now, I have a 38mm and it's fantastic!!!! I can't use my "old" 45 mm! I have a small hands and it's very more easy. Good luck!
I have never used a 50mm actually. I think I would probably fail miserably, but I still want to try it someday. I originally started on a 38mm at the studio I went to, but when buying my own pole I decided to go with a 45mm. I figured because the difference was less it would be easier to get used to. Going back and forth was never a problem, I didn't really notice much difference.
The studio where I go has oth 38mm and 50mm poles, and on the 38mm, I spin well and can do a split grip better, too - but it's not very good for climbing or sitting, anything that requires a good thigh squeeze. The 50 mm is great for climbing and sitting and a few tricks, but awful for spins. My hands are also very small, and I can't get a good grip on a thick pole like that. I have the feeling that a 45mm would likely solve all my problems. Sadly my home pole is 50 mm, as I had no idea that 45mm poles even existed. My grip just doesn't feel secure on it, and I find myself avoiding my pole, unless I'm in some mood to climb.
My original pole was a TG 50mm and I love it but the more I wanted to try split grip I bought an Xpert Sport Pole in chrome 45mm and I like to switch between the two..although my 50mm gets more love from me...
As a general rule, the thinner the pole, the easier it is to use. That said, if you use a 38mm one then then if you go somewhere and they have a 45mm you will find things much harder. My instructor recommended a 45 as it is in the middle and using that should give you the flexibility to be able to use other sizes. I know that I have no problems with the 50mm ones at the studio after practicing on the 45mm at home. The 38mm brass also at the studio are much easier, and the tricks I master at home on my 45mm are easier than at home and therefore look better for show off purposes, lmao!!
Sair ·
Thanks Ladies ;) I think I might experiment with the 45s at the studio for a while and see how it feels. I really do like to 50mm, but if it's going to be harder for gripping moves, i might have to invest in a 45mm too. It's a drag, but i do have the space for it, so might as well give it a try! Both of the poles I have right now are 50mm. This may lead to another thread actually... as i'm totally curious as to what kind of pole my first purchase was. I bought it from craigslist, it was advertised with Xpert pictures and i made the stupid assumption that it was an Xpole Xpert. Although it's a great pole, it's clearly not an Xpole... to be honest, I have no idea what it is as I haven't seen another pole that looks like it! Perhaps i'll post some pics and see if anyone knows what the heck it is!
as charley pointed out a consideration is what type of poles you will be dancing on when your not at home. Competions in the us tend to be on 45 or 50. If your used to only using a 38 you are going to struggle on a 50. What few places around here have pole to dance on when we are out at clubs they are 50 or larger. I've never seen a 38 anywhere I have been.
Sair ·
To be honest, i've never seen a 38 either!! :)
I trained at Bobbis on 38mm... and the pole I have at home is also a 38mm... which I love love love. I have no problem gripping with my thighs, which I hope means thigh grips on anything bigger will be a cinch for me when I try a 50. However I am really nervous about trying spins n stuff on a 50, as I too have little hands... The pole at the club that I worked at was probably a 45, and I didnt really notice that much difference to the 38, but a 50 makes me quite nervous... lol.
Sair ·
I'm sure you'll do just fine Scarlett! If it is a bit tough initially, don't lose heart! It just takes a little getting used to ;) take it from a fellow tiny-handed chick ;)
I started with a 50 but had my hubs build a 38. I love it. I have a 45 SS too with I adore for spins when it's on static. Not real fond of the 50 anymore.
Sair ·
i'd love to try out this 38 now!!! If only i could find a studio that has them!!
