What do you use grip for?
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I use grip aid...when I need it. When I first started poling it was very commonly considered cheating to use a grip aid but more and more people are accepting it's use. Like Charley said gymnasts use it...rock climbers and silk users too. What makes us pole dancers so tough that we can't use it? At the Midwest comp we implemented the rule that grip aid cannot be applied to the poles as it can be difficult to fully clean off and can negatively affect the next performer. We also ruled against several grip products even on the skin with rosin...like gorilla snot and firm grip spray...as they are very difficult to clean off the pole. We keep a basket of all types of grip products in the studio as everyone has different needs.
Peter ·
@Mary Ellyn - have you tried the new iTac2 Pole Cleaner yet? We've been receiving a really positive response and I'm confident if applied correctly, it will get those poles of yours shiny clean in a few seconds. Cheers
Veena ·
I have been steaming my poles clean. It takes off grip aids REALLY well, and works in seconds!!
amy ·
Ahaha Veena, did you just get a steamer recently? You've been using it all over the place!
Veena ·
No, amy I have had it for a few years...its a clothing steamer for sewing (that I never do). 😲 I bought it to steam my backdrops. Recently it occurred to me that it might be a great way to clean the pole, and sure thing!! It also warms the pole up so its ready to use in this cold weather. Maybe there should be competition steamers for warm, clean poles!!! LOL
luvlee ·
I have never had an issue getting itac off of my pole. Maybe people get lazy?? I use a microfiber towel and you really have to rub, bit it comes right off for me on my chrome xpole
luvlee ·
Oh no! I wasn't done and it just posted! Lol!! But chrome is the slickest finish and maybe that is why it comes off so easy. Something else about grip aids is that there are ones for dry skin and some for sweaty skin. I have suck dry skin it peels all over my shorts and carpet if I do not moisturize. GROSS, right. That causes major sliding too. Pole Physics lotion works magic miracles for me and my dry skin. If I do not put it on and want to pole that day, I mist my skin w .
@ Peter...yes we used the ITac cleaner for the event this year. We still decided to still disallow any products directly on the poles to avoid "potential" complaints that the pole still had product on it or wasn't cleaned thoroughly. I love the concept of the steamer! That's ingenious Veena - gonna experiment with it and see if we can or should use them for the competition.
Peter ·
That's right, I forgot we helped support the event - I'm losing my mind! The "potential" issues you mention is why we developed the product in the first place. We kept hearing that alcohol wasn't working as well as needed for competitions - primarily because alcohol doesn't actually dissolve the nasties. One or two sprays max of our cleaner should do the trick.
I need to try some of the cleaner for my studio...how does it work on brass?
Peter ·
@verucablue - works fine from our testing and what we're told by customers. We offer a money back guarantee so if for any reason you don't like it we'll give you your money back. Cheers
😮 WOW!!! Thank you all so much for your responses!!! I really appreciate it. I'm going to take this advice! I have dry skin and sweaty palms i think that is my problem... Would i be okay if i used the lotion for grip AND the vinegar?
Trial and error is key, so try it and find out.
I use Dry Hands to stop sweatiness from getting in the way, which basically works like a liquid chalk. But to be honest, I really don't get why there's so much controversy about whether to use grip aids or not. No other sport has the mindset that it's "cheating". As someone else mentioned, gymnasts use chalk. It's honestly not like you put it on and suddenly become stronger. You still have to use your muscles to grip the pole? When I first started pole, I had such a death grip and couldn't work out how to even slide down the pole. Now I've loosened it up a bit and am not hanging on for dear life (haha). But using grip aids has only made it "easier" for me in that I'm not constantly wiping my hands on my shorts in between moves to wipe sweat away.
Grip aid definitely help me with holds , especially hand springs. I tried mighty grip before didn't really work for me. Now I am using Dry Hands and I really like it. Before I perform I always put small amount on my hand, just to give me that extra strength.
