which crash mat to choose?

briarose8 started this discussion · 1/10/2014

I was looking into getting a pole crash mat now that I am getting into inverts. Do you think the first one (links are below) is thick enough? I was leaning towards it mainly because I only have 8ft ceilings and I don't really want to have only 71/2 to work with because of a thick mat but maybe it is not that big of deal and I should get the safer thicker one? Does anyone have either of these that can give any input before I spend that much money? Thanks in advance! http://www.amazon.com/Soozier-Dancing-Crash-Dance-Protection/dp/B00FKJ0QGE/ref=pd_sbs_sg_4 http://www.amazon.com/YogaDirect-Pole-Crash-Pink-Thick/dp/B00AQ49P60/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1389362443&sr=1-1&keywords=pole+crash+mat

8 replies

portableninja · 1/10/2014
Hi Bri :) My old pole studio has the mats in the second link. I think they have the 4 inch model. They have much higher ceilings than 8 feet, but the mats are high quality and very cushy. I have dropped into one (intentionally, to test it) and I did not feel the floor. If you intend to ever teach students, some insurance policies may require mats of a certain thickness (not sure - other instructors or studio owners should probably chime in on that). If you are practicing a trick that you may fall out of, then I wouldn't worry about losing a few inches of working pole space in the name of safety. You can always remove the mat when you need the working space, like for spins. I bought the Lil Mynx crash mat and it is only 2 inches thick. It gives me an extra layer of safety from the hard wood floors in case I fall, and also helps my knees, etc. when I come down with control. But it probably wouldn't satisfy the needs of a studio. It's just the bare minimum in my opinion. That said, I am a pretty conservative home poler and I wait to try new tricks at workshops/with spotters available.
briarose8 · 1/10/2014
Thanks! This doesn't have anything to do with the studio, it is just for my personal practice. I think you make a good point though. The thinner one seems like you could possibly still dance on it though and the thick one would be impossible. However, I'm pretty safety conscious with my other practices and pole shouldn't be any different. I think I have been ignoring the safety aspects of pole in my own training because to me it is right off the ground comparatively. That is probably a bad mindset and I need to get better about that! Thanks for the advice! :)
yrngrl · 1/10/2014
My boyfriend got me the one in the second link for xmas, the thicker version (he's always worrying about me bashing my head in when I'm practicing!) I push it aside when I'm just practicing spins and stuff, and I don't always use it for tricks I have been doing awhile and am confident with, but man oh man is it nice to have. I tried deliberately falling on it and can't feel a thing, it's great. And it really helps give me the nerve to practice tricks that I am strong enough for (but scared of!) For instance, I couldn't caterpillar climb in class to save my life because I would freeze up from nerves, but with the mat there it made me braver... and lo, I can do it.
Dancing Paws · 1/10/2014
whatever one you choose, go at least 4 inches thick, preferably 5 or 6". You want a full on cushion to land on. No point if you still feel the floor.
korinne · 1/10/2014
I have the yoga direct. The 5 inch thick is super effective but you're right; you can't dance on it. I don't really use it when I'm dancing, but when I'm learning a new trick I'm unsure about... I have also used the 4 in thick and it works just as well, but stores much more conveniently (folds up into quarters.)
Dancing Paws · 1/11/2014
I have a yoga direct. It tore a little when my 6 ft 2 in brother stood on it, but it still works. they also see dura-covers, which I have, and haven't put on them yet...
Lyme Lyte · 1/11/2014
Dura covers???? Tell me more.....
Dancing Paws · 1/11/2014
http://www.yogadirect.com/Pole-Crash-Mat-Dura-Cover_p_32.html