When X-Pole first started 10 years ago, we never saw or expected to see the extreme way a pole is now used (or that men would be using them!!). Over the past few years more extreme pole has become the norm and so we have recently had to re-evaluate the maximum height of our standard pressure fit ‘multi-piece' poles. It is the only safe and sensible thing to do.
Additionally the expansion of studio and Gym use has means that poles are now being used all day and worked very hard, again this was never envisaged at the beginning for our standard multi-piece range of product. This does not mean that the standard multi-piece poles will not cope with extreme or studio use, they will (with a ceiling plate or fixed mount – not just a pressure dome without a ceiling plate) however, the longer a pole gets the more flex develops and with poles now having got thinner in diameter [50mm (2”) to 45mm (1.75”) and now 40mm (1.50”)] that presents a stability issue at height for any standard pole. If a pole flexes, effectively it becomes shorter, releasing floor to ceiling pressure.
Therefore, we now recommend only studio/competition poles - in conjunction with fixed ceiling mounts - are used at heights above 3.35m (11').
Following the success of X-Poles competition pole range, now used globally in competitions, we released Build-A-Pole. These poles are the competition dual lined poles (they have an additional inner steel lining sleeve which significantly increases strength and rigidity) used with longer X-Joints.
Look at the latest videos of UKPPC competition - the X-Pole used were at 4m (14ft). They were also used at IPC in Singapore last month.
Build-A-Pole has really only been publicised until now to studios but from 2014 it will be readily available to everyone. Build-A-Pole allows the choice of parts to make up a pole – as opposed to purchasing a set and adding to it. This means that only 2x competition poles tubes are used (with 1x X-Joint) and it means that the lower A tube is long enough (2.5m (8.2') that the joint is above hand height and not in the center of the pole again reducing flex at the maximum pressure point.
Build-A-Pole parts are not specifically made to order, they will be freely available from stock (depending on country and demand) and normally a Build-A-Pole will not cost a lot more than a standard pole set, especially when an additional extension and fixed mount are added to a standard set to the meet the height requirement.
The key factor always is Safety and so in our view the small increase in cost, if any, is worth it especially as you get a pole that is significantly stronger and more rigid than a standard set. You can also use X-Poles exclusive PoleAway system to store your pole and very quickly clear your space for other uses or get your car in the garage!!
http://www.x-pole.co.uk/images/stories/PoleAway.pdf
Please contact your local X-Pole office for further information.
X-Pole Tech Team