xpole TOO sticky?

amy started this discussion · 10/3/2009

hey ladies! i just recently switched from stainless steel (which is also what my studios have) to a chrome xpole. i love it, and it feels very stable, but after i get warmed up, and my pole gets warm, i actually find it gets TOO grippy and i get completely stuck when i'm doing any aerial moves... i've lost a bunch of skin off my legs and had to "abort" some moves because they literally hurt TOO much! is this just typical of moving from stainless to chrome? is there something i can do to make my pole less grippy? as it is now, i get warmed up and then practice a bit, and actually have to take a little break to let the pole cool down-- which isn't ideal as i need to warm back up again!

12 replies

Layla Duvay · 10/4/2009
Weird! I just switched from stainless steel to xpole chrome and I love it! I found that I can get gripped on chrome in ways that I couldn't before and can't on the stainless steel. I had to adjust my grip a bit on static spins, loosening up a bit, but that's it. I guess it's all down to body chemistry, as the dancer I bought mine from prefers the stainless steel poles too. I guess you have to let the pole cool down, but put on some fast dance music or something to keep yourself warm in the meantime, or work on floor or chair moves. I LOVE working the chair when I need a break from pole. Keeps me warm and sexy and ready to fly again. Saschapoles has some excellent chair tutorials, btw! hope that helps a bit.
Elyse Hauke · 11/3/2009
I just got my x pole today and had the same exact thing happen. My pole got really hot and crazy sticky! Almost every move I did made squeaky noises. No clue what to do about it though besides wash it with soap and water. I tried cleaning it using alcohol again but that just made it more grippy.
Veena · 11/3/2009
LOL guys don't worry your not weird or anything...everyone will have a little different experience with the different metals. It all depend on skin type, climate where you live and your strength and pole experience. You'll get use to it. This article might help if you haven't already seen it. 🤓 https://www.studioveena.com/info/2009/05/19/the-temperamental-pole/
Clinky · 11/3/2009
Also, the pole comes with a wax coating on it for protection during shipping. It could potentially be the wax just making itself off of the pole and onto your hands if you didn't get it all off.
amy · 11/3/2009
hey guys... unfortunately (or fortunately!) in my case, the xpole i have was used, and about a year old, so it's not a coating on the pole-- it's just way, way grippier than the stainless steel that i'm used to, so I'm having to adjust my holds accordingly and actually take mini-breaks to let the pole cool down a bit. thanks for your suggestions/advice!
Jazzy · 11/3/2009
Can you polish it ??? Maybe, it's grippier because it's used and it's been broken in. 🙂 ?
maddieLines · 11/3/2009
When i first got my chrome pole i didnt have any probs,infact as soon as it was put up i got an aysha hold 🙂 it had the wax on too,as i didnt relieze u had to clean it off,i do find some body washes can make a difference x
Tine007 · 11/12/2009
For me, wiping with alcohol cools down the pole a little and I loose some stickyness, I usually prefer to wipe it dry. But there seems to be a point when it warms up even more that I get less grip again, but could be that weather has something to do with that. I must admit though, I have the opposite problem - I'm sweaty and don't get grip until the pole is warmed up. And even then, I need to wipe my pole after every move... 😈 I use wrist bands to avoid sticking with my wrists. Not sure if any of this actually helps your problem 😳 Hope you get used to your new pole soon!! Last week, I tried a class, first time on brass. Was a little wary first because people say it's so grippy, but actually for me it was perfect 🥂 Now I'm debating if I should sell my chrome X-pole and upgrade to the TG... 🤔 🤔 🤔 Feels a little like cheating on my X-pole though 😂
verticaltherapy · 12/4/2009
You guys are lucky. I have an aweful time with my chrome finish. Does the temperature of the pole really make a difference? I had never heard of that before. I'll have to check into it. Thanks!
Veena · 12/4/2009
You guys are lucky. I have an aweful time with my chrome finish. Does the temperature of the pole really make a difference? I had never heard of that before. I'll have to check into it. Thanks! Temp affects the pole big time. 😉 Cold poles are very slick. warm are great.
rubberstarlet · 12/5/2009
the room I use was a garage! its soooo cold in there >_< but once I warm up my body I'm ok. I use a plug in heating pad to warm up my pole! haha takes just 2mins! my sweaty hands are a problem thoo but I'm still trying
verticaltherapy · 12/5/2009
You are great! Maybe that was my problem this whole time. I will heat it with a blow dryer or heating pad and tell you if it works for me when I get a chance. Thank you so very much!