[robertcasey]

I’ve seen a few people experiment with copper poles for training, and while the grip feels amazing at first, the long-term issues can be tricky. Copper is softer than chrome or stainless steel, which means it can bend or dent under sideways force if the wall thickness isn’t strong enough. It also tends to oxidize, so you’ll notice the metal smell on your hands unless you’re consistent with cleaning.

If your husband and son are both handy, they could definitely reinforce it, but make sure the tubing is strong enough to handle spins and weight safely. Many professionals in the trade recommend checking the grade and thickness of copper before using it for structural purposes. For reference, I came across this website that covers plumbing and pipe durability in detail, it might give you a better idea of what type of material can hold up without warping.

In short, copper can work for grip, but for safety and longevity, you’ll want to be sure the pole is reinforced and securely anchored.