When the question, ‘what is the best pole for pole dancing at home’ starts to worry you, it is time to find an expert answer.
The fact of the matter remains that choosing the best pole to learn pole dancing at home is not the easiest of queries to answer.
With so many pole options available (for pole dancing) getting confused in the act is easy. So, through the means of my article, I shall try and answer the question how to buy a pole for pole dancing with utmost clarity.
Do keep in mind that when you learn this dance form, your physical fitness improves for the better. Your strength, suppleness, flexibility and stamina increases. Pole dancing even helps you maintain a positive frame of mind.
Contents of What is the Best Pole for Pole Dancing at Home Article:
1) What are the Categories of Poles used for Pole Dancing?
2) What Size Pole for Pole Dancing Should You Choose for Home?
3) What is a Pole used for Home Pole Dance Made Out Of?
4) How to Check if a Dance Pole is of Good Quality or Not?
5) How to Choose between a Static or a Spinning Dance Pole?
6) How to Prepare Your Room for Installing Your Dance Pole?
7) Final Words
What are the Categories of Poles used for Pole Dancing?
There are mainly two categories of poles used for dancing. The first is ‘Show Pole’ and the second one is ‘Standard Pole’. I shall discuss the Show Pole category first as it is not to be used at home.
The Standard Pole has numerous variants and is best suited for home and professional uses. So, let’s get started:
Show Pole:
A show pole is one that is mainly used for show purpose. It is used for attracting a crowd and is made in a similar fashion. You can be rest assured that these poles cannot be used for professional pole dance. It is also not suitable for home use.
You can expect this pole to be ‘not so sturdy’. The material used may be plastic fortified and transparent. The reason for making these poles transparent is to showcase either water or glitter that is filled within its hollow gaps.
Strobe lighting has also been used on show poles to make it appear attractive. Materials that reflect light have also been known to coat such dance poles. Lights are even placed strategically at the base joists in order to make the dance pole appear visually attractive.
Standard Pole:
This is a pole that is mainly used in competitions and at home. It is made from a sturdy material and is available in numerous sizes. This is with special regards to its circumference.
The standard pole is available in various modes. So, you can expect a dance pose of a standard category to be spinning. Mostly, it shall be in a static position.
You can have a standard pole that is fixed to the ground. Nonetheless, most home owners prefer going in for the portable dance poles. These can be dismantled and then shifted to other locations.
Interestingly, standard poles are made from various materials. So, you have a fair choice here. Moreover, you can also opt for powder coatings of various kinds as per your personal preference. I shall discuss about these aspects in detail later in this post.
What Size Pole for Pole Dancing Should You Choose for Home?
As I have already stated in my above paragraphs, the standard pole for pole dancing comes in various shapes and sizes. It has different coating and is made from diverse materials.
In this particular article, I shall discuss the various sizes of the poles used for this dance forms. The size is with special regards to the diameter of the pole. There are 7 different diameters to choose from.
Here is a quick look at each of these in brief:
For Extra Small Hands:
For those of you all who have small palms and fingers, the 38 millimeter pole is best suited. So, small arms and smaller fingers can easily grip this dance pole which is 1.49 inches in diameter.
The only drawback with a pole of such less girth is the lack of grip for certain dance styles. For example, you would not be able to perform knee holds easily. In fact, when you try and grip the pole with your armpit, you might easily slip.
For Small Hands:
When your hands are small but not super-small then, you can opt for a pole of the next size. The dance pole meant for pole dancing is 40 millimeters in diameter.
Now, with this diameter, you may be able to get a better grip at the bar yet, a few holds shall become exceedingly painful. One such hold could be the thigh hold. As the area to grip is less, your thigh shall be in great pain while trying to grip the bar.
For Small Arms:
If you have arms that can be considered small (not very small but the average small size in women) then, the 42 millimeter diameter pole may be the best fit for you.
The 1.65 inch diameter shall enable you to grip the bar in a suitable manner. Nonetheless, knee and armpit holds may be a bit of a squeeze.
While better than the 1.5 inch bar, the pain involved in performing dance related holds on a pole would undoubtedly remain steadfast.
For Average Size Arms:
If you have arms that can be considered average in size then, the best sized pole would be the one that has a diameter of 45 millimeters.
It offers great grip for those with normal fingers and palms. The size is not less by any means – 1.75 inches. You can get a great grip from various parts of your body.
While you can perform most holds on this pole, tough grip such as an armpit hold may be difficult to execute. For example, armpit hold is going to be painful indeed.
For Large Sized Arms:
If you have larger than normal sized arms then, you should opt for a pole that has a girth of 48 millimeters. This girth is made possible owing to special coating that envelops the pole. It is made from silicon.
You can have a better grip as the body is able to grip such a wide pole with utmost ease. It is also possible that you are able to perform armpit holds easily.
The 2 Inch Wide Pole:
This is a normal sized pole that most pole dancers use. It is great for beginner level pole dancers. You have a grip of 50 millimeters. You can perform a wide variety of tricks on this pole.
Thigh hold, knee hold and armpit holds can be achieved easily as the grip offered by this pole is perfect. Nonetheless, the pole has a circumference that is not best suited for a hand grip.
The 2.10 Inch Pole:
When you opt for the 53 millimeter pole, you need to understand that it is not a standard size. It is a customized pole that gets the extra diameter owing to a special silicon coating.
The standard size of a dance pole is 1.75 inches. Eight millimeters is added to this pole via a special coating of silicone to make it 53 mm in diameter.
This pole offers a wider grip and is therefore ideal for diverse holds. You may find it rather tough to spin or slide down this pole (as its width is immense).
What is a Pole used for Home Pole Dance Made Out Of?
When the discussion is about a static pole then, the choice of materials from which this pole is made is diverse. You can choose from amidst a wide variety of materials. A dancing pole for pole dance literally spoils you for choices in this respect.
Here is a quick look at the different materials that a dance pole can be made from:
Dance Pole Made from Silicon:
Pole dancing poles are made from silicon and this material is quite popular in china. The distinct advantage of using silicon is its superior grip. It enables you to perform various holds and moves easily.
The drawback is the lack of sleeve in a silicone pole. This in turn prohibits you to wear a bikini and perform dance moves without chaffing your skin.
So, wear clothes that cover your entire body and then perform your dance moves without any worry. Even when fully clothed, your body shall stick to silicone surface like gum. Silicon dance poles have a diameter of 45mm.
It is not at all easy to look after a silicon dance pole. You would have to wash them with water and a mild soapy solution to keep the pole clean.
Dance Pole Made from Steel:
This is sturdy material which is weather proof and requires zero maintenance. Stainless steel is also known as a skin-friendly material. Now as pole dance cannot be performed with the skin touching the surface of the pole, stainless steel is an ideal choice for those that complain of sensitive skin.
At the same time, it is light in weight and has high tensile strength. So, making a stainless steel dance pole to last a lifetime is not at all a difficult task. They may however lack superior grip.
If you have a garden then, placing this pole under the open skies is not an issue that should bother you. Stainless steel dance poles have a diameter of 40mm to 45mm.
Stainless steel poles meant for pole dancing are best suited for humid climates. They last long and can even do well in warm weather conditions.
Dance Poles that Have a Power Coating:
When you opt for the powder coated pole, you can be rest assured that you shall enjoy a superior grip. These poles are basically made from stainless steel and then coated with a special powder.
Besides providing a great grip, powder coated dance poles have the ability to allow a dancer to spin effortlessly. Various dance grips and hooks can also be performed. Powder coated dance poles have a girth in between 40mm and 45mm.
Powder coating is cured under heat and is best suited for regions that enjoy a colder climate. Even when the climate is humid, the grip provided by this material is superior.
The drawback with powder coated dance pole is that they do not gel well with women with dry skin. This is because a powder coated pole is way too smooth for people with dry skin. You also need to take care of them as the powder coating may start to ‘peel off or rust’ if the pole is misused.
Dance Poles Made from Chrome:
These dance poles too are made from steel. To ensure that the pole gets the desired grip, chrome is embossed onto its outer surface. The grip is not the best here and you tend to slip a lot.
So, if you wish to compete in pole dancing competitions then, you need to give the chrome based dance pole a clear miss. The average diameter of a chrome based dance pole is in between 40 to 45 millimeters.
The chrome coating does look neat and slick yet, it tends to peel off with time. So, you need to make use of the pole carefully and clean it regularly. Chrome poles have also been known to rust if not maintained carefully.
Dance Poles Made from Titanium Gold:
Titanium gold is best suited for home based dance poles as their coating is not so sticky. Simply put, if used in a dance studio, it is highly likely that you would need a new titanium coating soon enough.
The grip of titanium gold pole is pretty good. The average diameter of these dances poles is in between 40mm and 45mm. The surface color is gold so, you need to take extra care so as not to scratch it.
To ensure that the coat is even, titanium dioxide is completely removed before applying the coating. This in turn helps enhance the overall appearance of the dance pole.
Dance Pole Made from Brass:
A brass pole used for pole dancing is ideal for hot weather conditions. It is made from a blend of copper and zinc. So, it is strong, sturdy and also offers a superior grip to dancers.
In order to clean a brass dance pole, you should make use of acetone and a dry, clean cloth. If you sweat a lot then, a brass pole is your best friend. It is also rust proof and hence, it is capable of lasting a lifetime.
Brass poles for pole dancing have a diameter in between 40mm to 45mm. So, they allow you to perform a wide array of dance moves without you slipping off the pole.
How to Check if a Dance Pole is of Good Quality or Not?
When you are out to buy a dancing pole for home use, you need to be very careful. It is very easy to get home a dancing pole that is of inferior quality. Nonetheless, you can easily avoid such errors by being careful.
Here are a few tips:
Check the Build Quality:
The build quality of your chosen pole needs to be good. If the metal used is of good quality, the pole would be thick and robust. It should also be devoid of any sharp edges.
In fact, the fit and finish of the pole needs to be of superior quality. If you find rough finish and sharp edges on the pole, it is in your best interest to give it up altogether. If you want to learn pole dancing at home without a pole then, this is not required.
You need to pay attention to the joints that keep the pole intact. If the fit and finish is good then, there is nothing to worry about. But if there are sharp edges at the joints then, that pole needs to be avoided at all costs.
Check the Base Plate & Dome:
There are two plates that keep your dancing pole intact. The first is the base plate (which secures the pole to the ground). The second is the dome plate (which secures the dancing pole to the ceiling).
There is a special rubber that keeps the dome and base plates intact with their designated surfaces (floor and ceiling). The rubber needs to be on the softer side. This allows the base plate and the dome to remain firmly attached.
If the rubber is way too hard or way too soft then, the dome and floor plates can come off. This may cause the dance pole to break down.
Watch Out for the Threading:
While buying a pole for dancing, you need to watch out for their threading mechanism. When the threads used in joints are widely spaced out and well defined, the quality of the pole is considered good.
On the other hand, if the threads are narrow and not well defined, the dance pole is of an inferior quality. Well defined threads also signify that the joints of the dancing pole shall last a long time.
Teardrop Domes should be Avoided:
When you are buying a dance pole, you should always pay attention towards it dome. The shape of the dome needs to be clear of any unusual pouts (teardrops).
At the same time, the dome needs to be made from a sturdy material. The dome should not be made from materials that tend to break or tear very easily. Ideally, domes should be made from metal.
The Jazzy Looking Dance Poles:
I agree that show poles are meant to attract public as they look gorgeous yet, they are not sturdy enough. Most such poles make use of plastic parts so as to enhance the overall appearance of the dancing pole.
Plastic and other cheap materials (such as poor threading in joints) often puts you at a high risk. Chances of the dance pole bending or breaking are high. If that happens then, getting injured is definitely on the cards.
Adjuster Covers Should be Made of Metal:
These covers help secure the pole to the ceiling. It is a hollow metallic tube that maintains optimal pressure between the pole and the ceiling. It tends to slip over your dance pole easily.
Nonetheless, cheap adjuster covers are readily available in the market. They tend to jeopardize your health as they snap real quick and you fall to the floor even quicker.
Metallic adjusters secured firmly via a part of metal screws are best suited for your home based dance pole. If the cover is made from cheap plastic, you need to avoid getting one home.
Brand Name & Seller Reputation does Matter:
Regardless of whether a reputed seller asks you to cough up more dollars for a dance pole, you need to opt for it. The name of a brand and its reputation in the market plays a major role in allowing you to have peace of mind.
Avoid buying from sellers that have poor customer rating. It is also advisable that you consult both offline and online reviews left behind by genuine customers to analyze which seller is reputed and which is not.
How to Choose between a Static or a Spinning Dance Pole?
A static pole is a simple devise that does not move. As the name very well suggests, a static pole is easy to perform and learn to dance on. A spinning pole (as the name very well suggests) rotates when you perform a dance form. It is difficult to maintain your balance onto a spinning pole.
Ideally, professional dancers (those that have mastered the art of pole dancing) should opt for spinning poles. These poles allow such dancers to execute dance moves that would be impossible to execute on a static pole.
Highlights of a Static Pole:
@ These dance poles remain fixed and do not rotate.
@ Static dance poles are designed to offer assistance to the dancer via their material, build quality and coating. They do not offer mechanized assistance to the concerned dancer.
@ There is no mechanism to add the ‘spin element’ to a static pole later on.
@ You cannot hope to execute fast paced dance moves on a static pole. This is because it lacks the required movement that is required to help you spin faster.
@ It is easy for beginner and intermediate level dancers to use this pole as static poles do not require superior grip to function.
@ You do not need to be very strong or supple to dance on a static pole. As it remains fixed, all you need is proper technique to dance.
Highlights of a Spinning Pole:
@ Spinning poles are not static. They tend to rotate the moment you begin to dance.
@ The direction of rotation in a spinning pole is not at all fixed. They can rotate both clockwise and anticlockwise.
@ The direction of the spin in a spinning pole depends on your body positioning. They shall spin in the direction you want the pole to spin.
@ If you place extra force in one direction, the pole can spin uncontrollably. So, you need to be an expert dancer to be able to perform on spinning poles.
@ The price of a spinning pole is higher than that of a static pole.
@ Spinning poles allows you to perform dance moves of high degree of difficulty with utmost ease.
@ Downgrading a spinning pole to a static pole is possible.
@ You need superior gripping power and muscle strength to dance on a spinning pole.
Which Type of Dance Pole Should You Choose for Your Home Use?
@ If you are a beginner level dancer then, go for a static pole. Doing so shall enable you to hone your dancing skills effectively.
@ Spinning poles can be a nightmare for beginner level pole dancers. You can feel faint, lose your grip and even fall off the pole if the force you apply to the spinning pole is not in sync with your dance form.
@ Static pole requires you to dance in a slow and steady manner. You cannot perform high speed dance moves as the pole does not spin.
@ It is far safer to use a static pole. Your body’s momentum shall be responsible for the speed and not the pole’s mechanism.
@ Spinning pole is an ideal companion for a seasoned pole dancer. Static pole is a beginner or an intermediate level dancer’s best buddy.
@ The disadvantage of static poles is that you cannot hope to upgrade it. On the other hand, a spinning pole can be made static.
@ If you have a limited budget then, opt for a static pole. Spinning poles are expensive.
The Final Decision is Yours:
Choosing the type of dance pole (either static or spinning) is completely your own choice. If you have a higher budget then, spinning pole is a good option. If your budget is low then, go for a static pole.
Moreover, your level as a dancer also determines the choice of pole you wish to buy. If you are a beginner level dancer then, a static pole is a wise decision. In case you are an intermediate level dancer or an advanced level dancer then, a spinning pole is best suited for you.
The cost of a static pole can be roughly $200 – $300. On the other hand, a spinning pole should set you back by $400-$700. Prices do fluctuate on a regular basis. So, weigh the pros and cons of a dance pole before taking a final decision.
How to Prepare Your Room for Installing Your Dance Pole?
The room that you choose to install a dance pole in need not to be a palatial room. Nonetheless, it does need to have a sturdy floor and a sturdy ceiling.
Fixing a dance pole to a false ceiling is a disaster in the making. Similarly, if the floor of your room is made from plywood, securing a dance pole would be a daunting task indeed.
I would prefer a concrete structure for both the ceiling and the floor. If it is wooden then, the structure needs to be made from hardwood and not softwood (that has a show appeal and is low on strength).
The trick here is to ensure that the pole stays secure and does not bend or break. Block mounts need to be used to secure the pole to the ceiling. Similarly, a special bracket needs to be placed at the floor in order to secure the pole to the ground.
A stud finder may be needed to place the dome in the perfect position. Pieces of plywood between the joists shall help the pole retain its grip on the ceiling. The mount too needs to be supported with the aid of plywood bits.
As far as the floor is concerned, you need to take care of the comfort level here. Place a couple of yoga mats so as to avoid your feet from getting scraped. Alternatively, rugs and carpets could also be placed to cushion the floor with.
Final Words:
finding the best pole for pole dancing at home is all about balancing safety, stability, and fun. The right pole can transform your living room into a dance studio, where you can unleash your inner performer and get a fantastic workout.
According to a study published in the “Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness,” pole dancing significantly improves strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.
Imagine twirling gracefully on a sturdy, easy-to-install pole like the X-Pole or Lupit Pole, both renowned for their reliability and user-friendly design. These poles are adjustable and portable, making them perfect for any home setup.
The safety features, such as secure locking mechanisms and high-quality materials, ensure you can dance with confidence.
But it’s not just about the practical aspects. A great pole adds a touch of glamour and excitement to your fitness routine. The joy of mastering new moves, feeling your muscles grow stronger, and expressing yourself creatively is unparalleled.
Plus, with the increasing popularity of at-home workouts, having a dedicated pole can make your exercise sessions more engaging and enjoyable.
So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, investing in the best pole for pole dancing at home can enhance your fitness journey and bring a spark of joy to your everyday life.
Dance on, have fun, and enjoy the incredible benefits of this dynamic workout!
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References:
- https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-023-01322-z