Introduction

Whether you’re buying your first pole or upgrading your studio setup, there’s a lot to think about: poles are way more than just a shiny stick. You’ve got types, finishes, diameters, mounting systems, brands, quicklocks vs non-quicklocks, and your goals as a dancer all interacting. Let’s break it down so you can choose with confidence (and maybe a little obsession hihi).

TLDR: Regardless of what you choose for yourself after reading this guide, I can not stress enough to only go for an actual pole brand pole, not cheaper off-brand ones you might find online, for your own safet! I swear by Lupit Pole (which I choose twice for both of my studios!) and would choose them over and over again because they are simply the best quality in material, spin and set-up. I will explain more below, but if you decide to go with them we have a discount code: WILDWAVY10 for 10% off or via the link here (not sponsored, but we do get a small commision). The other brand I can truly recommend is X-POLE, which was my own first home pole I ever bought.

Pole Types - Home vs Studio vs Stage

1. Pressure / Tension mounted poles (aka Home Poles)

If you ever looked into a pole for your home, or saw the fail videos where people fall with their pole, you met pressure mounted poles. These are the classic "no drilling required" poles you install between floor and ceiling using tension, imagine it like a giant shower rod. Therefore these poles are portable and the standard choice for home polerinas.

The only non-negotiable thing that is required for them is a sturdy ceiling. This should be ideally a solid one like concrete. If you have a plasterboard ceiling you can check if you can find the support beams - if your plasterboard ceiling is a "fake/dropped ceiling" it is not suitable for a pressure pole. Depending on your situation, you might be able to cut a hole through the plasterboard to access the concrete or support beams underneath. According to Lupit Pole (2025), they are currently working on a new pole system that should also work on plasterboard ceilings. We will keep you updated once there are more news! In another guide we will go a little bit more in depth about ceilings types and how to find joists/beams.

Great for apartments, homes, or renters
Can come with static + spinning options
Our favorites: Lupit Pole (Classic G2), X-POLE (Xpert)

Pros: Easy installation, removable, (if correctly installed) does not leave any marks on the ceiling, no major home modification required.

Cons: Specific type of ceiling required, tension must be very secure.

2. Permanent / Studio Poles

These are the poles that studios use and the safest installation you can have. These poles are installed for good by being screwed or fixed to the ceiling and floor. Again the ceiling matters: make sure that they are either bolted/screwed into concrete or drilled into a heavy support wood beam. You can still remove them if they ceiling mount is drilled in only, in case you need more open floor space. There are options, like the Pole Cartridge Pole from THEPOLE, where the mount is fixed into the floor - the feel of them is more similar to a stage pole. Studio poles tend to have a better quality, thicker material and spin for a longer duration. If you buy a one-piece pole keep in mind that they are specifically made to fit that ceiling height, so in case you are moving and the ceiling height changes, you might have to buy a new one.

Ideal for studios, gyms, or dedicated pratice spaces
Often one-piece construction with extra stability
If the ceiling height is very high, the pole needs to be fixed to the floor and ceiling (check in with the brands for the specific heights)

Pros: Ultra-solid stability, excellent for advanced tricks

Cons: Can be harder to remove, fits the ceiling height specifically, needs correct structural support

3. Stage / Freestanding Poles

Freestanding poles have their own base, so no ceiling contact is needed. They are portable and popular for events and shows, or even outdoor poling. There are a lot of different brands that make great stage poles, so I would recommend choosing one based on how often you want to move it (weigth!), how fast you want to assemble it and of course budget. If your ceiling does not allow you to have any other type of pole, this can be also great for you home pole setup.

Amazing for events, performances, outdoor gigs, workshops, or if you just want a super portable setup
Brands offer different versions, traditionally with a stage, but also cartridges that are dug into soil like the one from M-Pole

Pros: Portable, versatile, great for shows

Cons: Not every move will feel the same or work the samee as on a ceiling-mounted pole, it will feel more wobbly

Diameters & Lock Modes (Static / Spinning)

Poles can come in different diameters, which can change thee feelings of moves and grip. The industry standard grip that you will meet in studios and competitions is 45mm. I would always recommend to go for the industry standard size so you can easily transfer skills no matter where you go. If you only train at home and are not planning to go to a studio, then I would actually go for the 42mm, because it is such a sweet spot. I wish I would have been a bit more selfish and gotten 42mm in my studio too!

Diameter	Character
40 mm	Slim, easy hand grip - great for smaller hands and beginners, more painful and difficult leg grip.
42 mm	Lupit Pole offers this, the best of all worlds (in my opinion).
45 mm	Industry standard - most studios and competitons use this.
50 mm +	Bigger poles (classic nightclub size, OG pole size) - harder for some, but great for certain leg holds

Another thing you will encounter with some brands are different options for how you can switch beetween spinning and static modes on your pole. Some poles are specifically only static and usually also cheaper. Tradtionally you can switch between them by tightening or loosening a hex screw at the bottom of your pole. This is great if you do not change often between modes and when it is just you using the pole. As a studio owner, I noticed that people have a very different understanding of how to use a hex key and how tight or loose a screw should be. Which in the end led to parts needing to be replaces, poles that randomly switched to spinning and more.

For studios or when you are sharing the pole with multiple people, I would always recommend a non-screw system to avoid extra frustrations. For you personal space, if you have the extra budget, I would also choose the non-screw system. It is a small difference, but once you got used to the luxury it is hard to go back. At Lupit Pole these systems are called "Quick locks" and at X-Pole "Xpert X-Lock". A fun little extra is that you can chance the pole super easily during your combo or performance!

Pole Finishes - Find the Best Fit For You and Your Environment!

Your favorite metal stick can come in a bunch of variations: Different metals and coatings do not just look different, but also feel different! And especially if you have some requirements when it comes to grip, you can actually already start here before using grip aid. Maybe you won't even need it after all! And if you do make sure to read our ultimate guide for grip aid, hehe.

Remember that grip is personal - if you have the chance try different ones out! Some people swear by brass but hate powder coated under sweaty hands. Additionally, if you have a nickel allergy or very sensitive skin, your also want to choose your pole finish carefully. Your skin and environment (humidity and temperature) will impact that. Any metal pole that is cold will feel more slippery. So, as we explained in our grip aid guide, make sure to warm yourself up well, warm up your pole and keep those hands clean!

A good example is a brass pole: If brass is warmed up properly, it will be usually grippier than chrome. This pole finish is therefore great if you are in hotter humid environments. This being said, the most common pole finishes you will meet in studios are chrome and stainless steel.

Any time you get a new pole, especially if it is a metal finish, it will feel slippery in the beginning because of an extra protection finish (so it does not get scratched during shipping). This will go away with use after time, but you can also clean your pole more intensely in the begining to speed up the process - or have a pole party so it gets a bit more used! You can also buy a second hand pole that is used so its already more grippy.

Pole Finish	Grip	Where and When
Stainless Steel	Smoother feel	Best if you have a nickel allergy and sensitive skin Ideal for people with naturally moist skin, not good for dry skin Very hard wearing, harder to warm up in winter
Chrome	Balanced grip	Industry standard finish Good all-around choice regardless of level or style Lupit Pole has the only chrome finish that is fully nickel-free.
Brass	Warm, grippy feel	Great in hotter humid environments as the grip increases when it gets warmer Needs more maintenance and regulr polishing to keep it from tarnish Some people do not like the "penny" smell it can leave on your hands, but it is great for oily or sweaty skin
Titanium Gold	Chrome with a grip-enhancing coating	Electronically coated to be grippier than chrome but not as grippy as brass The gold finish will rub off over time but according to X-Pole it should not affect the grip
Powder Coat	Very high grip	If you struggle a lot with excessive sweating, this might be a choice for you, but be aware you will be limited in the moves you can do on these
Silicone Sleeve	Very high grip	Best if you want as little skin contact as possible, you can use these fully clothed Again you have a small learning curve here

How to Choose Your Perfect Pole

I know all this information can feel quiet overwhelming and it can be hard to make a decision. When in doubt I would ask myself these questions:

What will I use this for?
What type of ceiling do I have?
What is my budget?

Keep in mind that things like your grip can change even during your training, or that your style of movement might evolve. If you are still unsure, I would simply go for what you are used to in your studio (at Wild Wavy Studio we use Lupit Poles, 45mm, chrome, quick lock).

Safety First - READ THIS!

We mentioned the pole fail videos in the beginning - please do not let this be you in the future. We love pole dance, but it can become dangerous if your pole is not installed or used properly. Please keep this in mind:

Installation Safety

Always follow manufacturer instructions to the letter.
Measure ceiling heights with a laser measurement tool for the exact reading, account for sloped/uneven surfaces (do not forget to check your floor!)
If using a mount that requires a ceiling, ensure your ceiling can hold it - no fake or dropped ceilings!

Training Safety

Use a crash mat or spotter if you are trying new moves
Always warm up properly
Always check your poles tightness and level BEFORE you start your training - check it again every 30 minutes especially if you are doing more dynamic moves!

I really hope this guide helps you with your deecision. If there is still anything unclear, you can always reach out to us.

Lots of Love,

Nina