How to Choose a Professional Stripper Pole (Complete Guide)

Every professional pole dancer wants to make the best decision when looking for a dance pole to buy. This is perhaps because they know that an excellent performance hinges on the quality of their stripper pole. You know this too, so its better to avoid fake dance poles.

There are several factors to consider, such as the height and material of your ceiling, the pole’s finish, and whether you prefer a static or spinning pole; or a fixed or portable pole.

Unsure what to get? Here’s how to decide between a permanent and removable stripper pole.

Permanent or Portable Stripper Pole? 

Deciding between a permanent and portable pole can make you pull your hair out. Both options have great benefits and, as expected – specific drawbacks. The key to making a great decision is finding the sweet spot between feature and function – this is where your individual preference and practical consideration kick in. 

It is common practice to install a permanent stripper pole in a private residence or recording studio. They’re better suited to professional pole dancers who need a steady and durable pole to perform their routines without tripping or falling. 

Permanent poles can be modified in size and finish to complement your interior design scheme. But, setup can be trickier, and once a pole is set up, it cannot be easily moved.

In contrast, portable stripper poles are great for pole dancers who wish to train and perform in various settings. They are easy to set up and take down and won’t leave any marks or cracks on the walls or floors. Less work is involved in setting them up, and they cost less than permanent poles.

In terms of stability, however, permanent poles are better. Portable dance poles are prone to tipping over, which could compromise your safety and performance quality.

Static or Spinning Stripper Pole? 

Static vs. Spinning stripper pole is yet another decision to make.

You must choose one, except you have a large budget to buy two. Again, each pole type has its pros and cons, so your choice will ultimately come down to your pole dancing needs and goals.

A static pole doesn’t move or spin in any way but is great for practicing holds, climbs, as well as other static movements and tricks. Static poles demand less upper body strength than spinning poles, making them a good choice for novice and intermediate pole dancers looking to improve their strength and poise. 

However, some pole dancers may find static poles difficult to wield because of the increased friction and grip strength they necessitate. 

Spinning poles can be spun around their axis to generate momentum and produce a more natural and elegant visual effect. The best thing is they don’t require electricity or motorized function. They are more suitable for dynamic and acrobatic spins, flips, and drops. 

Spinning dance poles are best suited for more experienced pole dancers as they need more upper body strength and control than static poles. The poles are perfect for new challenges and those wanting to hone their technique. 

A major drawback of using a spinning dance pole is that it can create dizziness and other symptoms of motion sickness, especially for novices who are not acclimated to it. 

Stripper Pole Size

If you’ve done any preliminary research on these poles, you’ve probably seen that they come in a wide range of thicknesses. In case that’s leaving you scratching your head, below are the benefits and drawbacks of each dance pole diameter: 

40mm Stripper Poles

It’s the smallest pole diameter available. While this is ideal for those with smaller hands, it will make holds on the thigh or armpit much more problematic because there is less pole surface area to grip.

42mm Stripper Poles

Perfect for individuals who find 45mm large and want to avoid the abrasions on armpits and thighs. 

45mm Stripper Poles

This is the most often accepted size since it’s ideal for hand gripping because it’s neither too big nor too little. The industry standard is 45mm, and most contests use it as well, so that’s what you should practice on if you want to do well.

48mm Stripper Poles

Only silicone-coated poles have this size of diameter. The silicone covering is used on a 40mm pole to make it bigger, bringing the overall measurement to 48mm. 

50mm Stripper Poles

This was once the standard pole diameter. It is ideal for practicing thigh and armpit hold moves. Although, many people find that a narrower width is more comfortable for gripping.

53mm Stripper Poles

It begins at 45mm and expands to 53mm once coated with silicone. This pole size may appear too big for most people’s hands, and the covering makes it less than optimal for spinning.

Stripper Pole Material 

Depending on your preferences, you can get your stripper pole in any of the following materials:

Stainless Steel Stripper Pole

Stainless steel is the most slippery pole material and is ideal for people with sensitive skin. Moreover, it can withstand weather elements, making it a viable option if you can only put your pole outside.

Chrome Stripper Pole 

Most competition poles are made out of chrome because it is the most durable and widely accepted material for poles.  

If you never plan on competing, you may want to look elsewhere since its standard grip may be too slippery for your tastes. 

Brass Stripper Pole 

Brass poles are sturdy, as they are constructed from polished brass, and they have a good grip. It is the most popular and widespread option for those with grip issues.

Titanium Gold Stripper Pole 

These poles are not made of pure gold. They have an electronic coating, making them even more grippy than the brass versions. However, the coating seems to wear off rather quickly under the conditions of studio use. 

Powder Coated Stripper Pole

Powder coated poles offer the best grip and are perfect for sensitive skin. It provides excellent grip for the body while being ideal for the hands to spin in static mode. 

Silicone Stripper Pole 

Silicone poles, like Chinese poles, offer a great deal of grip, thus it’s best to utilize them fully clothed. Going bare-skinned on these poles will result in painful friction burns. 

You can’t take off the silicone coating like a sleeve, and it won’t protect you from friction burns if you spin in static mode.

Stripper Pole Accessories

Stripper pole accessories are some of the tools that enable pole dancers to gain friction on the pole. Some of the popular pole accessories include:

• Mats
• Resistance bands
• Grip aids
• Pole dancing clothing
• Pole dancing shoes

Choosing the best possible stripper pole is essential for every professional pole dancer. Due to the availability of different varieties of stripe poles, making the right choice can be a daunting task. However, the detailed guide we’ve provided would go a long way in helping you make informed decisions on the best stripper pole to buy.