The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Buying a Pole: Brands, Sizes, Finishes, and Upkeep
Having a home pole setup is a total game changer for progress, and getting the right pole is
essential to your success and safety. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know
about buying a pole for pole fitness, including recommended brands, the different sizes and finishes
of poles, and how to properly maintain them.
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Note from the author:
My first pole was by far the most expensive purchase I’d ever made at the time I bought it, and to
this day is the best purchase I’ve ever made. 9 years, 4 homes, and 3 competitions
later, that pole is still getting constant use.
I've tried almost every finish, diameter, and style of pole there is (and now own 5 poles!), so can
assure you that there's really no wrong choice. Every pole is the perfect pole for
somebody, so just try out as many kinds as you can to find your soulmate! (Except 50mm. 50mm is
nobody's soulmate) -Poley
Spoilers:
Top Recommended Stage Poles:
Pole Hive Evo Stage - tallest usable
pole, lowest weight, lollipop compatible, gorgeous wood base, but the most expensive base price
of the top 3
X-Stage
Lite - Heavier (increased stability!), lower price, lollipop compatible, sturdy, base
resilient to wear and tear
Other brands to consider: RPole, Gaia Pole, Lupit
Top Recommended Tension/Permanent Poles:
XPERT
Pro - Convertible between tension and permanent, variety of extensions and mounts to
suit a wide variety of spaces, spin/static enabled
Lupit
G2 Quick Lock - Same strengths as the XPERT Pro above, buts its warehouse is based in
the EU which may make shipping/import costs more or less expensive depending on where you live
ThePole OnlyOne - Convertible between tension and
permanent, spin/static, higher max height for tension mounting (>13.5’) but less flexible
conversion between many ceiling heights–no combination of extensions, just custom-cut B pole
pieces
Safety Warning
Getting a reliable and safe pole should be the top priority when prepping a home pole setup. A
poor-quality pole puts your safety, your nearby belongings, and your pole investment at risk. If you
can’t get a reputable pole, it may not be time to invest in a home setup yet. Mass retail sites like
Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, etc. offer poles at low prices in comparison to the more established pole
fitness brands, but not all manufacturers complete appropriate stress and wear testing to ensure
that their products have appropriate load-bearing capacity to keep users safe. They pose a
significant risk for injury, especially at intermediate levels where inversions and dynamic moves
are introduced.
If there’s one thing you take away from this guide, let it be that a safe, reputable pole
should be your top priority. Investing in a reputable pole ensures that you get a safe,
durable, and long-lasting product.
When it comes to buying your first pole, the first decision you have to make is what type of
pole fits your needs. There are several options, each with its advantages and use
cases. Let's review the four main types of fitness poles: freestanding, tension-mounted,
permanent-mounted, and in-ground poles.
Freestanding Poles
Freestanding poles are the most portable option. These poles do not require any
permanent installation, as they come with a sturdy base that supports the pole’s weight and
stability. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone who wants the flexibility to move their
pole around, perform outdoors, or have ceiling heights too high to interface with. But there are
tradeoffs that come with this portability, the main drawback being price. Stage poles often cost
double or triple the amount of a tension-mounted pole for the same brand. In addition, the weighted
base takes up floor space and can be an obstacle if your style involves a lot of floorwork.
Freestanding poles also wobble more than tension- or permanent-mounted poles, since they are not
tethered at the top. They can also be heavy and laborious to set up, though different brands come at
different weights.
Pros:
No installation required
Portable and can be used outdoors
Compatible with ultra-tall ceiling heights and vaulted ceilings
(variable by brand) Potentially adjustable into a lollipop for a 2-in-1 apparatus
Cons:
The offset base can make floorwork difficult
Increased wobble can make freestanding poles feel less secure, and can make some tricks more
difficult
Often 2x or 3x the price of tenison- and permanent-mounted poles
Tension Poles
Tension-mounted poles are designed to fit between the floor and ceiling using a
tension-based system. These poles are installed without drilling holes or using permanent fixtures,
making them another great option for renters or those who want a more temporary installation. They
work by creating pressure between the floor and ceiling, which helps secure the pole in place. While
tension-mounted poles can be relatively easy to install and remove, they may not be as reliable as
permanent-mounted options, especially without appropriate tension maintenance.
Pros:
Easy to install and remove
Adjustable to many ceiling heights up to almost 11’ (13.5’ for ThePole)
No damage to walls or ceilings when installed correctly
Often cheaper than freestanding poles
(variable by brand) Often convertible into permanent-mounted poles
Cons:
Not compatible with ultra-high or vaulted ceilings
Must be installed under a stud/beam, so may not be able to be placed exactly where desired
Requires vigilance that tension is maintained for appropriate safety
Permanent-Mounted Poles
Permanent-mounted poles are fixed to the ceiling and/or floor using screws or bolts,
providing a very sturdy and secure setup. These poles are often the preferred choice for those who
perform dynamic pole tricks, as well as for those who have high or vaulted ceilings. Permanent
mounting ensures that the pole remains stable even during high-intensity movements. However, they do
require drilling into both the ceiling and floor, so this is not an ideal option for renters or
those without the ability to locate and drill into ceiling studs.
Pros:
Very stable and secure for dynamic movements and multi-dancer practice
Accommodates higher ceilings than are recommended for use with tension poles
Compatible with vaulted ceilings
Often adjustable to many ceiling heights
Often cheaper than freestanding poles
(variable) Often convertible into tension-mounted poles
Cons:
Requires drilling holes into the ceiling and/or floor
Not as portable as freestanding poles
More difficult setup than tension poles
In-Ground Poles
In-ground poles are like freestanding poles, but are anchored directly into the
ground. This type of pole is rare and will likely not be the best choice for your first pole.
In-ground poles require a more involved installation process than freestanding poles, often
including boring into the ground in order to stabilize the base. The tradeoff for that hole-boring
work is that you don’t need to lug around a heavy base, since the surrounding ground is used to
stabilize the pole.
Pros:
No heavy/unwieldy freestanding pole base
Cons:
Uncommon, somewhat intensive installation process
May leave behind damage in the ground
Can only be used where specific ground substrates exist (i.e. outdoors only or concrete only)
In many substrates, the pole wiggles looser with use, meaning it may have to be re-installed
over the course of a practice
Not many retailers, not many options
Pole Type TL;DR
If you just want an at-home pole setup and have normal ceiling heights, tension poles or
permanent-mounted poles are likely the best choice for you. For reputable brands,
these poles are often interchangeable (buying additional components can allow you to use the
same pole with both tension and permanent mounts). Only permanent mounts are compatible with
vaulted ceilings, so if you have vaulted ceilings in your target installation space you will
need to purchase that mount.
If your ceilings are crazy high (roughly over 15’) or you need portability, freestanding
poles are likely the choice for you. They’re substantially more expensive than
tension/permanent poles, but you can take them to a park and jam with all of your pole friends
(which is priceless!). They are also often convertible into lollipops with additional
components, opening up your horizons for that additional apparatus.
Pole Sizes and Finishes: What You Need to Know
Diameter and finish are vital to both your comfort and performance. Preferences for
both are very personal, so testing around and learning what your body likes is the best way to
decide on both diameter and finish. Below are some generalizations of different sizes and finishes,
but different people can have very different experiences with the same pole diameter/finish so let
this be a guide rather than hard fact.
Pole Diameter
The most common sizes are:
40mm: This is the smallest standard size. 40mm is often the competition
standard in Australia, and is used in the Miss Pole Dance Australia competitions. 40mm can
totally change the game for dancers with tiny hands, but can also be a great choice for the
average dancer. Many dancers report more secure hand grips on this smaller diameter, with a
tradeoff of less-secure-feeling, pinchier leg/body grip.
45mm: This size is the competition standard for PSO, USPFS, and PCS, and is
widely used in the United States and much of the EU. 45mm offers a good balance between secure
hand grips and less pinchy leg/body grips for those who are sensitive to that tradeoff. For
stage poles, this is often the only width you can use a lollipop attachment with.
50mm: This is a rarer size in modern pole dance, but it’s favored by some
dancers for its larger grip and sturdier feel. Silicone poles are often sold in a 50mm outer
diameter because of the thick layer of rubber placed over a 45mm inner metal pole.
Pole Finishes
The finish of your pole affects the grip you get, and different finishes are better suited to
different body types, climates, and preferences. Here are the most common finishes available:
Chrome: One of the most popular finishes, chrome provides a good grip, but can
become slippery in humid environments or if you sweat a lot. Chrome is a common competition
standard in the United States and most of the EU.
Brass: Brass poles provide excellent grip, especially in humid conditions or
for people with sweatier palms. However, brass requires regular maintenance to keep its shine
and avoid tarnishing. Brass is a common competition standard in Australia.
Stainless Steel: Durable and rust-resistant, stainless steel poles are perfect
for those who need a long-lasting, low-maintenance option. Stainless steel poles look and feel
very similar to chrome, but many dancers find it to be slightly less grippy.
Powder Coat: Not at all powdery-feeling as its name would suggest, you may have
encountered powder coating on the body of a bicycle, an outdoor metal playset, or aerial hoops
(lyra). Powder-coated poles are known for their excellent grip. Powder-coated poles can come in
many novel colors like white, black, or pink, so can be visually confused with silicone poles.
Silicone: Silicone poles are the most distinct from the other finishes. Because
of their rubber-like finish, they’re extremely grippy and can even be used with clothes on.
Silicone poles come in a variety of colors, so are your second option for white/black/pink
poles. But don’t underestimate how different dancing can feel on silicone versus metal–the
increased grip makes some slide-dependent transitions impossible, and can grab long hair, tug on
clothes, and even scar your skin (my skin, at least!) from repeated burns. That said, the
increased grip makes silicone a popular choice for aerial poles, as well as for those who need
to pole with covered skin.
Static/Spin Adjustability
Most popular pole brands offer both static-only and spin/static models. Static mode
means the pole does not rotate, while spin mode allows the pole to rotate freely,
adding a dynamic element to your movements. The ability to switch between these modes is a highly
desired feature for versatility in training.
If you don't currently use spin pole and don't mind needing to upgrade later, buying a static-only
pole can often save you 25%-50% off the cost of your first pole. But you may start
to feel limited if you fall in love with spin pole down the line.
Recommended Pole Brands
When it comes to buying a pole, there are a few standout brands that are known for their quality,
reliability, and excellent customer service. Our three most recommended brands for pole fitness are
X-Pole, Lupit, and ThePole.
X-Pole
X-Pole is perhaps the
most well-known and widely used pole fitness brand globally. They’ve been selling home poles for
over 20 years, and sponsor some of the best dancers and competitions in the world. Their engineering
is highly respected, and their equipment is so widespread that you’re sure to find any spare parts
or technical help you need well into the future.
Lupit
Another long-respected pole brand is Lupit. Known for its
high-performance poles and thick crash mats, Lupit is another favorite among professional pole
dancers. Lupit has a less organized online storefront and has started using egregious AI-generated
images in their marketing, so bear that in mind if either of those are a turnoff for you as a
consumer.
ThePole
ThePole / ThePole Italy is a trusted brand that has a reputation
for novel engineering and attention to aesthetics. It’s a relatively newer brand in the pole fitness
world but has quickly gained recognition for its sleek designs and unique engineering.
My preferred finish depends on my environment more than anything. I pole danced in Australia and
LOVED the grip on brass, but then bought one for use in North America and hated it compared to
my chrome
Brass requires way more maintenance than I’d thought before buying it, and I'm constantly
fighting tarnish
Silicone leaves friction scars, which are worse than bruises–I may never grow
hair on my shins ever again
Pole Type:
If I could recommend any one type of pole to a friend, it would be a spin/static tension-mounted
pole
As a spin pole girlie, a stage pole will just never have the smooth, consistent spin of my
permanent-mounted home pole
I’m so happy I went with a lollipop-compatible stage pole, because I did end up expanding into
that apparatus years later!
Diameter:
40mm didn’t feel any less secure or more pinchy for leg/body holds than 45mm to me, in spite of
the commonly-cited reports that it does
I thought 40mm would be better for ayesha-based moves because of the hand grip, but it ended up
being worse for me because of the lack of rotational stability on the bottom wrist
If you plan to compete frequently, matching the specs for your target competition(s) can be a
great idea, but at the end of the day get what you love best. Renting pole time
at a local studio is better than having a pole at home that you hate just because it’s the
competition standard
Brands:
I used to recommend Lupit more, but they use an egregious amount of ridiculous-looking AI
visuals in their marketing these days, their online shop lacks organization, and many of their
product pages have inaccuracies. Their shipping outside of the EU is killer, too
I LOVE my Pole Hive Evo stage, but I have to be SO vigilant about the wooden panels not getting
scratched up, which adds stress to setup and pole jams
The metal base plates on the XSTAGE/XSTAGE Lite get SO burning hot in direct sun compared to
wood/plastic bases
I used to think the "only buy a reputable brand" insistance was fearmongering capitalism. Some
of it probably is, but 9 years into pole I'm SO glad I didn't buy the knockoff Amazon pole with
plastic joints to save $80. With the dynamics, doubles, and triples tricks I've done since, both
me and that pole would be long gone by now.
For more personal opinions or questions, feel free to reach out on any social @poleywhirl
Conclusion
Choosing the right pole for you is highly personal but so important for ensuring
your safety and comfort. Reputable brands like X-Pole, Lupit, and ThePole offer high-quality poles
that are durable, adjustable, and versatile for all levels of pole fitness. Avoid purchasing poles
from mass retail sites, as they often lack the safety and quality assurances that come with
professional-grade poles.
The best size and finish for you comes down to your personal preferences, and your experience with
different diameters/finishes may be totally different from your pole friends'. But do remember that
maintenance—especially for brass poles—is essential to keep your pole in top condition.
Take the leap! Home poles totally change the way you learn and find your personal style.
Pole Buying FAQ
For vaulted ceilings, you’ll need either a vaulted mount* (requires a structural beam and drilling) or a stage pole to pole safely. Most reputable brands of pole have mounts for vaulted ceilings.
6’ around the pole is going to be ideal for dynamic and wide moves like reverse grabs, Reiko Split, and Iron-X. That said, anything 3’ and above will accommodate most beginner/intermediate moves. I have 4’ around my pole and I only occasionally hit my dining room table.
Absolutely you can still pole! Pole has a huge plus-size community, and I’ve never seen a sport as body-positive. Increased forces on the pole make it extra important to buy a reputable, sturdy pole. The three long-respected brands of pole referenced above--XPole, ThePole, and Lupit--have time-tested engineering to keep you safe at any weight.
Tension and stage poles are both compatible with carpet. You have to be extra careful to check the pole tension before each use. Carpet can compress under the force of the pole, which will cause the tension to decrease. If your pole tension lowers, it can fall during use. The way to avoid this is to check the pole tension and expand the pole if needed as the carpet compresses.
Classes are the absolute best way to learn, especially as you’re just starting. If there is a pole studio near you, you will be able to connect with the local pole community by taking classes. Otherwise, online classes are a great option. Some live-with-feedback studioa I love for online beginner lessons are Pole Dance Academy Online and Miss Filly's Pole Institute.
