POLE DANCE POLE: WHICH MATERIAL TO CHOOSE?
It’s easy to feel lost when looking to buy a pole. In addition to the type or diameter, which we detail here, you need to choose its coating. And at first… we don’t understand much: chrome, stainless steel, powder coated… what do all these terms mean? We’ll explain it to you right away!
1. Chrome (chrome-plated steel)
Chrome is the classic, standard coating. It is used both at home and in studios or competitions.
→ Pros:
- affordable price
- classic grip, suitable for all uses and all levels
→ Cons:
- contains nickel (so be careful if you’re allergic)
- chrome tends to slip when cold, so you need to practice for a few minutes
to warm up the pole - may wear out more quickly than stainless steel
Note: chrome poles from Lupit Pole don’t use nickel, so they are hypoallergenic!
2. Stainless steel
Offering similar grip and color while being hypoallergenic, stainless steel is the main alternative to chrome. It’s very often found in pole studios.
→ Pros:
- avoids nickel allergies present in most chrome poles
- more durable material than chrome
→ Cons:
- higher price
- may seem slightly more slippery than chrome for beginners
3. Brass
A material that you either love or hate! Totally different from the previous two, brass is perfect for poling in hot and humid climates. It has a golden appearance.
→ Pros:
- hypoallergenic
- superior grip to titanium gold
- perfect grip for hot/humid climates
→ Cons:
- tends to slip at the beginning, you need to take time to “break in” the pole.
- not well-suited for cold and dry environments, tends to slip if you don’t warm up
enough - high price
- requires special maintenance as brass tends to become matte over time (and therefore less grippy!)
4. Titanium gold
Widely used in the early days of pole dancing, the titanium gold pole is a chrome pole with a golden appearance and slightly superior adhesion (thanks to an electrolytic treatment).
→ Pros:
- good grip, suitable for all practices
→ Cons:
- contains nickel (so be careful if you’re allergic)
- the golden finish wears off over time (revealing the classic chrome underneath)
- higher price than classic chrome
5. Powder coated
We call powder coated
poles those covered with a colored finish fixed at high temperature on steel. This type of pole offers really superior adhesion and is generally very appreciated by people who have grip difficulties with more classic materials.
→ Pros:
- superior grip, perfect for learning certain complex figures or for those with grip difficulties
- more pleasant as it’s less cold to the touch (even at the beginning of a training session)
- several color options available
- affordable price
→ Cons:
- not well-suited for drops or spin on static: tends to burn the skin
- By facilitating grip, powder coated allows for less focus on strength or grip (you can therefore succeed in a move on such a pole and not “achieve” it on a chrome one… so it’s best to avoid for competition prep.)
6. Silicone
Poles called “silicone” are actually steel poles covered with a silicone sheath. This coating, perfect for pole dancing with clothes on, is often used during performances or on flying poles.
→ Pros:
- Maximum grip level
- Ideal for practicing with more clothes on and for acrobatic pole (similar use to the Chinese pole in circus)
→ Cons:
- Not well-suited for standard pole practice (drops, spin on static, etc.)
- Practicing in classic pole attire on a silicone pole can lead to some burns
- Higher price than classic chrome poles
NB: Be careful when choosing your outfit to avoid feeling like you’re slipping inside your clothes!
7. GeckoGrip™
This finish is only offered by The Pole Italy (AGM). Similar to powder coated, this coating – highly appreciated by people with grip difficulties – is made with plastic molecules with special characteristics.
→ Pros:
- Two possible colors (glossy white and glossy black)
- Does not contain nickel
- Guarantees extraordinary grip thanks to its micro-formulation (and therefore helps reduce fatigue in the adductors and thumb tendons)
- Coating designed to wear properly and ensure user safety
→ Cons:
- Higher price
- Like powder coated, GeckoGrip requires less strength and grip work
We hope we’ve managed to shed some light on the different pole dance pole coatings! Now, all that’s left is for you to decide… good luck! (If you still have doubts, we recommend trying out various poles in studios near you. 🩶)
And if you have any other questions we haven’t answered yet, we’re always available on Instagram (@polefactorymc) or by email through the contact section!
See you soon! ☽
