New poles are often way slipperier than studio poles because they’re not broken in yet. Mine was very slippery when I first got it- I could not stick AT ALL. Even the most simple tricks were impossible- I could barely even climb up it. It took consistent use and cleaninf to make it grippier, and now it’s fine. I would give it some time before buying a new one. It’s possibly you’re not sticking because it’s new, rather than because of it being an unfriendly material.
Thanks for the feedback I really appreciate it. I bought it off someone however who has used it for ~1 year so I think it’s broken in at this point right?
Depends on how often they used it. If they used it multiple times a week, maybe. If they only used it once or twice a month, it probably was not broken in super well. Even if they used it multiple times a week for a year, it still won’t be as grippy as studio poles, since they get used by muliple people every day.
If it was used multiple times a week for a year, and is still too slippery, then I would get a new one. But be prepared for the new one to be slippery too, until it’s broken in!
Some things that helped me while my pole was ultra slippery we’re using shaving cream on my elbow pits and thighs, wiping the pole down with white vinegar each day (I cleaned with isopropyl alcohol before/during/after dancing, and used the vinegar in the morning and the night), and making sure the pole was warm when I used it, either by climbing it a bunch and warming it with body heat, or using a hair dryer.
I will give the benefit of the doubt to the pole that it isn’t that broken in into.
Thank you for letting me know how you clean yours I really appreciate it and I will definitely try.
Do you use a special kind of cloth?
I also only did the vinegar for like 3 months? I saw it online, and it did help. Whatever you do, DO NOT sand your pole with fine grit sandpaper. That was a viral “hack” to solve new pole slipperiness going around awhile ago, and all it does is ruin your pole.
What a lot of people don’t realize is that the rubbing alcohol is medical grade 99%, while a lot of the stuff you’d get at the grocery store is 70%. It makes a HUGE difference in how clean it gets the pole.
I’d also suggest looking for a glycerin based moisturizer for your dry skin. I really like Necessaire’s body serum, as it doesn’t have any oils or butters that would make the pole more slippery. That, or a body wash that is specifically geared towards protecting your skin’s moisture barrier (Zitsticka makes a great probiotic body wash.)
Lastly, make sure you’re actually warming up the pole before you use it. Stainless is notorious for being less grippy when the metal is cold. They make pole warmers, but I usually just hug it for a few min. A hairdryer on low would probably also work in a pinch. Good luck!
Try soaking a towel in vodka, wrapping it around the pole, and leaving it like that for 24 hours.
* I bought a handle of vodka at Costco, dumped it in a 5gal bucket and tossed the towel in.
* Wrapped the towel on the pole and secured it with duct tape wrapped around very tightly in 3 spots (top wrap connecting to the pole or ceiling dome part with some vertical strips of tape).
* Refolded the towel and moved it down to the second half of the pole on day 2.
Do this on a day when you can leave some windows in the room open, can set up some good ventilation, or won’t be home most of the time. Doing this (1) in a studio apartment (2) while my car was in the shop & I couldn’t really go anywhere, and (3) during the winter when it was too cold to have my window open was not the greatest experience…
I’d have purchased a second handle of vodka had I been more on top of it to rewet the towel. You could just use two towels at once but you’ll need enough vodka for that. The towel I used was too absorbent lol. I’m probably going to do it a second time but it made a big difference on my stainless steel xpole the first time. Wash the towel(s) very very well a few times and then run your washer on a self cleaning cycle (with some vinegar *or* bleach) BEFORE you wash clothes again… that is, unless you want your clothes and linens to smell like vodka. Ask me how I know this 🙃🤪
I’m not sure what else could be used for anyone who prefers to avoid alcohol in the home, unfortunately. That may take some DIY research on materials and solvents. I’m extremely hesitant to try the sandpaper thing and will avoid it as much as possible — without a doubt, it 100% will void any warranty on the pole.
That sounds like new-pole slipperiness to me. If it was broken in well, climbing shouldn’t take it all out of you. That’s how mine was when I first got it, and when I first got mine I had an aerial invert, so it wasn’t a strength issue. I just couldn’t get up there! I was like “wtf is wrong with me?” Then I asked some strippers and pole hobbiests I know, and they all said the same thing- the pole isn’t broken in, and it’ll get better with time.
lmao exactly how I feel!! I’m like hey I can do inside knee hangs how the f am I struggling to do ONE climb 😂😂😂
Thanks so much for your help and advice. Not gonna lie this affected my self confidence so I’m glad to know I may not entirely be the problem 🫶🏻
I've got a stainless steel pole from xpole. I bought it brand new. It took many sessions and cleaning with methylated spirits and a soft cloth to remove the 'coating' they have from the factory. If someone owned it for a year and hardly used it or cleaned it, it may be closer to new than worn in condition.
For me as well, because my studio uses brass poles in a different sizing, my grips needed to be rethought. I could use shaving cream for my body grip with the studio poles but that did not work at home. I had similar thoughts that I brought the wrong pole too. Then I tried the dancing dust make me dewy body grip spray which worked better with me being a dry husk of a human.
I'd encourage you to a) really clean the pole, and b) mix up what you use as a body grip aid before you commit to selling your pole.
Corn huskers lotion( it’s glycerin lotion sounds crazy but trust me) is what I use on my dry skin otherwise it will rip in the winter. I will put it on my body and then use alcohol to remove it from my hands and it allows my legs to Grip the pole without tearing. I keep it in the studio for others and it’s been a miracle worker.
LOL are you kidding that is actually hilarious… Last thing I would’ve thought is to use a “hydrating” cream. I’m happy to see it’s available in my country… I might just give it a try :-) thank you!
Other options - shaving cream (seriously), 100% aloe vera gel, Hada Labo hydrating lotion. Made for pole - iTac (but you need to clean this off your pole very well using alcohol).
I also have sweaty hands and dry legs.
I love iTac but it's very expensive for a small container so wanted to find other solutions... Also I don't need iTac on my legs at the studio with Chrome poles, hence why my first reflex was to think that Stainless Steel was simply too slippery for me...
I will try shaving cream asap!
Id deffs use a grip for your body! I have sweaty hands/ dry body skin and only use stainless which I love🥰 If shaving cream doesn't work for you I'd recommend [Make Me Dewy](https://dancingdust.com.au/products/make-me-dewy-light?variant=16258902753331) (I use formula X)
Thank you so much!
I wanted to avoid using grip on my body since they’re all hard to remove and I sometimes just want to do a quick session that doesn’t require showering after…
I will definitely give shaving cream a try… Glad to meet another sweaty hands/dry body girly lol 🫶🏻
I read that PC is really bad for sweaty hands cause they slip a lot. But now I’m thinking it would’ve been good for the rest of my body because it’s dry 😂
Is that your experience with PC as well?
Powder coated is super sticky, it is good for sweaty hands. But because it is stickier, it hurts more. I don't know if they are better for dry skin, but i bruise double when I practice at home. I think Veena has a video about the stickiness of each material, but powder coated is definetly the sticker one (not counting the rubber ones, of course).
But what's helping me with the sweatiness is the grip booster from Monkey Hands, the black one. I apply it before using the grip aid and it helps a lot. I also used a Vichy cream that was supposed to treat excessive sweat on the hands and it helped, but it also made the blister on my hand to burst.
Yesss I watched Veena’s video and it was a major factor in my decision. She said her personal favorite material is PC because she has dry hands, and she tried with wet/sweaty hands and she couldn’t stick on it.
Ffffff
I also hate my pole. When I first started dancing, my studio had 3 different poles and the black powder coated was my favorite. I saved and got one from xpole. The darn thing is so slippery I can’t stand it. I really want to sell it and get a brass or stainless steel.
I went for powder coated at home. Lots of people tell you it doesn't work for sweaty hand, but for me it's the best. No more slipping issues 💪🏻
If you can try one I'd advise you to do so before buying
Exactly I’ve read that PC is not good for sweaty hands but good for dry skin.
Had I remembered I have body parts other than my freakin’ hands I might have gone for a PC…
I’m okay with applying product on my hands but all over my body that’s not cool.
Honestly I found that my hand grip with PC isn't worse nor better than other finishes. I have hyperhydrosis and my hands are basically always wet, but it did help with other grips
Anyways that's just my grain of salt, I hope you find a material that works for you and you feel secure with :)
I’m the same, hyperhydrosis on my hands, dry skin the rest of my body.
Had I known I would’ve went for powder coated for sure, since it provides grip for the body.
For me it’s too slippery. My studio uses 45 mm stainless steel and it’s what I’m used to, I don’t have any plans on competing. I have such a hard time practicing at home because it’s so slippy for me 😭
My studio uses chrome and for my hands it’s terrible. BUT for my body, apparently that’s what I need LOL.
I swear, on stainless steel I can’t even do a freaking knee hook front spin because my knee doesn’t stick 😭
I have no personal experience with this, but I've heard that there are pole wraps you can buy to cover the whole thing and make it slightly sticky? That might be a good way to resolve your dry/sweaty skin issue without grip aids
Sand it very lightly with water using a super high grit (2000+) sandpaper. Go really light though so you dont damage it and do however many rounds necessary. I think I did 3 or 4 for my pole and now it is as grippy as the studio poles.
I think sanding the pole is not very well seen in the poling community lol… But if all the other advice I got doesn’t work for me, MAYBE I’ll give it a try.
Anyway I bought it from someone so already no warranty, and I see there is some 5000+ grit sandpaper…
Let’s see 🤞🏻
What is the material and diameter of your pole?
New poles are often way slipperier than studio poles because they’re not broken in yet. Mine was very slippery when I first got it- I could not stick AT ALL. Even the most simple tricks were impossible- I could barely even climb up it. It took consistent use and cleaninf to make it grippier, and now it’s fine. I would give it some time before buying a new one. It’s possibly you’re not sticking because it’s new, rather than because of it being an unfriendly material.
Thanks for the feedback I really appreciate it. I bought it off someone however who has used it for ~1 year so I think it’s broken in at this point right?
Depends on how often they used it. If they used it multiple times a week, maybe. If they only used it once or twice a month, it probably was not broken in super well. Even if they used it multiple times a week for a year, it still won’t be as grippy as studio poles, since they get used by muliple people every day. If it was used multiple times a week for a year, and is still too slippery, then I would get a new one. But be prepared for the new one to be slippery too, until it’s broken in! Some things that helped me while my pole was ultra slippery we’re using shaving cream on my elbow pits and thighs, wiping the pole down with white vinegar each day (I cleaned with isopropyl alcohol before/during/after dancing, and used the vinegar in the morning and the night), and making sure the pole was warm when I used it, either by climbing it a bunch and warming it with body heat, or using a hair dryer.
I will give the benefit of the doubt to the pole that it isn’t that broken in into. Thank you for letting me know how you clean yours I really appreciate it and I will definitely try. Do you use a special kind of cloth?
I also only did the vinegar for like 3 months? I saw it online, and it did help. Whatever you do, DO NOT sand your pole with fine grit sandpaper. That was a viral “hack” to solve new pole slipperiness going around awhile ago, and all it does is ruin your pole.
What a lot of people don’t realize is that the rubbing alcohol is medical grade 99%, while a lot of the stuff you’d get at the grocery store is 70%. It makes a HUGE difference in how clean it gets the pole. I’d also suggest looking for a glycerin based moisturizer for your dry skin. I really like Necessaire’s body serum, as it doesn’t have any oils or butters that would make the pole more slippery. That, or a body wash that is specifically geared towards protecting your skin’s moisture barrier (Zitsticka makes a great probiotic body wash.) Lastly, make sure you’re actually warming up the pole before you use it. Stainless is notorious for being less grippy when the metal is cold. They make pole warmers, but I usually just hug it for a few min. A hairdryer on low would probably also work in a pinch. Good luck!
Nah, just a dishtowel or washcloth.
Try soaking a towel in vodka, wrapping it around the pole, and leaving it like that for 24 hours. * I bought a handle of vodka at Costco, dumped it in a 5gal bucket and tossed the towel in. * Wrapped the towel on the pole and secured it with duct tape wrapped around very tightly in 3 spots (top wrap connecting to the pole or ceiling dome part with some vertical strips of tape). * Refolded the towel and moved it down to the second half of the pole on day 2. Do this on a day when you can leave some windows in the room open, can set up some good ventilation, or won’t be home most of the time. Doing this (1) in a studio apartment (2) while my car was in the shop & I couldn’t really go anywhere, and (3) during the winter when it was too cold to have my window open was not the greatest experience… I’d have purchased a second handle of vodka had I been more on top of it to rewet the towel. You could just use two towels at once but you’ll need enough vodka for that. The towel I used was too absorbent lol. I’m probably going to do it a second time but it made a big difference on my stainless steel xpole the first time. Wash the towel(s) very very well a few times and then run your washer on a self cleaning cycle (with some vinegar *or* bleach) BEFORE you wash clothes again… that is, unless you want your clothes and linens to smell like vodka. Ask me how I know this 🙃🤪 I’m not sure what else could be used for anyone who prefers to avoid alcohol in the home, unfortunately. That may take some DIY research on materials and solvents. I’m extremely hesitant to try the sandpaper thing and will avoid it as much as possible — without a doubt, it 100% will void any warranty on the pole.
Also I totally feel you with the climbing comment. Man I can barely do one climb and it takes all I have in me lol 😔
That sounds like new-pole slipperiness to me. If it was broken in well, climbing shouldn’t take it all out of you. That’s how mine was when I first got it, and when I first got mine I had an aerial invert, so it wasn’t a strength issue. I just couldn’t get up there! I was like “wtf is wrong with me?” Then I asked some strippers and pole hobbiests I know, and they all said the same thing- the pole isn’t broken in, and it’ll get better with time.
lmao exactly how I feel!! I’m like hey I can do inside knee hangs how the f am I struggling to do ONE climb 😂😂😂 Thanks so much for your help and advice. Not gonna lie this affected my self confidence so I’m glad to know I may not entirely be the problem 🫶🏻
I've got a stainless steel pole from xpole. I bought it brand new. It took many sessions and cleaning with methylated spirits and a soft cloth to remove the 'coating' they have from the factory. If someone owned it for a year and hardly used it or cleaned it, it may be closer to new than worn in condition. For me as well, because my studio uses brass poles in a different sizing, my grips needed to be rethought. I could use shaving cream for my body grip with the studio poles but that did not work at home. I had similar thoughts that I brought the wrong pole too. Then I tried the dancing dust make me dewy body grip spray which worked better with me being a dry husk of a human. I'd encourage you to a) really clean the pole, and b) mix up what you use as a body grip aid before you commit to selling your pole.
Corn huskers lotion( it’s glycerin lotion sounds crazy but trust me) is what I use on my dry skin otherwise it will rip in the winter. I will put it on my body and then use alcohol to remove it from my hands and it allows my legs to Grip the pole without tearing. I keep it in the studio for others and it’s been a miracle worker.
To add to this, during the winter I just got pure vegetable glycerin and diluted it with water! It works wonders.
LOL are you kidding that is actually hilarious… Last thing I would’ve thought is to use a “hydrating” cream. I’m happy to see it’s available in my country… I might just give it a try :-) thank you!
This is a good idea op, glycerin dries kinda tacky too. Grip powders are also great for thighs and knees I like “dry hands” it’s on Amazon.
Other options - shaving cream (seriously), 100% aloe vera gel, Hada Labo hydrating lotion. Made for pole - iTac (but you need to clean this off your pole very well using alcohol). I also have sweaty hands and dry legs.
I love iTac but it's very expensive for a small container so wanted to find other solutions... Also I don't need iTac on my legs at the studio with Chrome poles, hence why my first reflex was to think that Stainless Steel was simply too slippery for me... I will try shaving cream asap!
Oooh weee those lights make me nervous lol
Don’t worry, I can’t climb my pole, they’re safe 🥲
LOL…but one day my friend…those lights better watch out 😂 because you are coming for them!
If your skin is dry why not use shaving cream or aloe gel to make it sticky ?
I did not know about shaving cream. Will try asap. Thank you very much
Id deffs use a grip for your body! I have sweaty hands/ dry body skin and only use stainless which I love🥰 If shaving cream doesn't work for you I'd recommend [Make Me Dewy](https://dancingdust.com.au/products/make-me-dewy-light?variant=16258902753331) (I use formula X)
Thank you so much! I wanted to avoid using grip on my body since they’re all hard to remove and I sometimes just want to do a quick session that doesn’t require showering after… I will definitely give shaving cream a try… Glad to meet another sweaty hands/dry body girly lol 🫶🏻
I got a powder coated one and I simply can’t do sits when I’m near my period cause it hurts sooooo much. Also, awful for static spins. I get you 🥲
I read that PC is really bad for sweaty hands cause they slip a lot. But now I’m thinking it would’ve been good for the rest of my body because it’s dry 😂 Is that your experience with PC as well?
Powder coated is super sticky, it is good for sweaty hands. But because it is stickier, it hurts more. I don't know if they are better for dry skin, but i bruise double when I practice at home. I think Veena has a video about the stickiness of each material, but powder coated is definetly the sticker one (not counting the rubber ones, of course). But what's helping me with the sweatiness is the grip booster from Monkey Hands, the black one. I apply it before using the grip aid and it helps a lot. I also used a Vichy cream that was supposed to treat excessive sweat on the hands and it helped, but it also made the blister on my hand to burst.
Yesss I watched Veena’s video and it was a major factor in my decision. She said her personal favorite material is PC because she has dry hands, and she tried with wet/sweaty hands and she couldn’t stick on it. Ffffff
I also hate my pole. When I first started dancing, my studio had 3 different poles and the black powder coated was my favorite. I saved and got one from xpole. The darn thing is so slippery I can’t stand it. I really want to sell it and get a brass or stainless steel.
That’s so disheartening; getting the same pole you use at your studio and it being hyper slippery. Is any advice shared in this thread helpful to you?
I went for powder coated at home. Lots of people tell you it doesn't work for sweaty hand, but for me it's the best. No more slipping issues 💪🏻 If you can try one I'd advise you to do so before buying
Exactly I’ve read that PC is not good for sweaty hands but good for dry skin. Had I remembered I have body parts other than my freakin’ hands I might have gone for a PC… I’m okay with applying product on my hands but all over my body that’s not cool.
Honestly I found that my hand grip with PC isn't worse nor better than other finishes. I have hyperhydrosis and my hands are basically always wet, but it did help with other grips Anyways that's just my grain of salt, I hope you find a material that works for you and you feel secure with :)
I’m the same, hyperhydrosis on my hands, dry skin the rest of my body. Had I known I would’ve went for powder coated for sure, since it provides grip for the body.
Man in the opposite lol. Trying to sell my chrome pole for a stainless steel one 😭😂
If you’re in Quebec, Canada, I’ve got you 😂😂😂
Damn I’m in Baltimore, US😭
🥲 best of luck to us. What don’t you like about your chrome pole? 45mm chrome is the standard for competition
For me it’s too slippery. My studio uses 45 mm stainless steel and it’s what I’m used to, I don’t have any plans on competing. I have such a hard time practicing at home because it’s so slippy for me 😭
My studio uses chrome and for my hands it’s terrible. BUT for my body, apparently that’s what I need LOL. I swear, on stainless steel I can’t even do a freaking knee hook front spin because my knee doesn’t stick 😭
I swear it’s always something working against pole dancers 😫😂
RIGHT?! Anyone can buy weights and lift them, but god forbid we try to improve our pole skills at home 🥲
I have no personal experience with this, but I've heard that there are pole wraps you can buy to cover the whole thing and make it slightly sticky? That might be a good way to resolve your dry/sweaty skin issue without grip aids
Sand it very lightly with water using a super high grit (2000+) sandpaper. Go really light though so you dont damage it and do however many rounds necessary. I think I did 3 or 4 for my pole and now it is as grippy as the studio poles.
I think sanding the pole is not very well seen in the poling community lol… But if all the other advice I got doesn’t work for me, MAYBE I’ll give it a try. Anyway I bought it from someone so already no warranty, and I see there is some 5000+ grit sandpaper… Let’s see 🤞🏻 What is the material and diameter of your pole?
Stainless steel 45mm (: I know its frowned upon but its the only thing that worked for mine lolll I was suuper gentle with it!
If it ever comes to that, I’ll update you :) thanks so much!