X-Pole Review: SPORT vs XPERT vs XPERT Pro
The home pole most of us learned on. Claudia trains on a 45mm chrome XPERT at home, so here's our honest take on the range and which one to buy.
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The verdict
The safe, sensible first pole
X-Pole is the brand you’ll find in studios and living rooms all over the world. Extensions and spare parts are easy to get, and the XPERT is the sweet spot for most people: static and spin, a good choice of finishes, and no drilling.
What we love
- Static and spin on the XPERT and XPERT Pro
- Tension-mounted, so no drilling
- Lots of finishes, from chrome to brass and silicone
- Extensions and spare parts are easy to find
- Lots of studios use X-Pole, so it feels familiar
Watch out for
- The SPORT is static only
- Switching the XPERT takes a few minutes. X-LOCK on the Pro is instant
- The X-LOCK lever can get knocked when you slide a crash mat round the base
- Popular sizes and finishes can sell out
- Resellers sometimes charge well over the odds
Which X-Pole?
Three home poles. Here's who each one is for.
SPORT
The starter pole. Height-adjustable, no permanent fixings, and easy to put up without a ladder.
- Static (non-spinning) only
- 40mm or 45mm
- Chrome or powder coat
- Fits 2235–2745mm (7’4″–9′) as standard
XPERT
X-Pole’s best-seller, recently updated with the Pro’s sleeker dome and top insert.
- Switches between static and spin
- Chrome, stainless steel, titanium gold and powder coat
- Extensions for taller ceilings
- Carry case available
XPERT Pro
The XPERT plus X-LOCK, which flips between static and spin with a flick of the wrist. No tools needed.
- X-LOCK instant switching
- 40mm or 45mm
- Adds brass and black silicone finishes
- Slimmer upper dome
Claudia's XPERT
Claudia’s home pole is a 45mm chrome XPERT, set up for both static and spin. Chrome is the finish most studios use, so it’s a good match if you also go to classes, and Claudia has taken plenty, from Hartlepool and Crewe to Malta and San Diego.
She pairs it with an X-Pole pole warmer for cold days, because a cold pole is much harder to grip.
Which diameter?
X-Pole home poles come in 45mm and 40mm. 45mm is the classic size in many UK and US studios and suits most hands. 40mm is easier to wrap your hand around, so it’s popular with smaller hands and for tricks. Older X-Poles were also sold in 50mm, which you’ll still see second-hand.
If you train in a studio, match the size you use there. Our full guide to pole sizes goes into more detail.
Which finish?
- Chrome: the studio standard and a great all-rounder. Avoid it if you have a nickel allergy.
- Stainless steel: similar feel to chrome and suits nickel allergies.
- Brass (XPERT Pro): grippy, and gets grippier as the room warms up. Needs regular polishing.
- Titanium gold: a coated finish with extra grip.
- Powder coat (black or white): very grippy, which helps if you struggle to hold on to metal.
- Silicone (XPERT Pro): the stickiest of all. Great for holds, but it feels very different from a studio pole.
Tip: very grippy finishes can make spins hard on a static pole. If you love spinning on static, stick with chrome, stainless or brass.
No ceiling? The X-STAGE range
If your ceiling is too high, too low or not strong enough, X-Pole also makes freestanding poles: the X-STAGE, X-STAGE LITE and X-STAGE PRO, all static and spinning. They need more floor space and cost more, but you can pole in a garage or garden. Compare freestanding stage poles.
Where to buy an X-Pole
Buy direct from X-Pole’s regional site (they have offices in the UK, US, Australia and more) or from an authorised stockist. You’ll get a brand-new pole with every part, a proper warranty and a fair price. Resellers on marketplaces sometimes charge well over the odds for the same pole.
Buying second-hand?
A used X-Pole can be a bargain, but check before you pay:
- Every part is in the bag, including the top dome, base and tools.
- No deep scratches, dents or rust on the pole sections.
- Which model it is (SPORT, XPERT or Pro), the diameter and how old it is. Older extensions don’t always fit newer poles.
- How often it’s been used and why it’s being sold.
Out of stock?
Popular sizes and finishes do sell out from time to time. If your heart is set on one, ask X-Pole or your stockist for a delivery date before you order, rather than paying extra to a reseller.
More guides you might like
X-Pole FAQs
Is X-Pole a good brand?
Yes. X-Pole is one of the most popular home pole brands in the world and is used in lots of studios. Claudia trains on a 45mm chrome XPERT at home. The poles are well made, tension-mounted, and extensions and spare parts are easy to get.
What's the difference between the XPERT and the XPERT Pro?
Both switch between static and spin. The XPERT Pro adds X-LOCK, which switches modes instantly with a flick of the wrist and no tools, plus extra finishes including brass and silicone. The standard XPERT takes a few minutes to switch.
Does the X-Pole SPORT spin?
No. The SPORT is static only. If you want spin mode, choose the XPERT or XPERT Pro.
What ceiling height does an X-Pole fit?
As standard, X-Pole home poles fit ceilings from 2235mm to 2745mm (7’4″ to 9′). Extensions are available for taller rooms. If your ceiling won’t take a tension pole, look at the X-STAGE freestanding range. Can I put a pole in my house?
Can I use an X-Pole if I rent?
Usually, yes. X-Poles are held in place by pressure, not screws, so there’s no drilling. You do need a solid ceiling, ideally with a joist above the pole, so check with your landlord if you’re unsure. Read our renting and ceiling guide.
Is it OK to buy a second-hand X-Pole?
Yes, as long as every part is there and the pole isn’t badly scratched or dented. Check the model, diameter and age, because older extensions don’t always fit newer poles.
Hooked since a works night out in Nottingham. She’s taken classes from Hartlepool to Malta and San Diego, tried trapeze, lyra, silks and hammock, and taught pole and hammock.
A Greater Manchester mum who’s trained pole and aerial for over a decade, mostly at home, and started Loops World to share the kit that works.