Pole Dancing Equipment

Pole dancing has gone from a niche studio class to one of the most popular alternative workouts around, and lots of us now want to train at home too. The good news is that home pole equipment is safer, easier to fit and better made than it has ever been. The tricky part is knowing what to buy.

This guide walks you through the main types of pole, the sizes and finishes you’ll come across, the brands worth knowing, and the safety kit that should go with it. Everything links through to our more detailed reviews.

The four main types of home pole

1. Tension-mounted (removable) poles

The most popular choice for home. The pole is held in place by pressure between your floor and ceiling, so there’s no drilling, and you can take it down when you need the space back. You’ll need a solid ceiling above the pole (ideally a joist) and enough height, although most brands sell extensions for taller rooms. See our top dance poles for home.

2. Permanent (fixed) poles

Bolted into the ceiling and floor for maximum stability. These are what many studios use. They’re great if you own your home and have a dedicated space, but they’re not ideal for renters.

3. Freestanding stage poles

A pole mounted on a heavy base or platform, so it needs no ceiling at all. Perfect for garages, gardens, high ceilings or rooms where a tension pole won’t work. They take up more floor space and cost more, but you can pole almost anywhere. Read our guide to 7 freestanding poles.

4. Portable and outdoor poles

Some stage poles can be dismantled and packed into bags, which makes them popular for performers, events and summer training outdoors. Check the weight and set-up time before you buy.

Static or spin?

A static pole stays still while you move around it. A spin pole rotates with you, which makes spins flowier but can feel harder to control at first. Most good home poles switch between the two modes, so you don’t have to choose. If you’re a beginner, learning on static first is a good idea.

Which pole size is right for you?

Pole diameters are measured in millimetres. The three you’ll see most often are:

• 45mm: the traditional standard in many UK and US studios. A good all-rounder if you have average to larger hands.
• 40mm: slimmer and easier to grip, especially for smaller hands. Increasingly popular in studios and competitions.
• 38mm: the slimmest option, best for very small hands.

If you train in a studio, it helps to match the size you use there. Not sure? Read our full guide to pole sizes.

Pole finishes explained

• Chrome: the most common finish and a great all-rounder. Avoid it if you have a nickel allergy.
• Stainless steel: hard-wearing and a good choice for nickel allergies. Some people find it slightly less grippy than chrome.
• Brass: warm and very grippy, which helps if your hands sweat or you live somewhere warm. It needs regular polishing.
• Powder-coated: extra grippy, which is great for learning to hold, but it can be tougher on skin during spins and slides.
• Silicone: very grippy with less friction burn. Popular in hot climates and for tricks, but it feels very different from studio poles.

Your grip also depends on your skin, the weather and the grip aids you use. See our grip aids guide.

What we actually use at home

We don’t just write about this kit, we train on it. Claudia has been poling for 25 years, and at home she uses a 45mm chrome X-Pole XPERT, which switches between static and spin. She pairs it with an X-Pole pole warmer for chilly days, because a cold pole is much harder to grip.

She also has a Lupit Pole Stage: the quick-lock version in chrome, 45mm, with short legs and the integrated silk mount, so the same frame works for her aerial silks too. No ceiling needed.

Sharon has a portable Lupit Pole Stage in chrome. It lives in her garage, goes up in a few minutes, and can come outside when the weather is good. Luckily her husband doesn’t want a go.

Pole brands worth knowing

X-Pole is one of the original home pole brands and is widely available, with a big range of sizes, finishes and freestanding options. It’s what Claudia trains on at home. Read our X-Pole review.

Lupit Pole is a European brand known for its easy-to-fit tension system and a good range of finishes. Its Pole Stage is a freestanding podium that goes up in minutes and works indoors or out. We both own one. Read our Lupit Pole review.

Platinum Stages is a US brand best known for professional-quality stage and permanent poles in stainless steel and brass, used in studios and clubs. Read our Platinum Stages guide.

Whichever brand you choose, buy from the manufacturer or an authorised stockist. That way you get genuine parts, a proper warranty and fitting instructions you can trust. How much does a dance pole cost?

Safety kit to go with your pole

• A crash mat under your pole protects you if you slip or fall, especially when you start inverting. See the best pole crash mats.
• Grip aids stop you sliding when your hands or legs get sweaty.
• Pole cleaner and a cloth keep your pole free of sweat and skin oils, which makes it safer and grippier.
• Check your pole before every session. Tension poles can loosen over time, so make sure it’s tight and secure before you climb.

Before you buy: a quick checklist

• Measure your ceiling height and check what’s above it.
• Make sure you have enough clear space around the pole (at least your arm span plus a leg extension in every direction).
• Decide on your diameter and finish.
• Check the weight limit and warranty.
• Budget for a crash mat and grip aid.

Renting, or not sure your ceiling will take it? Can I put a pole in my house? covers the questions to ask first. And once it’s up, here’s what to do next.