What Size Dance Pole Should I Get?

An important consideration to make when buying a pole dancing pole is – “what size dance pole should I get?

However, when you ask that question, there could be two very different answers. The answer provided will depend on whether the responder thinks you are asking about the height or diameter of the pole?

The writers at Loops World, have done plenty of research over the years about both the height and diameter of pole dancing poles. We are pleased to provide information on both “what diameter dance pole should I get?” and “what vertical height of pole dancing pole should I get?”. 

What Size Dance Pole?

Determining the best Dance pole Diameter for You

Buying your own dance pole is an investment. Buying a pole that’s the wrong size could make or ruin the whole experience of buying your own pole. 

Pole dancing poles come in a variety of diameters. The smallest available is 38 mm and the biggest is 50mm. The 50mm pole used to be the standard size used, but over the last 10 years or so it has reduced somewhat.

Several years back r-pole fitness did some studies into the best diameter for our wrist. The study revealed 38mm was best. However, apart from those with very small hands, many girls prefer a slighter bigger girth to hold (couldn’t help slipping that in there 🙂 ). 

40mm vs 50mm

This is because a balance between a diameter that allows you to perform spins and one that allows grip for inverts and static holds are needed. 

A 50mm pole is great for leg hangs and thigh holds but 40mm is often great for static spins. 

Unless you own a studio you are unlikely to have poles of various dimensions to hand. 

The Compromise

So 45mm has become the new standard. It provides plenty of grip for those moves that need a large surface area to help you grip the pole but allow us to safely hold the pole when doing spins. 

Those with small hands like the petite girls in china may prefer a 40mm/38mm pole.

The 50mm pole may be more suited to those with bigger hands like men.

What To Consider

When Buying a Pole Consider the Following Factors when choosing the correct diameter for you:-

Your Build

If you’re petite, then you may prefer a smaller diameter. A 38mm/40mm pole could be perfect for you.

Studio Size

If the studio you go to is full of 50mm poles, then it’s probably a good idea to get the same. It can really throw some girls swapping between poles that are different diameters. However, I learned on 50mm poles and can quite happily switch between small and larger diameter poles. It really does depend on the individual. 

Competing

Are you going to compete in pole comps? If so, buying a pole that is used in pole compts would be a wise idea. Most comps, in the UK, at the time of writing, use 45mm poles. 

Spins and Tricks

What you plan to do on the pole could help you decide. If you’re all about spins then a pole with a smaller diameter could help you hold on better.

But if you’re all about inverts and tricks, a slightly wider diameter would be a good move. It will help you stick to the pole better.  

Manufacturer – Who Sells What Size?

Not all brands make all diameters of poles.

38mm

The 38mm was pretty unique to R-pole. You might find some selling second-hand r-poles of this diameter. But the company has discontinued this diameter as far as we know.

40mm

The Pole and X-pole make stages and tension mounted poles in this diameter. 

42mm

R-pole and Lupit pole make a 42mm pole.

R-pole makes a brilliant fully portable, free-standing pole. If you want to be able to pole on top of a mountain or on the great wall of Chine then this is the pole for you.

Lupit pole make portable and stage poles in a 42mm diameter.

45mm

The Pole, Lupit pole and X-pole all make stage and portable dance poles in this diameter.

50mm

This used to be the standard diameter but it has been discontinued. But you might still find some second-hand poles in this diameter. 

51mm

The Pole make a 51mm pole. 

Custom Made Diameter

Want a 50mm pole or a diameter that’s not routinely made? The Pole are the brand for you as they make custom made poles. 

In Summary

The correct diameter pole for you will depend on a number of factors. Your size, what they use at the studio you train at, if you’re going to compete and the pole brand you are buying. 

Pole Dancing Poles and Ceiling height

When it comes to height it will very much depend on the dimensions of your room. 

If you have a room that is pretty standard in height you can probably buy a pole from any company.

But if you have an extra tall ceiling or an abnormally low ceiling you might be limited as to where you can buy your pole from. 

X-Pole, The Pole and Lupit pole all sell extra pieces of pole so you can modify the height of your pole to fit your ceiling. These are available at an extra cost.

The best thing to do is measure the height of your room before you buy a pole.  check the brand you are looking to buy sell poles that will fit your ceiling. 

Sophie

Sophie Green has been pole dancing and aerial arts at home and in studios around the world for over 13 years. She’s taken a number of instructor courses in pole and aerial. Plus attended a course on rigging. She takes part in lots of exercise.