Pole is a sport which requires an acute awareness of bodily physics coupled with a sufficient amount of friction from the pole dancer's skin against the pole in order for the pole dancer to grip the pole safely.
As the pole dancing world is populated with a diverse group of dancers with different skin and body types, it may be confusing to decide what type of pole is suitable for your skin and body type.
Here are some tips and guidelines to help you along the way!
Common Finishes in Singapore
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Brass poles work well for multiple body types as it provides great grip factor even in humid and sweaty environments. The more the brass pole is 'broken' into, the grippier the brass pole becomes. As such it is a popular choice for pole dancers struggling with excessive sweating and humid environments as they find it easier to grip on brass compared to steel and chrome.
However the material alloy can easily react to the environment and chemicals, causing it to tarnish easily, leaving a green cast on the skin and grip aid stains on the pole if it is not thoroughly cleaned after every use. Brass may also cause metal allergies for some users, making it unsuitable for pole dancers with sensitive skin. Some pole dancers report finding brass overly grippy, affecting their execution especially for static pole combos and transitions. Brass poles also cost more than chrome and stainless steel.
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Chrome plated poles are a popular choice as a home use pole due to its tackiness compared to its stainless steel relative and its relatively affordable price point. Chrome looks better aesthetically compared to a well broken in brass pole and may last for years if it is cleaned regularly and well taken care of.
Do note that the chrome coating will eventually wear off with frequent use, causing tarnish and rusting to the pole long term. Chrome poles rust easily if they get scratches and certain pole dancers may also find their skin allergic to the metals found in the chrome plated alloy.
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Stainless steel poles work best for pole dancers with sensitive skin and metal allergies. Its finish is highly resistant to corrosion and therefore best suited to warm and humid climates. The only downside to a stainless steel pole is that it is a lot less grippy as compared to brass or chrome and is more expensive than chrome. However, it promises longevity and looks great in appearance if you plan to keep this pole long term.
Other Finishes
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Titanium gold poles offer a grip better than chrome but less than brass and is great for pole dancers who may be frustrated with how overly grippy brass poles are but want a better grip factor than chrome. It does not tarnish like brass but maintains a beautiful gold finish if well cared for.
Nevertheless, it's price point and relative high maintenance may put off most users due to how soft the metal is (think careful transportation to avoid warping) and how easily scratches would show on the gold plated finish if care is not taken with the pole.
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Silicon poles, also known as Chinese poles are known for its extreme grip factor, so much so that you can pole on it fully clothed with no issues. It is best used for executing highly dynamic tricks and you may see it used in a professional circus setting for instance where performers are fully clothed in costumes.
It is not recommended for hobbyist pole dancers wearing typical pole dance wear with skin exposed as the high grip factor of this material will generate a lot of friction, causing abrasions and excessive bruising compared to the other smoother metallic finishes. Silicon poles also need to be cleaned regularly with warm soapy water as pet hair and dust particles will adhere very easily to the material
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Powder coated poles are basically chrome plated poles painted over with a coloured powder coating and cured under heat to form a durable finish. They are great for use in colder climates as they do not require 'warming up' unlike conventional metallic finishes. Powder coated poles offer generally great grip especially in warm humid temperatures as compared to stainless steel or chrome.
Powder coated poles do not work as well with dry skin in drier climates as the user may find the pole too slick for use. They must also be treated with care as any scratching done to the powder coat finish may cause the metal underneath to start rusting.