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The Beginners Guide To Buying A Fitness Pole

Are you thinking about starting pole fitness at home? Perhaps you take pole classes but you're ready to go that step further to work on your pole goals?

Whatever the reason, you've come to the right place to help you decide which type of pole is the right one for you!

With so many different brands and options available it can be difficult to know where to begin.

That's why I've created this ultimate guide to buying a pole, to take you by the hand and lead you to your perfect pole.

(This page contains affiliate links – my full disclosure statement is available {here})

What You will Learn:

• Which brands you can trust
• The best materials to give you grip
• Which poles will avoid ceiling damage
• The poles you should avoid like the plague
• How to spot dangerous and fake poles

First Things First

The first thing you'll be wondering if you're new to pole shopping is who are the big brands? Who can I trust with my safety as I perform my gravity defying feats of strength?

There are many great brands of dance and fitness pole available but the main five that I would personally trust are:

Lil' Mynx, RPole, Platinum Stages, Lupit Pole and my personal choice of pole that I use on a daily basis at home - X-Pole.

I'll be going through the details of the width and style of pole from some of these great brands with you along the way, along with the pros and cons of the different materials step by step!

One thing I want to cover up front is the danger of purchasing a cheap, unbranded or toy pole.

You should never trade your safety for a cheaper pole.

While this will be one of the most expensive investments you make in your pole journey it will be worth it in the long run, both for your safety and the lasting quality of the pole you buy.

Always remember, if a pole seems too cheap to be true - it probably is.

You'll probably end up paying more in the long run to replace or repair your pole.

I'll also be covering all of the due diligence checks you should be performing before you even think about installing your pole, just incase you do take a chance on a cheaper pole.

Finding The Right Material For Your Pole

You might be feeling a bit confused about which type of pole to choose which is completely normal at this point.

There are quite a few different materials that your pole can be made out of.

So, to get the right one for the job it's important to know what you want to get out of it.

If you are just starting out it's often recommended that you try a static (not spinning) 50mm chrome pole.

While it's great to start with those in a studio where you can change poles as you level up, it's not so great when you have to sell it on and get a new one to advance.

Static poles (like the X-Pole Sport) are just that, completely stationary and do not spin, whereas a spinning pole (like the X-Pole X-Pert) will give you both static and spinning functions.

Many people also move on to 45mm poles as they progress, so this size might be a better starting point.

That is, if you don’t want to end up trying to sell your pole on to buy another.

I’d first like to mention that the standard competition poles are usually 45mm chrome and will be a mix of spinning and static.

So if you ever have a mind to compete then this is the best size and material to train on.

So with that said lets get down to the different materials and their features!

Stainless Steel

The slippiest of all the materials that you could choose for your pole, stainless steel is great for sensitive skin.

Anyone with a nickel allergy will benefit from having a stainless steel pole as the allergy is often triggered by chrome poles.

It's also weather resistant so if the only place you have space for your pole is outdoors then this could be a good choice for you.

Chrome

As I said earlier chrome is the chosen material for most competition poles and it's also the most popular choice in the pole community.

It gives a regular grip and can be considered quite slippy by some, so perhaps this isn't the one for you if you never want to compete.

Brass

These poles are made of solid polished brass and have a high grip. The favourite and most common choice for people who struggle with grip.

Titanium Gold

These poles are not solid gold.

Electronically coated these poles have still more grip than the brass although for studio use the coating seems to wear off quite quickly.

The coating would more than likely last longer with home use.

Powder Coated

Powder coated poles are great for sensitive skin and provide maximum grip.

I tried out the powder coated X-Stage at UKPPC and I have to say it's very cleverly designed.

It was perfect on the hands for spinning on static mode while giving super grip for the body.

What was perhaps the only down side is that it felt quite slippy on my hands in a handspring scenario – but that could just be me.

Silicone

Silicone poles are similar to a Chinese pole which means they have maximum grip and it's recommended that you use them fully clothed.

Going bare skin on these poles can cause nasty friction burns.

The silicone coating is not a sleeve, it can't be removed and you should avoid spinning on static mode to avoid those friction burns I was talking about.

With the pole set to its spinning function though, the pole can be used for some beautiful spinning moves with the most grip possible.

This pole could be perfect for you if you don't ever want to compete, don't like exposing your skin or if you struggle with grip.

You'll stick like glue with this one!

Being the most popular company to get your pole, all the features I have just described are from various X-Poles.

Most other brands use stainless steel poles as far as I can see apart from Lil' Mynx who also offer a selection of coloured one-piece steel poles that are powder coated.

To Spin Or Not To Spin, That Is The Question!

The two main types of pole for sale at X-Pole are 'Sport' which is a static only, stationary pole and 'X-Pert' which has both a spinning function and the option to lock it in static mode with a screw and a hex key.

Lil' Mynx have the regular 'Dance Pole' which is static and a 'Rotator Dance Pole' which can change from spin to static in just a push of a button.

RPole currently only have one type of pole on the site which is a freestanding stage style pole and mentions nothing about a spinning function.

Platinum Stages have a selection of poles with both spin and static functions which all come in either stainless steel or brass.

Except their Platinum Glow Pole v2.0 which is an acrylic shell reinforced with a metal rod.

The new and innovative fast Locking system from Lupit Pole really simplifies the experience of swapping between static and spin pole with ease.

There are no hex keys, just a twist of the locking ring on the lower bearing system!

So back to the spinning debate, if you are new to pole you definitely want to start with static.

Spinning pole requires a lot more muscle and it's better to wait until you feel more confident and have built up a bit of strength to try it out.

That said, you don't want to be buying a new pole when you want to try out spinning and most if not all spinning poles have a static function too.

For that reason, I would recommend buying a pole with both functions right from the start and simply locking it in static mode until you're ready 🙂

How To Choose The Best Pole Diameter For You

If you've started to look at any of these different poles you might have noticed that there are many different thicknesses to choose from.

So if you're finding that a little confusing, here's a quick overview of the pros and cons of each size for you to consider;

38mm (1.49Inches)

The smallest width of pole I have seen. This size is only available via RPole and Platinum Stages and could be great for you if you have super tiny hands.

Probably best for spins this small surface area could cause armpit, thigh and knee holds to be quite uncomfortable.

40mm (1.5Inches)

This is the smallest width of X-Pole you will find.

It's fantastic for people with small hands but will make things like thigh and armpit holds more painful as you have much less surface area of pole to stick to.

42mm (1.65Inches)

Only available via RPole and Lupit Pole, I've heard good things about the 42mm diameter pole.

It's ideal for people who find 45mm just a little bit too wide but want to avoid those armpit and thigh ouchies I mentioned earlier.

Don't forget though, RPole only offer a freestanding stage style pole in stainless steel so if you're looking for a 42mm removable pole you should check out Lupit Pole.

45mm (1.75Inches)

This size is the most popular, not too big and not too small it’s much better for hand grip.

It isn’t bad at all for thigh holds as I mentioned earlier, but if you swap to this from a 50mm you might feel the burn a little more to begin with.

45mm is also the standard size used within the industry and in most competitions, so it is ideal to train on if you are looking to compete.

48mm (1.89Inches)

This diameter will only be found on silicone coated poles.

This is because it is a 40mm pole which increases in size to 48mm with the silicone coating.

50mm (2Inches)

This is the original pole size and mostly suited to people learning thigh and armpit holds (or any other manner of ouchy areas).

It's not always ideal for hand grip and many people prefer a smaller width.

That means they often end up selling these poles on to downsize after a while.

53mm (2.09Inches)

This diameter much like the 48mm can only be found on X-Pole's silicone coated poles.

It is a 45mm pole which increases to 53mm with the silicone coating.

With the 50mm feeling so wide on the hands I can't imagine this one being comfortable but it's also not ideal for spinning due to its coating anyway.

Perhaps the increased grip on this pole makes up for the wider size. If you have any experience with this size pole do let me know in the comments!

The Key To Avoiding Ceiling Damage

When choosing your first pole there's always one question at the forefront of your mind.

Is this going to damage my ceiling and how do I avoid that?

Will I have to tell my landlord and get permission to put my pole up because of ceiling damage?

The short answer would be yes.

There’s always going to be some sign of a pole having been in place. The good news is that doesn't mean there aren't ways to avoid it!

I’ll go into some of those ways in a bit more detail later on when I go through the basics of putting up your pole.

First though, I’m going to take you through each type of pole available.

We'll also run through what effect (if any) each one is likely to have on your ceiling.

Permanent Pole

Permanent poles are secured by a permanent mount that you fix with four screws directly into a beam in your ceiling.

While some people prefer not to do this it’s actually quite easy to fill these holes and paint over them if you do ever decide to take your pole down.

It can actually be much easier than repairing accidental damage caused by the pressure of a removable pole.

What's great about these is that you can purchase mounts from both X-Pole and Lil' Mynx that will allow you to install your pole on a slanted or vaulted ceiling.

So if you've been dying to get a pole at home but have been cursing your lack of flat ceilings then this could be just the answer you're looking for!

Removable Pole

By far the most common choice among pole dancers is the removable pole.

This is secured by putting in place, extending in length and using pressure between the floor and the ceiling. No screws required.

This is also the type of pole I have installed in my home.

Through my own trial and error I’ve come up with some top tips to avoid ceiling damage with these which I'll go through later on.

These poles are great if you need to take your pole down a lot when you aren't practising, or just to avoid shocking the grandparents or in-laws when they visit.

The biggest problem people have with these poles is cracking in the ceiling.

At best you can expect a circular ring mark to be left behind when you take it down.

It is important to understand when purchasing a pole like this that no matter what tips you use to avoid ceiling damage you risk leaving a slight mark, dent or even a crack in the ceiling.

If you settle on a removable pole as your pole of choice here are some things to consider...

Bottom Loading Pole

X-Pole have been developing ideas over time to increase not only the safety aspect of their poles but the ease of installation.

To make it easier for you to install your pole alone without any help they have developed their bottom loading poles.

This means that you will no longer need a ladder to put up your pole.

A bottom loading pole will make it easy for you to adjust the height and pressure you need to lock your pole into place completely from the floor!

X-Joint Technology

As with bottom loading poles, X-Joints are exclusive to X-Pole.

The joints of your pole are the main point of weakness.

One of the main causes of poles falling down is weak joints made with thin metal or small, short threads to lock two pieces of the pole together.

That’s why X-Pole have developed X-Joint technology.

This means their joints no longer have short threads that screw into place at the joint.

Instead they use longer metal tubes that expand and contract to hold pieces of the pole together.

This gives you increased joint stability as well as taking away the risk of thread wear or joints getting stuck.

When buying a second hand pole, it’s important to remember that this is fairly new technology and that older models of X-Pole do have threads.

Free Standing 'Stage' Poles

Stage poles are great for a number of reasons.

So, if you have a higher budget and enough space for it, you can get one of these from RPole, Platinum Stages or X-Pole.

If your pole space is inside the house and your ceiling is lower than 10 feet you would need to buy shorter extensions.

Even so, a stage is great for giving you the freedom to put it up literally anywhere, regardless of your ceiling situation.

The main benefit of a stage is that there’s no need to worry about it damaging your ceiling.

You'll also have the ability to transport it to great locations for photo shoots!

If freedom of location is the main reason that you choose a freestanding pole then you’ll be happy to know that the lightest and most portable stage available is the X-Stage Lite.

I had a play on these beauties at UKPPC in November.

I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed and they are available in chrome, brass, silicone and stainless steel.

You can also select a powder coated insert pole on the Australian X-Pole site if you're ordering from there.

If you would like to go lighter still the RPole is the lightest free-standing pole, although it is a little more expensive and doesn't come with a stage platform to dance on.

There is the option to purchase a crash mat to cover the legs at the base if you choose.

Warning: Poles To Avoid Like The Plague!

If you’ve ever watched a fail compilation that included a pole falling down with someone on it please take note.

Avoid these poles if you want to avoid being that person.

"Toy" poles from shops like Ann Summers are not for pole fitness, pole sport or any kind of extreme pole dancing.

They are extremely dangerous for any use other than walking or dancing around it looking pretty.

While there are a lot of poles like this out there, a couple of examples are the Carmen Electra 'Professional' and 'Peekaboo' Pole Dancing Kits.

Poles like this can be deceptive in that they look sturdy to the untrained eye right up until they come crashing down with you on them!

This is largely due to them being made of very low quality metal with lots of plastic parts, a trait shared by many cheap poles.

You can even find petitions online that are fighting to have these dangerous and misleading poles removed from sale because they are not fit for use.

So please be advised, these poles are not equipped to take your weight.

If you try to swing around or invert on one of them there’s a high risk that it will fall down.

Watch Out There's A Fake About

Thinking about buying second hand? Then there's another thing you need to watch out for.

Occasionally someone will buy a pole, whether from Ebay, GumTree or some other unverified seller, and it turns out to be fake.

To be sure you are getting the exact product that you’re paying for you should always buy directly from the company.

You can see more details about how to tell the difference between a real X-Pole and their fake counterparts here.

How To Check If Your Pole Is The Real Deal

As you can see there are a lot of cheap no brand or toy brand poles to watch out for along with fakes of our trusted brands too.

So, when you’re faced with a cheap alternative that looks just like that X-Pole you want, it’s tempting to go ahead and save yourself some money right?

That’s why in this section, I’m going to cover the things you should look out for that can identify an unsafe pole.

Whether you do happen to buy a cheap or no brand pole, or are just unsure whether your pole is genuine and the seller trustworthy.

Should you ever find yourself in doubt here’s a handy checklist of things to look out for from top to bottom on your pole.

Pole Quality Checklist

• Rubber Quality:
  The rubber around the dome and base plate of your pole should be slightly soft and not too hard.

  Rubber that is too hard will be prone to sliding while the softer rubber grips tight to your floor and ceiling. An easy way to check if your rubber is grippy enough is to place the dome and/or base plate on a flat surface and give it a push.

  When you press down and try to slide it at the same time you should feel the resistance the rubber provides.

  If at this point your dome is sliding around all over the place, this rubber is too hard.

• Dome Shape:
  Another unstable feature on some cheap poles is the teardrop shaped dome.This has been known to break at the weaker point of the dome where it drops down in the center in some cases.

  It's also a feature of fake X-Poles that have been spotted as shown in the picture above.

  Rather than the shape of the dome being the issue with these as I first thought, it turns out that some of these domes were in fact made of plastic. This is what caused them to be unstable and break.

  That means it's super easy to check if the dome of your pole is made of a safe material, just check if a magnet sticks to it 🙂

• Metal Quality:
  When looking at the quality of your pole one of the tell tale signs you have a dangerous pole is thin metal.

  This can be difficult to spot if you're buying your first pole but if you look down the center of the pieces of your pole the metal should be fairly thick. Thin metal will bend easily with use and bending is one of the main reasons poles fall down.

  This is because the bending reduces the pressure between the floor and ceiling that is holding your pole in place.

  Another problem with the metal on cheaper poles is the problem of chipping or sharp edges around the joints which can lead to some nasty cuts.

  So check the edges around your joints carefully too.

• Joint Strength:
  The joints of a pole are its weakest part, which is why it's important to ensure the joints of any pole are up to standard.

  Remember that X-Joint technology we talked about earlier?

  If you buy a new X-Pole it will come with this X-Joint technology, so any new X-Poles with threads you come across are most definitely fake.

  With that said, some of the older models are made with threads. So what you should look out for to identify solid threads is that they are not too short.

  Threads should be fairly long and screw firmly into your pole.

  The picture above is from an original first version of the X-Pole.

  These are still safe although X-Pole have worked a lot on developing the technology behind their poles to further ensure our safety during use.

  I would consider anything smaller than this to be dangerous and a sign of weak joints, which can lead to the pieces of your pole literally snapping apart.

• Watch Out For Plastic:
  Another common attribute of cheap poles is that they contain lots of plastic parts.I believe the Carmen Electra one I mentioned earlier even has plastic threads - yikes!

  Plastic parts are a huge risk to your safety on a pole, they break easily and aren't made to withstand your weight.

  Some pole manufacturers will include plastic parts which are shiny and silver and look remarkably like metal.

  Sneaky huh! So that's something else to watch out for.

• Adjuster Covers:
  The adjuster cover is a thin hollow metal tube that slips over your pole and covers the part you extend to secure the pressure between your pole and the ceiling.

  The cover and ring that come with it should be checked carefully when purchasing cheap or no brand poles.

  The first thing to watch out for is that the cover is secured using screws and doesn't simply slot over two pop out buttons.

  The reason for that is that those pop out buttons are flimsy and will shift the moment you put any amount of weight on them.

  That's not what you want when you're at the top of your pole.

  The last thing you need is to grab hold of your adjuster cover only for it to come loose and send you plummeting back down to the ground.

  So first things first, make sure your adjuster cover has screws!

  The other thing to check with these is that they are in fact metal.

  As I mentioned previously some manufacturers will send these parts out looking like metal but they are actually plastic.

  Suggested reading:
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  If you want to learn more, please visit our website membrane air diffuser supplier.

  In that case, screws or no screws the plastic is going to give out at some point and break, sending you once again straight down to the floor.

Wear & Tear

Last but not least it's important to note that cheap poles can also seem just fine at first but will wear quickly.

Long term problems like the metal chipping and cutting you or the pole bending and falling down are common.

What would be safer and save you money on replacing low quality poles in the long run would be to always buy from trusted sellers.

Don't go cheap - your safety is worth far more than that and you should never compromise.

If you're not sure if the brand you have found is trust worthy, feel free to ask me here.

Or if you are a member of a pole community or forum, just ask there to see if it is known.

The Coolest Poles I've Seen

It seems silly to write a guide to poles without including some of the most epic poles I've seen along the way.

So if you have a bigger budget and you fancy something a little more wild, check out some of these crazy poles...

Glow Pole

The 'Glow Pole' by Platinum Stages is the only light up pole suitable to be danced on.

50mm in diameter, the material is an acrylic shell reinforced by a metal rod.

This pole can be custom cut for any ceiling height up to 12'.

It's not 'removable' and requires 4 screws in the ceiling and 3-4 in the floor.

The 'glow' feature is created by LED lights in the ceiling and floor mounts which can be operated with a control box.

The control box allows you to either set a single colour or have your pole flash through a sequence of colours.

You also have the option to change colours to a music beat using sound sensitive technology.

Hitch Pole

Platinum Stages are at it again, this time with the super cool new Hitch Pole!

The Hitch Pole is designed to be attached to the ball hitch of any SUV or truck.

In the style of a stage pole, the Hitch has a 3' x 3' platform and has around 7' of usable pole available in either 45 or 50mm diameter.

The stage varies in height from the ground depending on the height of your vehicle and is available in either Stainless Steel or Brass.

The stage and frame of the Hitch Pole is made of the finest quality steel allowing it to support up to 200lbs.

The pole also breaks down into two manageable pieces allowing it to fit in any car.

Wake Pole

Do you have a boat?

Lil' Mynx have a selection of Wake Poles that are perfect for just that!

You can find them in the drop down menu under Dance Poles & Accessories.

With the choice of either stainless steel or powder coated, imagine the fun you could have with your pole installed on your boat!

The design of the wake pole accommodates most ski boats with V-drive or I/O engine setup.

As long as there is an open area under your wake tower Lil' Mynx has got you covered!

The poles boast an easy set up, are completely removable, stable at speed and each pole is custom cut to fit the size of the boat.

The one piece pole is available in black, pink and red and you'll need to get the measurements from tower to hull before you order.

They even have an optional bottom for this pole available to buy so you can also use it at home!

Other Fun Aerial Apparatus

It's not just pole either! There's a tonne of fun to be had in the Aerial Arts space and having never tried anything other than pole until recently I was pleasantly surprised.

Pole Silks

Compatible with 40 and 45mm X-Stage or X-Pert is the new Silkii by X-Pole!

This allows you to attach aerial silks to your pole and incorporate both pole and silks into your performances. The silks are also great for self spotting in new moves.

Another thing Silkii is great for is extra support with more advanced tricks!

Aerial Hoop

I have a confession to make.

At November's UK Professional Pole Championships I fell in love with Aerial Hoop while playing in the X-Pole Playground...

To my pole - sorry I'm not sorry, I hope you can forgive me!

Seriously though, I took to the hoop like a fish to water with the strength I've built from pole.

So if you haven't tried it yet I strongly suggest you do 🙂

These are available in many hoop sizes and hand widths on the X-Pole website.

You have the option of either single or double points, single allows you more freedom to spin and perform moves.

Aerial Silks

I was really looking forward to trying out Aerial Silks at this year's UKPPC but unfortunately this year they decided to put up more poles instead!

I'm still eager to try it though and you can find portable aerial rigs and silks at Aerial Essentials if it's something you'd like to try.

Bonus Content: A Basic Guide To Safely Installing A Removable Pole

As I mentioned earlier there are a couple of tricks to avoiding the marks in your ceiling from removable poles.

We'll touch on that in just a second as we briefly run through the safe installation of a removable pole.

What You Will Need

• Tape measure
• Stud detector
• Spirit Level
• Ladder (unless your pole is bottom loading)

Step One

First you'll need to find 2 beams or studs using a stud detector.

Some instructions and manuals for pole installation will tell you to tap across the ceiling until you hear dull thuds instead of hollow knocks.

If you can find yours using this technique that's great.

In my house the sound was no different and I had to use a stud detector.

I would say this is the most accurate method to ensure you are definitely not missing your beams too.

Step Two

Step two is to measure your ceiling height using the tape measure.

Using the guide or height chart that should have come with your pole, select the attachments shown for your ceiling height.

Here are a few height chart examples:

The (Old) Original X-Pole:

The (New) Bottom Loading X-Pole:

See full chart here.

Lil' Mynx Dance Poles:

These poles have a 12 inch range of adjustment from 8-9' or 9-10'.

Depending on the height you choose the main body of the pole is a little under 8 or 9 feet and custom options are available.

For example, if you needed a pole less than 8' you could choose the 8-9' pole and specify your ceiling height when you order, with no additional cutting fees.

Step Three

Next, once you have put together the correct attachments, put your pole in position directly between your chosen two beams.

Each side of the dome should just overlap each beam.

Step Four

Use a spirit level to check the pole is straight before you begin to tighten.

The clear bubble should be right in the center of the two lines you see.

Don't forget to check this 360 degrees, all the way around your pole, as one side could be leaning slightly while the other is perfectly straight!

Depending on which pole you have, you may need help keeping the pole steady and in place while you tighten it.

If you have a bottom loading pole this shouldn't be a problem but for top loading poles you will need a ladder as you will tighten your pole from the top.

A magnetic spirit level will help if you don't have someone to help you and you're working with a top loading pole.

That way you can get your pole in position from the ground so that you know everything is straight, then climb your ladder and re-align your pole back into place.

Once in place this leaves both hands free to tighten the pole at the top while still keeping an eye on that bubble and making sure everything is lined up nice and straight.

How To Tighten Your Pole

I used to have trouble when putting my pole up and down, remembering which way to turn it to extend it.

That resulted in me cracking my ceiling one day as I tightened it further instead of unscrewing it.

So if you have this problem here's a little saying that helped me to remember: "lefty loosey, righty tighty"!

I'll never forget that since I heard it and I often put it to use when putting up my pole.

How To Avoid Ceiling Damage

Your pole will need to be nice and tight to avoid it falling down and causing any damage or worse, injury.

Some people are worried that over tightening their pole will cause ceiling damage.

While this is true you shouldn't leave your pole too loose.

I learned that the hard way when my pole came down with me on it in a fireman spin the first week I had it!

In it's current place in my house my pole has caused no ceiling damage but is nice and tight.

There are a couple of important points I've learned along the way about the perfect set up:

• DO make sure you get it perfectly between those beams. If you are slightly off the pole will probably crack your ceiling a little.
• DON'T forget to ensure your pole is perfectly straight. Uneven pressure can lead to ceiling damage and also mishaps such as the pole falling down!
• DON'T over tighten your pole. Aside from ceiling damage, the extra pressure on your pole can cause it to bow which is one cause of poles becoming unstable and falling down.
• DO try putting something like a steel plate or piece of wood between the pole and ceiling to further distribute the pressure if you're worried about ceiling damage

I constantly put mine up and take it down in different spots and depending where I put it and how tight it is secured affects the ceiling differently every time.

At best though it always left a circular mark.

Although I've never tried it myself, a common way to avoid this circular mark is to put something as simple as a tea towel between the dome of the pole and the ceiling.

How To Tell When Your Pole Is Tight Enough

When tightening the pole I usually tighten as far as possible but slowly and carefully until I hear a slight shift, creak or lift in the ceiling.

You'll probably feel that it is harder to extend your pole further at this point too.

That's when I stop to avoid damaging the ceiling from too much pressure.

This should leave your pole tight enough for safe practise but not so tight as to damage your ceiling.

Safety Checks

Once your pole is up you should hold it with one hand and lean with your full body weight to the side to check for any stability issues and slipping.

I tend to walk full circle around my pole in this way.

If you are happy at this point then you can try a basic spin, again watching for any slippage or movement.

Then, when I'm totally happy I also shake my pole vigorously to ensure it doesn't budge - just a personal preference 🙂

That's it!

Now your pole should be ready for play, happy poling!

Key Things To Remember

Once again we've had another jam packed post! I'm reaching the 5,000 word mark as we speak so to finish I'm just going to leave you with these key points to remember from the post:

• Never buy a cheap no brand or toy pole
• Always purchase your pole from trusted sellers
• Choose a pole with the best grip size and materials for you
• Investing in a pole with spin function early on is a good idea to avoid the hassle of upgrading later
• If you do buy from an untrusted seller watch out for fakes
• If you risk buying a cheap pole be sure to use our Pole Quality Checklist

Is there something I haven't covered here? If you have any questions at all just let me know in the comments below!

Love & Pole Kisses,

Gemma

xoxox

Essential Body Armor Warranties and Guarantees

What guarantees should I look for when purchasing armor?

Almost all body armor companies provide some type of guarantee along with a manufacturer’s warranty, but not all of these safeguards are created equally. Be sure you review and fully understand the scenarios in which each vest will be covered before you buy. If a business isn’t willing to back their products, that should tip you off to a potential safety hazard, fraudulent product marketing, or just a bad customer service experience you’re likely to run into down the road. Safe Life Defense proudly stands behind all of our armor and the people who wear it by offering three types of guarantees on top of a traditional warranty. Check out our offerings below:

• The Fit Guarantee
  

  Safe Life Defense guarantees the proper fit of your body armor because we understand that it’s crucial to saving lives. If you feel your vest does not fit correctly, we’re more than happy to help you exchange it. All exchanges must be made within 30 days of delivery and be in their original condition.

• The Satisfaction Guarantee

  
  

  Your happiness is our priority. If you are dissatisfied with your Safe Life Defense body armor for any legitimate reason, simply send it back to us in its original condition and we will issue you a full refund for the cost of your product(s).

• The Incident Guarantee

  
  

  We stand behind our products and our customers. Should your Safe Life Defense body armor save your life, we promise to replace your armor at no cost to you. All you have to do is send us your compromised gear with an official incident or police report.

• The Manufacturer Warranty
  

  Safe Life Defense provides a 5-year manufacturer warranty on all of our ballistic panels and plates. We also offer a 2-year warranty on all of our carriers and

  our belts

  come with a lifetime warranty.  In the rare instance that you encounter any defects, we’ll have your back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you travel with body armor?

Body armor is legal in 49 states, allowing you to wear and transport it across state lines without any hassle. However, it’s important to know that New York has some specific rules when it comes to body armor. In the Empire State, owning body armor is illegal unless you belong to certain specified professions. Check out this information from the New York Department of State for more details. Additionally, if you’re not part of those professions, it’s also against the law to travel into or through New York with body armor. But don’t worry, in the other 49 states, as long as you’re following the local, state, and federal laws, you’re free to wear your body armor without fear of arrest or confiscation. Traveling by air with your body armor is just as easy as packing a regular vest. You can either take it in your carry-on luggage or check it in with your checked bag at the nearest baggage location. With this in mind, Safe Life Defense has created a specialized Body Armor Carry and Storage Bag to make transporting your gear a breeze.

Does body armor have a lifespan?

All body armor has a lifespan because even the world’s strongest ballistic materials degrade over time. It’s important that you’re aware of this information and confirm an expiration date with the manufacturer. The typical lifespan of soft armor is 5 years. Hard armor, like steel, can last 15-20 years. No matter the type you choose, it should come with a full manufacturer’s warranty that guarantees the ballistic panels from defects for your vests’ entire lifespan.

Can I wear expired body armor?

If your vest begins to show signs of wear and tear, is fitting differently or is near the 5-year mark, then it may be time to replace it. Although it has been proven that body armor does maintain some of its ballistic properties after the standard 5-year lifespan, vests past their intended shelf-life are not tested or rated for protection (and that’s on purpose). Expired vests have a higher likelihood of being penetrated and failing to protect the wearer.

Another risk to consider here is that the internal components could lead to additional harm if they develop cracks or tears. You should expect to wear expired armor at your own risk, but if your vest is past its best-by date and you can’t afford something new, keep wearing it. Although not recommended, it is better to have some protection than none. Even expired armor has the potential to save your life.

Can civilians own Level 4 body armor?

The quick answer is yes, it is legal for a law-abiding civilian to buy Level IV body armor. However, those with a felony record are prohibited from purchasing or using body armor like bulletproof vests and plate carriers. Level IV body armor will stop pistol rounds, rifle rounds, even 30-06 steel-core armor penetrating rounds!

What is the highest-rated body armor?

Level IV is the highest rating of personal body armor. There is no such thing as Level V (5) body armor at this time. Be mindful of dangerous and expensive online scams that say otherwise. These parties are claiming to have something that simply doesn’t exist and you don’t want to be deceived by a falsely advertised product. Any armor you purchase should have compliance testing results and be National Institute of Justice (NIJ) approved.

How do I buy body armor?

Body armor is an unregulated product, which means it does not require any special identification, paperwork or a background check. Many companies choose to restrict their sales to law enforcement and similar agencies, but at Safe Life Defense, we believe all law-abiding citizens have the right to purchase personal protection equipment. Body armor is a preventative safety product incapable of causing harm and you can purchase your own in-person or online.

Can I purchase body armor online?

Civilians and professionals can purchase body armor online in most areas of the U.S., but due to local legislation, residents of Connecticut must make the purchase at one of our dealer locations. You can order via our Body Armor Shop just as you would with any other website! If you choose to make an online purchase, make sure the manufacturer has a fit guarantee like Safe Life Defense because the fit of your vest is crucial to your safety while wearing it. We do our best to keep all items in stock and provide same-day shipping on all orders placed before 5:00 p.m. PT (unless they are customized). You may also contact us by phone at 702-829-4029 to place an order.

Will AK-47 penetrate body armor?

This answer depends on the type and level of body armor, as well as the kind of round being fired. You need sufficient armor to defeat threats up to 7.62x54R that is frequently used in large caliber rifles. A FRAS® plate on its own can stop up to 7.62×39 lead core ammo and a Level IV ICW hard armor plate on its own can stop up to 30-06 steel-core armor penetrating rounds. A NIJ Level IIIA or IIIA+ plate in combination with either of the above options is also able to stop AK-47 rounds. Backface deformation is also important to consider. This signature is the amount of damage created on the backside of a piece of armor after impact.

Will body armor stop a 12 gauge slug?

The ability to stop a 12 ga. depends solely on the type of body armor you choose. With a good armor setup, you can stop this type of threat. A slug will not penetrate Level IIIA, IIIA+, IV and FRAS® plates. Nevertheless, trauma can still be significant.

Will body armor stop 00 buckshot?

This type of shotgun pellet has poor penetration through plates and can be easily stopped with the right kind of body armor. Any vest rated to halt a 32 ACP pistol shot (usually level II and above) will stop 00 buckshot. You’ll want to look for Level II, III, IIIA, IIIA+, IV and FRAS® plates.

How effective are bulletproof vests?

Technically speaking, bulletproof vests don’t exist (body armor does). Body armor is a life-saving tool capable of preventing fatal injury to the wearer. It’s specifically engineered to withstand being penetrated by certain types of bullets and distributes the impact energy more evenly across the surface. This decreases the chances of blunt force trauma through the deformation of the slug upon impact.

Does body armor work?

Whether for personal or professional use, it’s safe to say tens of thousands of lives have been saved worldwide because of body armor. The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) has conducted studies on the effectiveness of body armor in saving lives, and results have shown that by not wearing ballistic armor, police officers are 14 times more likely to die from an injury on the job. So, yes, this is a critical piece of equipment that truly saves lives. Body armor works.

Can you wear body armor in public?

There is no law against you wearing protective gear in public and it is not illegal. Nonetheless, we suggest you do so discreetly. Should you choose to openly display your body armor, you can expect to draw extra attention from both the public and local law enforcement. A friendly and nearly unavoidable conversation with your local police department is likely to happen, as such open displays can strike fear into those around you and signal imminent danger. Be sure to check your local laws for caveats, like Louisiana’s, that prohibit wearing armor on school property or at school-sponsored functions.

How much does body armor cost?

The cost of body armor can range anywhere from around $300 to well over $3,000. At first glance, this may seem expensive, but you have to take into account what you need and what you’re actually getting. In our opinion, a beating heart is priceless. This doesn’t mean you should choose the option with the highest price tag. It means that you should get exactly what you need at the investment price you can afford. While some individuals may only be purchasing basic plates, others may go for a vest upfit or a full ballistic uniform.

In either case, you must consider how trustworthy the brand, technology and testing is, along with your own expectations for performance. What matters more to you; comfort, weight, mobility, durability, concealability, protection level, warranties, funding assistance, donations or payment plan options? Do your research and heavily consider your options. Afterall, you can never put a value on the ability to live to see another day.

How much does body armor weigh?

Without carriers, most plates range from .51 lbs. – 13.7 lbs.  Of course, this depends on the type of plate you’re choosing and what you need to protect yourself against. Weight can range widely based on the thickness, material makeup and coverage area. You may only choose front and back panels or you may want to add side armor (read more about installation here), other accessories and layer certain ICW plates for added protection.

A soldier’s plate carrier system typically weighs 22lbs. Generally speaking, you can expect your entire setup (with two plates) to weigh anywhere from 15 – 35 lbs. Of course, this all depends on the factors mentioned above, along with your size and any extra gear you need to attach to the vest. 

How do I tell which plate is the front plate and which is the back plate?

In nearly all cases, you should order the same type of plate for the front and the back of your carrier. And believe it or not, it does matter which side of the plate is facing the threat. This is crucial for both comfort and safety. Most hard plates have a side that will be labeled front. This is the strike face, which is intended to take the initial hit from a bullet.

The strike face should be positioned away from your body, and if your plate has a curve to it, that curve should follow the natural contour of your body (both in regards to the chest and the upper back). Be warned, if you wear a back plate with the concave side facing out and have it aligned more with the lower back, you may compromise your safety and cause significant back issues from carrying extra weight so low for an extended period.

Is body armor stab-proof?

Ballistic armor, also known as bullet-resistant or bulletproof,  is the most common type of body armor. However, that doesn’t mean that it will protect you against weapons that are capable of stabs or slashes. If a vest is stab or spike resistant, it is meant to protect against threats like needles, screwdrivers and ice picks that can pierce between fabric threads. If a vest is slash-resistant, it is meant to protect against attacks utilizing bladed tools.

As always, ensure you’re selecting the body armor that suits your particular needs best but do so knowing that a significant number of attacks involve these types of weapons. We recommend protecting yourself from as many threats as possible with body armor that covers all of your bases, like Safe Life Defense’s products.

What does the + stand for on Level IIIA+, and why isn’t it on the NIJ website?

Although the National Institute of Justice website does not list or officially recognize Level IIIA+, this is a legitimate classification. We pioneered this new label to take into account that our IIIA+ protects against more than a normal Level IIIA in their current testing procedures. This is reflective of ingenuity and increased safety capabilities, and in the eyes of the NIJ, a IIIA+ is in alignment with IIIA standards. In light of this, Safe Life Defense will be pushing to update the existing testing standards to include evaluation and testing of new technology.

Is there a difference between a carrier and vest or plate and panel?

There are significant differences between a body armor carrier, plate, panel and vest. Knowing why they’re different and how they’re intended to be used is vital to your safety. 

A carrier is typically an outer shell made of fabric in which the ballistic panels (or plates) can be placed. This is what allows you to actually wear your armor panels. Body armor carriers can be worn both over clothing and under for concealed functionality. A carrier on its own offers zero protection from deadly-force weapons, but can be outfitted with gear such as magazine holsters and MOLLE attachments.

A body armor plate or panel, also known as a ballistic or bulletproof plate or panel, is the internal armor intended to fit into a carrier. Depending on the rating of the plate, this element is capable of protecting the wearer from life-threatening injuries due to contact with weapons or blunt-force impact. A panel is essentially the exact same concept as a plate, but it is soft instead of hard. 

Body armor vests are an all-in-one option that typically come with everything you need to safeguard your center mass. They’re similar to a carrier and plate or panel combination, but don’t require you to purchase extra parts (unless you want to of course). Most vests are made from soft body armor that makes for superior coverage and a sleek fit, and they can be worn both externally or under clothing. The Enhanced Multi-Threat™ IIIA+ Vest is one of the level options offered by our team, and it’s the only soft body armor to achieve this advanced level of protection!

What is concealable body armor?

Concealable body armor is arguably one of the most versatile and practical types you can own. It is designed to be worn under day-to-day attire or a work uniform for discretion. The idea behind this style is that it is low-profile enough to remain as hidden as possible, while still maintaining its protective capabilities. Ideally, all carrier elements, vest selections, panel add-ons and accessories (like fasteners) will show minimally or not at all through your outer layers.

How can I find the best body armor manufacturer?

There are many things to consider when narrowing down which body armor manufacturer you’d like to purchase from. First, you’ll want to verify that the products you’d like to obtain are NIJ rated. You’ll need to look for proof of this in the form of a certification sheet or testing results. Without this evidence, you cannot be sure that any manufacturer’s claims are truthful.

You’ll also want to look into all of the warranties and guarantees offered by said company. All body armor should be backed by a manufacturer’s warranty that covers at least 2 years on your carrier and 5 years on your ballistic plates and panels. As far as guarantees go, make sure you consider things like your body armor not fitting correctly or what would happen if you were involved in an incident and your gear was compromised. You’ll want some type of an exchange and a replacement guarantee, along with a good customer service experience because when you buy armor, your needs don’t stop at the point of sale. Choose a manufacturer that will support you before, during and after you open your wallet.

How comfortable is it to wear body armor?

Believe it or not, body armor can be comfortable, but the level of comfort can vary depending on each person’s wants, needs and physical stature. Taking into account how long you’ll be wearing it on average, the conditions of your environment and the gear you need to carry on your person will all help you narrow down your search. From there, you can also consider various materials and their weight, the cut of your body armor, and thickness or flexibility. Safe Life Defense’s concealable body armor and FRAS® are two of the most comfortable options on the market, and have been rated #1 in comfort by our customers.

How do I know what size of body armor is right for me?

Finding your correct size in body armor can be tricky, but not if you have reliable support. New buyers are encouraged to connect with our expert team in house. You can also utilize the Safe Life Defense Fit Guide tool (located on each product page) to narrow down your options. Regardless of your results, we suggest your make a selection carefully and reference our unisex sizing chart as well. We want to make this decision as quick, easy and seamless as possible for you. That’s why we also offer free size exchanges for 30 days.

It’s key that you know that the standard sizing for body armor typically does not fall in line with the standard retail sizing you might find at your local stores. If you are a size large in street clothing, that does not mean you will be a size large in body armor. Fit will vary widely based on your body type, height, weight and structure. Due to anatomical differences between men and women, other considerations may need to be made when it comes to bust size or coverage gaps around the torso.

What does Berry Compliant mean?

The Berry Amendment Compliance is a federal regulation that requires Department of Defense funds to be spent on U.S. manufactured items in order to protect the United States industrial market during times of war. It is intended for companies that wish to acquire Department of Defense contracts, and applies to products such as food, clothing, tents, materials, and tools. Companies wishing to obtain compliance must guarantee that their products (including all components) are 100 percent domestic.

What is Berry Compliant body armor?

If armor (or any product) is Berry Compliant that means it adheres to the Berry Amendment, a piece of United States legislation for the Department of Defense that gives preferential treatment to product creators who produce, grow and manufacture their wares in the United States. The Berry Amendment Strengthens the American Economy and National Security.

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