Best Pole for Home Use – Buyer’s Guide

What is a Home Pole For?

While the most common idea of a dancing pole that pops into your head may involve dark, smoke-filled rooms and scantily clad ladies, these days that stigma has been replaced by an appreciation for the art and physical fitness a dancing pole can offer. Though studios may provide guidance and community, being able to use a dancing pole at home is also appealing.

What Makes a Good Home Pole?

The answer to this question will depend as much on what you intend to use the dancing pole for as much as the innate qualities of the pole itself. Obviously, a sturdy pole that can support your full body weight is a must, but what about the ability to easily put it up or take it down? Also, do you want the pole to facilitate different types of tricks or simply be static?

How Do You Find a Good Home Pole?

With those and other features differing depending on the pole chosen, it can be difficult figuring out which pole is the best pole for home use. That is why we have put together a list of the 5 best poles for home use and highlighted what each does better than the others. Then we provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you can find the best dancing pole to suit your needs.

Best Pole for Home Use in September, 2023

Product	Diameter	Color	Adjustment	Carry Bags	Max Weight, lbs
X-POLE XPert Dance Pole (Editor’s Choice)	45mm 50mm	Chrome Gold Pink Black	7'4" - 9'	Yes	250	Check Price
MegaBrand Dancing Pole	45mm	Chrome	7'4" - 9'3"	No	440	Check Price
AW Dancing Pole Kit	45mm	Chrome	7'2'' - 9'	No	440	Check Price
Pro-Fit Dance Pole	45mm 50mm	Chrome	7'6" - 9'	Yes	250	Check Price
Amzdeal Stripper Pole	45mm	Chrome	4'2" - 8'8"	No	440	Check Price

#1 X-POLE XPert Portable Dance Pole – Best Dance Pole for Home Use

X-Pole is easily seen as one of the most reputable brands of dancing poles for consumer uses. In fact, X-Pole is the only brand on our list that sells products for use in professional settings as well as a free-standing dancing pole. As the worldwide leader in consumer dancing poles and aerial fitness, X-Pole also provides one of the safest and most reliable poles for home use. That is why it should come as no surprise that the X-Pole is rated the most stable pole on our list.

While all of the poles we reviewed can support the body weight of most women and even plenty of men, that does not mean they are all made with the same high level of construction and manufacturing. The ability to climb on to or swing from a pole is very different, and far less taxing to both the dancer and the pole, than doing a spinning inversion. For some of the more advanced tricks that place additional torsion and strain on the pole, you need to make sure the pole can withstand forces from a variety of directions.

This is where the X-Pole sets itself out ahead of the rest of the pack. With their patented X-Joint technology,  the X-Pole uses engineering to produce easily the most stable pole we found. With the X-Joint, the various tube attachments are not held in place by threads screwed in. Instead, the poles flex internally within one another, expanding and contracting as needed depending on the amount of force applied to the pole. This allows you to pull off the most difficult and punishing tricks without the normal wear and tear you would expect a pole for home use to suffer. 

The X-Pole also stands out from its competitors in the sheer number of options they provide. Moving from superficial to practical, the X-Pole comes in three different finishes. However, these finishes are not merely window dressing as each one offers a specific benefit to the user. The standard finish is the chrome which offers a regular type of grip, but it is also the finish used for regulation competitions. The titanium gold finish has been electronically coated and provides an enhanced grip when compared to the chrome. Finally, the pink finish is actually made from silicone. This finish is suitable when you wear normal clothing and provides the maximum amount of grip.

The other, more practical, option that the X-Pole offers is in terms of the pole’s diameter.  This dancing pole can be purchased in either the 45mm diameter or the 50mm diameter.  The 50mm diameter pole is actually the original size of dancing poles. Though this size pole is noted for being a bit large for smaller hands, it does offer plenty of strength and support for pulling off more forceful and rigorous tricks. The 45mm diameter pole is still by far the most popular and has even come to supplant the 50mm diameter pole as the standard for regulation competition.

This pole is designed to be portable and offers a fairly easy assembly. That said, disassembly does not come quite so easily. While it may not suffer from some of the screw or nut failures we saw with some of the other products on our list, it will require significant force to disassemble the X-Pole if you intend to transport it. This is a bit surprising considering that this pole does not have as high of a weight capacity as some of the others on our list – though it is still more stable due to the X-Joint technology.

 The X-Pole also comes with two different settings, a static and a spinning mode.  The static mode would be the one used for a regulation competition, but the spinning mode offers you a chance to work on certain tricks when or if you are an intermediate level dancer. The only potential issue with this is that the spinning setting is a bit loose. This will not affect the structural integrity of the X-Pole, but it will make controlling the spin a bit trickier.

X-POLE XPERT Features

The X-Pole comes with a wealth of extra features and add-ons to make using it that much better. First, this product comes with a carrying bag to help make transporting it easier. Though it is worth noting that the bag is meant to carry the poles only, not the bases. The X-Pole also comes with an instructional DVD for beginners that provides step-by-step instructions for how to pull off initial lifts, spins, and even the initial aerials. Lastly, this dancing pole comes with a 2oz bottle of Dry Hands gripping solution. The Dry Hands will help prevent sweat or other moisture from causing you to lose your grip during long sessions.

X-POLE XPERT Installation

X-POLE XPERT Series:

#2 MegaBrand Portable Dancing Pole – Best Dance Pole for Apartment

MegaBrand is the first company on our list, though not the only, that does not specialize in dancing poles for use at home. Instead, MegaBrand does not focus on any single product at all and sells a wide variety of products for different purposes from the office to the backyard to dancing poles. Another aspect that sets the MegaBrand company apart from its competitors is that it is exclusively an online store. This allows MegaBrand to sell their products at significantly lower costs than a more specialized brand like X-Pole.

That is likely part of the reason that the MegaBrand dancing pole is the most popular dancing pole we reviewed. Keep in mind, this does not mean that the MegaBrand is the best dancing pole. Likely, the popularity comes down to a mix of quality and cost. As such, there are a number of design features and technologies that some of the more specialized and higher quality poles use that the MegaBrand dancing pole does not. Still, this is easily one of the better-made poles we reviewed.

For instance,  the MegaBrand pole does use a threaded system to lock and secure the different pieces into place. While this can cause issues with other poles, it does not seem to be an issue for the MegaBrand dancing pole.  That said, the fact that the poles screw into place rather than flex internally does mean that this dancing pole presents a few exposed seams when put together. While it is not exceptionally common, it is not rare for the seams to not align perfectly and present some rough edges.

Still, in terms of holding you up while performing advanced tricks that place a great deal of torsion force on the pole, this is still a fairly durable dancing pole.

This dancing pole supports both spinning and static modes, though there are some caveats to this arrangement. Essentially, the spinning mode functions via 6 different ball bearings. While this is actually more than most of the other dancing poles on our list, it does not guarantee smooth motion. This is because the MegaBrand dancing pole is not made from the hardest of metals and the ball bearing can eventually become wedged between the two poles. This will not affect the structural integrity of the pole itself, but it will prevent the pole from engaging in the spinning function.

Another benefit of the MegaBrand dancing pole is its height capacity. Much like its weight capacity, this dancing pole also has the tallest clearance out of any other dancing pole on our list. While not much, the 9’3” maximum height clearance is still 3” taller than the next closest competitor. This is especially important if the ceiling and floor are not level as that additional 3” combined with the articulating base will provide more versatility in terms of setting up the MegaBrand dancing pole.

This dancing pole does only come in a single size of 45mm diameter, but this is the standard regulation competition size and more natural for most user’s hands anyway. It also only comes in an electroplated chrome finish. Still, this is another instance where the MegaBrand dancing pole is simply following the regulation competition standards, and you should not notice a lack of grip if you are already familiar with studio dancing poles.

MegaBrand Dance Pole Installation

#3 AW Removable Dancing Pole Kit – Best Budget Pole for Home Use

AW is like a combination of a couple different companies on our list, though they have no direct connection with any other brand we reviewed. Still, the company does not focus on exclusively manufacturing dancing poles like some of the other brands we saw, but neither does it sell exclusively online. In fact, this very dancing pole can be found in a number of different and boutique traditional brick-and-mortar stores. That said this dancing pole is still able to undercut all of the competition.

 In terms of price, you will not find a dancing pole we reviewed that costs less.  In fact, this dancing pole is a full 25 percent less expensive than its next closest competitor. While that definitely presents an enticing price point, it must be understood that you are definitely giving up some quality in order to pay less for your dancing pole. Though this is not the least durable dancing pole that we reviewed.

Still, there are some notable points of weakness for the AW dancing pole. Specifically, the ball bearings at the base of this dancing pole which are ultimately responsible for for the spinning motion are not that durable. This will not cause the AW dancing pole to buckle or bend, but it does mean that the spinning function likely has a finite lifespan. Like some of the other products on our list, this is caused by the metal being a bit softer and forming a rut while in use.

 Another issue that may throw some people off is the assembly. This is not the easiest dancing pole to assemble.  While it is not unreasonably difficult, the instructions are substandard and the videos are often no better. Also, once you do complete assembling this dancing pole, it is noted for still being a bit wobbly – though, again, this does not affect this dancing pole’s overall stability which is still pretty good.

#4 Pro-Fit Professional Dance Pole – Best Portable Strip Pole

Pro-Fit is different than most other companies on our list in that it is not actually its own distinct company. Instead, Pro-Fit is actually a subsidiary brand of Microfiber Products which may seem like an odd connection. Essentially, Microfiber Products began as an exclusive maker and seller of microfiber goods and eventually branched out into a whole host of other products – though they are generally centered more around the consumer grade lineup than anything commercial.

The Pro-Fit dancing pole is in a bit of a pickle on our list. While it is an okay pole, it is still a tad overpriced compared to some of the competition. This is not to suggest that the Pro-Fit dancing pole is expensive as it is still one of the more reasonably priced dancing poles we reviewed, but it is still a bit more expensive than preferred when placed side-by-side and compared to some of the other less expensive poles on our list.

That being said, both of its locking mechanisms – for the static or spinning mode as well as its height – are more convenient than even the X-Pole. For the height lock, it uses the same threaded approach as many of the other dancing poles we saw except it screws in from the bottom, not the top.

While this does not actually afford any additional stability, it does make it easier to lock. Rather than having to get a ladder to lock the pole’s height from 7’ to 9’ up, you can comfortably lock it at the base of the pole. In terms of the spinning and static modes, the Pro-Fit engages them by a single metal rod. While most of the other dancing poles have screws that lock the pole into a static mode, the ability to either lift up or press down on a single metal rod is definitely more convenient.

#5 Amzdeal Stripper Pole – Best Dance Pole for Home with Short Ceilings

Our final product comes Amzdeal, another company that does not truly specialize in anything particular but offers a broad selection of products. That said, Amzdeal bills itself as an electronics company and that focus shows a bit with their dancing pole. Quite simple, this dancing pole is not suited for every situation due to a number of limitations.

Most glaring of limitations associated with this dancing pole is the height clearance. At only 8’8”, the Amzdeal dancing pole has the lowest maximum height clearance on our list by 4”. At the same time, the Amzdeal dancing pole also has the lowest minimum height clearance of 4’2”. While it is unlikely too many adults will be able to make use of that feature, if you have a child who is interested in pole dancing aerial fitness or wants to workout alongside you, this is likely the only dancing pole we reviewed that can be sized appropriately for them.

Of course, this pole might actually be better suited for a child anyway. Despite having a fairly high weight capacity of 440 pounds,  this is by far the least durable pole on our list. This is due to a number of manufacturing and design features which, when combined, do not provide for the best stability. First, this dancing pole is made of fairly thin metal. This means you should not try to pull off too many tricks with strong angular force. Also, the pole is held in place by threads, but the metal is also a bit soft, so the threads have a tendency to strip. 

Buyer’s Guide

Diameter

There are numerous gauges for a dancing pole, though there are primarily two that make up the overwhelming majority of dancing poles sold: 50mm and 45mm. These two diameters are either the “classic” size or the contemporary size. Other sizes of dancing pole are generally designed for people whose hands are either larger or smaller than average.

50mm

This is the “classic” size of dancing pole that would be found in gentleman’s clubs. Assuming the same thickness of metal, this size is generally a bit more stable, but it is also a bit more difficult to grip. Women will generally prefer the 45mm diameter dancing pole or smaller. That said, men may end up preferring the larger gauge of a 50mm diameter dancing pole. This size dancing pole is also great for leg holds and inversions due to the greater surface area.

45mm

While 50mm diameter may have once been the standard, that title has been overtaken by the 45mm diameter pole. This is the most popular and common size diameter for a dancing pole found on the market today – likely due to the fact that manufacturers realized their largest consumer base is women, and women prefer a slightly slimmer dancing pole that is easier for them to grip.

For those of you looking to practice aerial dancing for competition, you will definitely want to pick up a 45mm diameter pole over any other as this is the regulation competition standard size. While the 50mm diameter dancing pole may provide a bit more surface area for leg holds and inversions, the difference is negligible that the additional grip afforded to the hands generally makes this a better option.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity should generally be within the normal ranges of most people, but there are two weight capacities that seem to stand out more than the others – though they are measured a bit differently. The two primary weight capacities are 250 pounds and 440 pounds. That said, the two weight capacities are not truly measuring the same thing.

The 250-pound weight capacity is meant to be treated as an all-purpose weight capacity. This means the pole is certified to provide stability for up to 250 pounds regardless the type of trick that you do. For inversions, leg lock swings, and other advanced tricks, this is the type of weight capacity you need to pay attention to.

For the 440 weight capacity, on the other hand, this is a bit of trickery. Much like a stereo telling you the peak wattage instead of the continuous wattage, the 440 weight capacity is meant to certify the dancing pole’s ability to hold up you, period. This weight capacity does not represent the angular momentum generated through some of the more advanced types of tricks.

Movement

When it comes to a dancing pole for home use, most of them offer some kind movement options. The two settings are either static or spinning. With a static setting, the dancing pole is locked into place and will require you to use technique and momentum to spin yourself around the pole.

The spinning setting unlocks the dancing pole and allows it to spin atop a set of ball bearings encased within the pole. The quality of the ball bearings combined with the hardness of the metal will often determine how effective this function is.

Conclusion

As we can see,  the best pole for home use will depend primarily on what type of tricks you try to pull off, your size, and your budget.  The dancing pole designed for practicing aerial dancing for a competition is not necessarily the right pole for someone who is simply looking to get in better shape.

Regardless, if you are looking for the overall best performing pole, it is awful hard to beat the X-Pole. With a patented locking and jointing mechanism that uses internal expansion and contraction, this is by far the most stable pole we reviewed. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive dancing pole on our list as well.

If you do not require a competition grade pole but are still looking for an excellent value, the MegaBrand dancing pole is an excellent choice. It offers an excellent weight capacity and can fit in more spaces than any other on our list. So long as you make sure the seams are smooth, the reasonable cost makes this great for fitness purposes.

(4 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)
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