General Specifications

General Specifications	Code:	Description	Characteristics
Permanent	P	Permanently affixed to both the ceiling and floor	Very sturdy, no height restriction Depending on thickness of pole wall (not diameter, but the actual wall) and height, may require steel reinforced lining to limit flex of the pole.
Semi-permanent	SP-1 SP-2 SP-3	Uses a permanently placed adapter screwed into a joist in the ceiling to secure the top along with a pressure mounting by use of a wrench-tightened adjuster rod to create pressure between the ceiling and floor Uses a permanently placed adapter screwed into a joist in the ceiling to secure the top along with a pressure mounting by use of a hand-tightened adjuster rod to create pressure between the ceiling and floor Uses a permanently placed adapter screwed into a joist in the ceiling to secure the top along with a spring-loaded adjuster rod (like a tension shower curtain rod) to hold the base in place.	Moderately stable at point of connection with ceiling device, but base may slide across floor with aggressive use. Spring loaded less stable than those with an adjustable rod and usually require a "non-slip" floor pad on non-carpeted floors Limited ability to move pole to another location as dependent on permanent ceiling device for mounting.
Removable	R-1 R-2 R-3	Most are pressure mounted with adjuster rod that unscrews to adjust height and tension at top of the pole. These require a wrench to tighten into place. There is no spring load feature to hold this pole in place Some are a combination of spring load & hand tightened adjuster rod Some are fully spring loaded* Available in one-piece and multi-piece versions	Styles using only a pressure mounted adjuster rod (without any spring loaded component) which requires a wrench to fully tighten is safest Any version of fully removable combing the adjuster rod with a spring loaded feature is not considered as safe or secure for most pole work. These combination units are minimally safe for lightweight work only. One piece generally provide an adjustable range of approximately 8 inches. Multi-piece heights vary from 6.5-12 ft depending on manufacturer and additional extensions purchased separately. Can be taken from location to location. Multi-piece have more variability to adapt to ceiling heights. Can only be used on flat, secure ceilings. Not for use on vaulted ceilings. Caution: Fully* spring loaded are no better/safer than a shower curtain rod. These are not intended for spins or tricks - they are a prop.
Stage/podium	S	Portable stage or platform with a free-standing pole attached through the center. Does not attach to any ceiling at the top so ceiling height and slope do not matter	Some are very heavy and cumbersome to transport and take a long time to assemble. Also due to poor design some are very easy to tip over. The pole tends to sway, creating an insecure feeling when dancing as it is not affixed to the ceiling and flexes at the point of insertion to the stage. Limited dance area due to small stage surface. Newer designs are much improved over the above problems of previous models and are more stable.
Finish		Description	Characteristics
Stainless Steel		Polished or satin - silver tone	This is the least grippy of the available finishes
Powder Coated		Painted in various colors	Grip depends on manufacturer's application. Usually grips better than stainless.
Polished Chrome		Chrome application over steal - silver tone	Grips better than Stainless
Brass		Softer and porous metal, gold tone	The porous metal absorbs heat, oils and sweat from skin providing strongest grip. Requires more frequent cleaning due to it's attraction of oils/dirt and due to tarnishing which builds up in a matter of minutes. Heats up faster by absorbing the heat from your skin - some feel this is a disadvantage as the pole may become too warm and you stick to to the pole too much
Titanium		Titanium application over steal Softer and porous metal - currently available in the US only in gold tone so it looks like brass	The porous metal absorbs heat, oils and sweat from skin providing strongest grip. Requires more frequent cleaning due to it's attraction of oils/dirt, however, it does NOT tarnish like brass! Heats up faster by absorbing the heat from your skin - some feel this is a disadvantage as the pole may become too warm and you stick to to the pole too much
Clear Acrylic		Clear plastic - most with LED lighting or other special effects like glitter. Currently only available in permanent mount design.	Grip depends on manufacturer's application Usually not considered as strong for advanced work as they may crack or break under heavier pressure.
Custom Finishes		Painted in various colors, patterns and designs	Grip depends on manufacturer's application.
Other Features		Description	Characteristics
Diameter		2-inch (50mm) 1.75-inch (45mm) 1.5-inch 2.25-inch (55mm) rare in US	2 inch is considered standard in the US & most countries. The smaller diameter poles generally provide easier hand grip, though they are harder to grip with your legs during inverts.. MOST women can hold onto a 2 inch pole without difficulty unless you have child like hand size. Over 2 inches becomes more difficult for the average woman to grip.
Weight Limit		As described by each manufacturer	The weight limit recommendation should never be considered an absolute. Most manufacturers will state "up to" so many pounds. This can also be affected by the height of the pole and keep in mind that proper installation and care is mandatory for safe pole dancing. Additionally, when the manufacturer states a limit, it is usually considered the upper limit for lateral force on the pole. A 150# dancer will exert more than 150# of lateral force when spinning. So a dancer of 180# should not be using a pole rated for up to 180# because their lateral force may be closer to 200#.
Spinning Vs. Static/Stationary		Standard on some poles Extra cost for this feature on some poles	The spin mode is an option on many poles. The pole can spin or remain static based on a pin or other device that is inserted, usually through the base of the pole. Some models are difficult to switch to spin mode as the pin is located UNDERNEATH the base and pressure from the pole makes it difficult to pull the pin out. Other poles have an external screw/nut that locks or unlocks with the use of an allen wrench to quickly and easily switch from static to spin mode.
Accessories and Special features		Assembly tools Carrying Cases Vaulted Ceiling Adaptors Articulating base (removable poles) Access holes for assembly/disassembly	Some poles come with the tools needed for assembly - some you must purchase them extra. Some come with carry cases, some are sold extra, some do not provide a carrying case option. Vaulted ceiling adaptors are only available for permanent and semi-permanent poles. An 'articulating base" floats to adapt for any unevenness in the floor or for use on carpets as opposed to a rigid base which may result in an insecure pole placement. Small holes are built into each section of a multi-piece pole which comes with "release" tools which are inserted into the holes to aid in separating the pole upon disassembly. The sections of poles without this feature can become locked together and extremely difficult if not impossible to separate.