Choosing the Best Pole Dance Bar: Tips and Advice
Sabine Thouvenin
Just like your pole dance outfit, choosing the right pole bar is important for evolving and progressing in pole dance! 
Whether you're looking for a fixed bar for a permanent installation or a more flexible solution like a podium (a freestanding bar without ceiling fixation), we give you all the advice you need to find the pole bar that matches your desires (because you're worth it).
The different types of pole dance bars
Fixed vs. removable pole dance bars
Whether you want to start poling at home or you're a dedicated pole dancer who wants to pole everywhere all the time, before buying your pole dance bar it's important to understand the differences between fixed and removable bars:
Fixed bars: They are stable and take up little space. If you want to install one in a studio or at home, this is ideal.
: They require professional installation to guarantee your safety!
: Never fix them to a false ceiling! 
Advantages of fixed bars: increased safety, durability. You can then complete your equipment with a pole dance bra and pole shorts.
Removable bars, or podiums, offer exceptional flexibility 
: you can take them anywhere, indoors, outdoors, while travelling. They're easy to assemble and disassemble, which is handy for outdoor projects (photo shoots, etc.). Worth noting: the base is very, very heavy to carry. But hey, it can double as strength training! 
In both cases: we recommend considering both spinning and static when choosing your bar. Static bars with 
quickspin system are generally easy to set up and allow you to switch quickly between spinning and static.
Factors to consider before buying
Materials and durability 
Everyone's grip is different, and as a result, every pole bar coating will have a different effect on your skin: that's why it's important to choose the materials that suit you best! Here's a quick selection of the most commonly used materials:
Chrome: one of the most common coatings, suitable for all skin types, not very expensive and long-lasting. Avoid if you have a nickel allergy!
Brass: a good alternative for people with nickel allergies, this material promises maximum grip, provided you've warmed up properly before poling. Better suited to humid and warm climates!
Powder coat: beyond its good quality, this coating is especially helpful for people who sweat more, offering good grip. It's pleasant on the skin and comes in all colours!
Silicone: less recommended, as it provides too strong a grip. This "coated" style is more often used for Flying Pole.
Pole dance bar diameter 📐
Before buying a bar, don't hesitate to test different sizes at pole dance studios to find out which diameter suits you best!
38 and 40 mm: These bars are quite thin and allow for easier hand grip (especially if you have small hands). The downside is that knee grip isn't great!
42 mm: The perfect middle ground between 45mm and smaller bars: knee grip is not affected, and hand grip remains excellent, even for smaller hands!
45 mm: This is the standard diameter used in pole competitions (Pole Sport, POSA, etc.). We still recommend getting used to this standard if you want to take part in competitions.
Safety and stability 
Although the benefits of pole dance are significant, safety is the most important criterion for your setup. Make sure the pole dance bar you choose can support your weight and the dynamics of your movements. It's crucial that the bar is properly secured, whether through a ceiling and floor fixing system or a stable base for removable models. Otherwise your bar could come loose and you could fall (and speaking from experience, it hurts!). Check the manufacturer's specifications on maximum supported weight and look for products that have undergone resistance and stability testing.
Load capacity check: make sure the bar can support more than your body weight dynamically.
Fixing systems: prefer secure, tested mechanisms to prevent any accident during use.
Installation and maintenance guide
Step-by-step installation instructions 📚
You've found the bar you need, with the perfect coating, the perfect diameter, and you can't wait to pole on it. But not so fast! Before spinning in the air, you'll need to install it carefully and follow the different steps to ensure safe use.
For fixed bars, it's best to avoid false ceilings, especially for those that work with a pressure system. In general, we recommend calling in a professional if in doubt, as otherwise a fall is guaranteed. For portable bars, it's simpler, but you still need to be careful with the base!
Installing fixed bars 📚
Installing a fixed pole dance bar requires precision and care. Here are the key steps to follow:
Choosing the location: select an appropriate spot where the ceiling is strong enough to support the tension and weight. Make sure there is enough space around it to execute movements without obstruction. In general, it's recommended to have 3m of diameter around the bar to pole comfortably!
Marking the fixing points: use a stud finder to locate the beams in the ceiling and floor. Clearly mark the points where the fixings will be installed.
Drilling the holes: using a drill, create holes at the marked locations for mounting the bar base and ceiling support.
Fixing the bar: install the supports following the manufacturer's instructions, checking their alignment and securing them with the provided screws. Make sure all components are tight and stable.
Safety check: once the bar is installed, perform several tests by applying your weight. This is crucial to ensure the structure is safe and ready to use.
Installing bars with pressure systems 📚
Bars with a pressure system offer more flexibility but also require special attention during installation to ensure stability.
Bar assembly: follow the manufacturer's instructions to assemble the bar, attaching all sections and making sure they are securely fastened.
Positioning the bar: place the base on the floor in the chosen location. The top part must touch the ceiling.
Adjust the tension according to the manufacturer's recommendations until the bar is perfectly stable and vertical.
Stability test: test the stability of the bar by performing a few simple movements. Adjust the tension if necessary to ensure maximum safety.
Keeping your bar in perfect condition 
Regular cleaning : To maintain the desired grip and ensure the longevity of your bar, regular cleaning is essential. Use disinfectant wipes or a cleaning spray specifically designed for pole dance bars.
Avoid corrosive products that could damage the metal or alter the surface of the bar.
Periodic inspection : Regularly examine your bar for any signs of wear, such as scratches, dents or loose fixings. Any component showing signs of deterioration should be replaced immediately to prevent accidents.
The best pole dance bars
Still not sure? We've put together a little selection of the best pole dance bars to help you!
Picks for beginners
For beginners, the most important thing is to choose a durable bar that is both safe and easy to use. We recommend choosing bars with the simplest installations, reinforced and without extensions. Chrome bars are also a good starting choice, as they are the most widely used, combining durability and easy grip, making it simpler to learn basic movements.
X-Pole Starter Bar: designed specifically for beginners, with simple installation and a secure static mode.
Lupit Classic G2: offers excellent stability and a coating that guarantees ideal initial grip.
Picks for professionals
As a professional, you may want more ceiling height, extensions or a more custom placement. But safety always comes first! Choose the coating you're used to practising with. If you want to compete, opt for a 45mm chrome bar (to get used to competition conditions in advance!), and to switch easily from static to spin, look for a bar with an advanced locking mechanism!
X-Pole Xpert Pro: With its X-Lock system, it allows easy switching between static and spinning modes.
You can go in with your eyes closed (though for poling, that's not ideal 👀) and we'll see you soon, Polettes! 
