WARNING: Not for the faint of heart or for those who suffer from motion sickness...

I fibbed a little when I said there was only one thing better than cruising down the highway with the windows down and the music blasting. I’m retracting that statement in favor of a new one. There are TWO things better - this is the second

Curious right? I was too...Well, it turns out I’ve found something a hundred times better than everyday exercise, pole dancing!

Yeah, yeah, I was hesitant about pole dancing for fitness; envisioning the scoffs and shrieks as my family and friends caught their first glimpse of the 8 1/2 foot stainless steel stripper pole encompassing one half of my home office, but I knew they’d get over it. And now, I’m proud to say I’ve joined the growing league of approximately 400,000 American women who participate in some form of pole-dancing and I love it!

Aspiring Pole “Passionist”
Two months prior to making a commitment to poling, I researched several poles, manufacturers, and I frequented the websites that sold them…I knew I was planning to “take a spin”, but first, I had several questions! Did I want a static pole, a spinning pole, a glow in the dark pole, a pink one, a brass one, they even had poles with built in light & fog show stages!

Sadly, aspiring polers tend to err by purchasing economical poles, some are okay, but in choosing a cheaper pole you'll inevitably get what you pay for. The rule in poling is to steer clear of cheap pole kits! If you plan to learn advanced pole tricks, novelty poles can prove themselves disastrous. Novelty poles such as the "Peek-a-Boo Pole Kit" are a NO NO when it comes to complicated moves such as climbing, advanced spins, and inverts. Novelty poles are only meant for dancing. The poles in kits are commonly coated in a chrome-like metallic finish, which can wear off and flake causing blisters on your hands. Most pole kits are spring loaded (similar to tension mount curtain rods) and they CANNOT safely hold your body weight. NO NO NO. Just say no to pole kits!

My preference was a solid pole, not one that would arrive in pieces on my doorstep. Call me superstitious, but anything that comes in pieces can be reduced to pieces, and if you’ve ever seen or heard of a Reverse Crucifix, know this, pieces are no good when you can fall on your head.

Ultimately, I was looking for a mega-sturdy removable pole that required no drilling or intrusive installation. I wanted a pole that allowed both a spinning and a static (non-spinning) option for practice. My decision boiled down to two poles made by the two leading pole manufacturers in the nation. The Platinum Stages Super Pole, and the X-Pole by Vertical Leisure Ltd. Both run neck and neck pricewise and both are top contenders, but after hearing several complaints about the X-Pole being somewhat difficult to install and occasionally loosening from the ceiling plate, Platinum Stages was my final pick.

Send My Pole - STAT!
When ordering the Platinum Stages One Piece Removable Super Pole, be forewarned, there are several options to consider. When your ceiling height hinges on a half or even a quarter inch between standard pole sizes, it’s always best to consult the manufacturer prior to making your final decision. While the Super Pole can be ordered to accommodate virtually any ceiling height or angle, the removable pole does require minimal intrusive drilling on vaulted ceilings. Fortunately my ceiling was level and it measured in at just under 9 feet, making the removable pole the perfect option. I placed my order using www.platinumstages.com. This pole can be purchased from numerous resellers, but I preferred purchasing directly from the manufacturer to avoid mark-up costs. The Platinum Stages staff was respondent to all of my questions and my final total (incl. shipping) rang in around $400.00 (US).

UPS and the “Top Secret” Delivery
I appreciate the fact that most adult related products arrive in unmarked packages, but there was simply no mistaking this 9 foot special delivery. It was a defining moment having my stripper pole arrive in the arms of a grinning UPS man. To make matters worse he lingered a second, winked and said “flagpole….eh?” Sure, that’s it. (Note: I’ve yet to see an ugly UPS man – is that a pre-requisite)? Nevertheless! UPS man was soon forgotten after unpacking and catching my first glimpse of the gorgeous, satiny smooth stainless steel hunk of raw sexiness. I knew right away this was the beginning of a beauuuuuutiful relationship!

Turning Tricks
I was certain the pole installation process would either be painful or morosely ridiculous, neither of which came to pass. Installing the Super Pole was super easy! Of course, installation always goes smoother if you wrangle a grunt man. If no ones around? Snag Mr. UPS.

The Platinum Stages One Piece Super Pole comes with 6 elements:

• Polished Stainless Steel Pole
• Ceiling Plate (with protective pad)
• Torsion Screw
• Floor Plate (with protective pad)
• Locking Pins (2)

TIP: Grab a stud….finder.

The ceiling plate MUST be mounted directly in the center of a ceiling joist. This pole’s torque & plate system is designed to be manually tightened. There is no doubt in my mind if you miss the joist and try to torque the plate the pole would burst through the ceiling. Never fear - that’s why stud-finder’s here! If you’re indecisive about where to put the pole, mark several joists then choose the location that allows a maximum circumference (for spinning). My recommendation, stand below each mark then step out so that your fingertips are flush with the x, from there, fully extend your outside leg. You’ll want maximum space on all sides. Once you’ve found the perfect location; place the pole into the floor plate, insert the locking pin (to keep the pole from spinning), place the torsion screw in the top of the pole, place the ceiling plate on the screw, center the pole on all sides with a level, then torque away. Remember “righty tighty lefty loosey”. When the ceiling starts to make a creaking sound (trust me, you’ll hear it) Stop there! You're now ready to swing and hang to your hearts content. A word to the wise - let the grunt man test it. The PS pole comes down just as easily, simply reverse the steps used during installation. If you’re like most polers, once you’ve found your sweet spot and you start making accomplishments, you’ll never want to move your pole again, ever.

Pole Talk
The feel of the Platinum Pole is unrivaled. Cool, smooth, powerful and slick. The stainless finish doesn't rub, cause blistering, or drag your skin. The pole won't dent or show dings, and believe me, mine has taken a few hits while rearranging furniture to accommodate it! The locking pin(s) included with the pole enable you to switch your pole from static/non-spinning mode to spinning mode - both are equally fantastic! When the pole is in static mode it doesn't shift and the pin stays securely in place. When in spin mode, the pole spins freely on bearings, doesn't squeak and doesn't seize up when spins are unevenly weighted.

TIP: To safely clean your new pole and improve your grip, use plain rubbing alcohol on both the pole and your hands!

My Name is Rachael and I am a Pole Fanatic
Despite how simple and elegant mentor and friend Alena Down’s (seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Saks4JkZXZ8 ) makes everything seem, it is dam* near impossible to do anything remotely graceful when you first try pole dancing. My newbie run left me dizzy, motion sick, and I couldn't twirl for sh!# I cannot lie, my first time was awful! God awful! So bad that I was ready to EBay the pole and quit! Nothing I eeked out in the beginning could have ever been mistaken for talent. Defeated, sore beyond absolute belief, bruised and frustrated, I somehow vowed to try, try again...

As I progressed, I began noticing muscles forming in places I never knew muscles could exist. I’ve always been in shape but poling has taken my muscle tone and overall body image to an entirely new level. Poling surpasses every gym routine I’ve ever participated in. I’m 100% convinced that poling for fitness is the complete package, not only do I feel empowered, but I feel sexy! “The pole room” has even become a frequent hang-out zone for my girlfriends who are also addicted to pole dancing for fitness!


The Platinum Stages Super Pole has seen me through numerous accomplishments: the Reverse Crucifix, Iguana Mount, Flat line Scorpio and the Rubber Pencil... My PS pole has never so much as budged while attempting the most complex inverts or spins, in fact, I've never even had to re-tighten or adjust it. Hanging upside down with no hands leaves zero room for human error, let alone the disastrous results that could occur if your pole fails the challenge.

I trust my pole implicitly, which is a lot to be said.

Speaking as an intermediate poler (vs. a beginner) I can say from experience that the Platinum Stages One Piece Super Pole has been one of the best things that I have ever purchased. Call it one of my best friends if you will. There's nothing like literally working out frustrations - especially when the workout is out of this world incredible!

Go ahead, ask me again...Would I ever give up or EBay my pole now? NEVER! As long as life will let me, you'll find me poling for fitness and for pleasure.




Manufacturers Website:
http://www.platinumstages.com/One-Piece-Super-Pole_p_14-76.html





This review is dedicated to my awesome support base; instructors, mentors and friends in Pole Junkies & YouTube (You know who you are!!!) To Tracy, Carrie, Nate, Vic - and anyone who recognizes the true art and strength required to pole dance - You’re Awesome!


Recommended: Yes