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Noob w/ New TG Xpert — Issues galore! :(
Hello, Ladies!
I'm new to pole, and new here…have been lurking for about a week, and have read just about all of the threads pertaining to my issues, have done pretty much everything I can think of and followed some of the tips here. But, before I call Xpole tomorrow, I thought I'd post here, if only to vent a bit. :p
My very first pole (50mm TG Xpert, 8' ceiling, so using 125mm ext.) arrived today. I studied the manual cover to cover TWICE before doing anything, have located the necessary joist, and watched a few vids on youtube about installation and now I'm thoroughly confused.
One, since I have no desire whatsoever to experience a fall, I think I've been tightening the pole to the ceiling too much, because spin doesn't want to, well…spin! Loosened it up, and spin works, but I still don't feel the pole is sturdy enough. I weigh 122lbs, and when I pull on the pole, it wobbles a bit. I've taken the whole thing apart 3 times now (ARGH!) and just noticed some tiny little thing in the dome knocking around. Eep! I'm thinking it could be a bearing, but could they be that small? It literally sounds like a teeny pebble or something—and no chance of any kitty litter getting in there, because I swept the area completely before setting up.
Also, I noticed that when I did the most basic fireman (feet barely leaving the ground) a few times clockwise, the pole itself (part b, I believe) would slip a bit, so that the uppermost hex screw in the joint was turned just enough to not allow the wrench to enter. So, I spun in the opposite direction in order to get it aligned again, took the whole thing down and retightened the joints…or thought I did! Now, I found this video on installation, and see the girls are REALLY forcing that allen wrench (around 3:35). Is that right?? Is it supposed to knock har like that?! I thought you weren't supposed to force them so much, but these gals say that's how it's to be done. Of course, none of the other vids show that force at all. *perplexed*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoCRrjKWhGg
I'm getting rather annoyed and impatient now, and just want to learn how to pole…albeit safely. And btw, I'm a metalsmith jeweler by trade, so I love metal and all things shiny, but this is just turning out to be a major drag and let down. *sob*
So, to re-cap, my issues are:
1)The topmost hex screw of the middle xjoint doesn't seem to want to expand (or, I'm not using enough force) hence making the pole wobble, and joint slip
2)Spinny doesn't work unless pole is loosened to the point where I don't feel it's sturdy enough
3)Dome has something small knocking around in there, by the sound, about the size of a grain of barley or maybe smaller…
I'll be calling xpole tomorrow regardless, just thought I'd see if anyone had anything to say about any of this…
By the way, I plan to sign up soon for Veena's lessons, but in the meantime, I've been having SUCH fun watching you gals do your thang. Thanks for sharing your videos and pics… You all are amazing and I can't wait to play, too… xo
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10 Replies
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Meh. Well, I think I fixed it…after much cussing, and being on the verge of tears. I completely took it all apart for like the 5th time, and went over everything with the proverbial fine toothed comb.
Turns out the middle x-joint was a dud! The center screw is *completely* flush with the rest of the "pipe"–no wonder it was twisting! I remembered there was another joint in the bunch, so I checked that one out and it's fine, so I switched them out. No more wobble, no more "no spin", and I don't have the thing too tight against the ceiling now, https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif Weeee! I haz sturdy, optional spinny pole now!
Aaaand miraculously, whatever was knocking around in the dome has fallen out. Still scratchng my head over that, though, and i may never know what it was…perhaps a bit of litter after all? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif
I'll still be calling about exchanging the dud joint, as there may come a day when I'll need another..
Now I can start building up some strength in these wimpy arms, and participate in other parts of the forums here. I look forward to "meeting" all of you lovelies and having some fun!
xo
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Really glad to hear it's sorted!
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Im glad you fixed it! The X joint is one of the most genius things ive seen recently. I just got mine as well (same size but I got chrome).
I agree, id call xpole and tell them about your dud x joint. They have to best cust svc ive seen and will be more than happy to fix that for you.
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Yeah, I'm pretty relieved myself… Nothing beats having a new toy and not being able to play with it! Now my problem is the fact that I can't cuddle with my pole when I go to sleep! I'm on my husband's graveyard shift schedule at the moment, and soon time to hit the hay for me but I DON'T WANNA! haha Well, now that I see XpoleUS is in California, I guess that means I'll have to stay up at least a couple more hours if I'm to call today about that exchange… And their customer service was the main reason why I went with Xpole instead of PS. Ok, well…the price, too, and I still think I'll be eating ramen for a while yet. It was a post-Christmas gift to myself, and I totally bought it on impulse. *gulp*
I've spent about 20 mins. on it total thus far–*trying* to take it easy for now because I have a tendency to jump feet first into anything new…BUT I've been practicing the beginner' fireman and somehow have gotten to feel comfortable enough with it in such a short time, that…oh, my stars! It morphed into a very decent chair spin attempt! I was just fooling around dancing, listening to Sam Cook's "Bring It On Home", and caught it on video, so I could see what I was doing wrong (hand placement was a bit off, and I didn't bring up my feet the entire time). Once I'm a little better, I'll be brave and post it just because of the expression on my face afterwards. If my jaw dropped any further, it'd have been on the floor! :p
Fun, fun, fuuuunnnnnn….
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I have the exact same pole and extension length https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif 93" ceiling height, was really awkward trying to get it all in place lol. I had the same problem with spin mode, it sort of jars half way around and I'm worried I'm unscrewing the pole or something =S
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I was having problems with spin too when I first put up my Xpert. I thought my pole was bowed but it turns out it was the x-joint. I was trying to tighted the joint on the ground before setting it upright and would get a tiny gap between the main poles. Turns out, you need to tighten the x-joint while it's standing so that the weight of the pole helps keep the joint flush. This also made it hard to get the pole tight enough to stay stable.
I'm not super crazy about the x-joints. I too have one where the "stop" is flush with the joint. If there isn't an easy way to pop it out, I too will send it back for an exchange. I don't need it right now, but may someday if I want to use two extensions.
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I had two of the issues that you had (as well as a few other issues); the pinging in the dome and the X-Joint with the flush hex screw. In going through all the trouble shooting with customer service, they mentioned and had me check for these other defects too:
1. Microbase – flat faces (where the screws hold it in stationary) are not aligned with the X's etched on the plate.
2. X-Joint – Circular things that are supposed to stick out a bit are either flush with joint or in-set in the joint.
3. Issue with Bottom Thing – This is a tough one to explain, but there is that small section of the pole (maybe a two inch section) where the two screws are that hold the pole in stationary – directly above that, there will be a "seam" the whole way around. If it is not just a seam and actually a complete break away from the rest of the pole this is a defect.
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This is so good to know! My Xpole just arrived (50mm TG XPert too!) and we're going to set it up this evening 🙂
So so SO excited! Now that I have these few tips to follow, i'm hoping it's be a breeze!
My only worry is that i've been spoiled by using a brass pole during my classes since September. I had a chrome pole for home use before this Xpert TG and definitely had some issues with sticking to it. Mighty grip worked great for holds but when you want to spin it's not very practical.
What is the grip like with the Titanium Gold?? I have my fingers and toes crossed that it'll be better than the chrome! 🙂 my body chemistry just didn't mesh with it properly.
Cheers!
🙂
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Hiya!!
OK, anyone have this problem yet?? I'm not happy with my other half right now because he's spent all of 3 mins. and is now poling better than me…lol He came home from work this morning, and I had to show him my so-so chair spin right away…and then HE had to get on the pole and goof off, with nervous Ninny me wringing my hands and staring at the dome the entire time. I couldn't get to the camera fast enough (and he's soooo lucky I left i downstairs) but he carried on like I imagine most husbands/boyfriends might at first, so I told him not to act like a monkey (he was, literally) and mess up my precious. He was halfway into a freaking TINKER BELL spin, and…WELL, the dome moved about 2" and freaked me out. Hubby was fine and caught himself right away…The pole didn't come crashing down, but it did scratch the ceiling good–and he wanted to say it was there before he made an utter ass of himself. Grrr! Anyway, I didn't have it tight enough to the ceiling after all. I proceeded to fix it for the 7th dagum time in 24hrs, and guess who didn't RTFM, but was nevertheless trying to tell me (who did in fact RTFM –twice) that I was doing it wrong! LOL I know that I'm either tightening it too much or too little, and need to find the sweet spot in between, I guess. It seems tight enough for me and my weight right now…but not enough for him.
So. Onto business: I gave XpoleUS's customer service a ring, and spoke with, Heidi. We chatted for a good 20 mins. or so—what a doll! She was so sweet and helpful. She's sending me a brand new replacement joint, and told me that I could keep the dud in case I want to send it back to them in the future to fix, or I could just chuck it in the trash. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_surprised.gif Told me to call again if I have any probs…
As for this 50mm TG beaut, it was absolutely love at first touch for me–I'm so glad I chose this size and finish. I have absolutely nothing to compare it to, mind you, but I love it so much already! The grip is fantastic for me so far, sweaty newbie hands and all. I imagine I'd be pretty frustrated right now with that happening had I gone with chrome or ss…
Mommabear…I'll have to check out #3 a bit closer later..many thanks for sharing those defects!
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The Xpole folks are super sweet 🙂 Lucky for us!!! hehe
YAY! i'm so excited to try the TG finish!
The guys have it SO much easier! by bf was upside down and doing flagpoles before I could even learn my ballerina properly! grrrrr
😉
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