I have an Xpole Xpert removable pole. It is pressure mounted (no holes to drill!), which is extremely sturdy and doesn’t leave any marks on the ceiling. In my experience, it does leave marks on the hardwood floor, but they polish away easily. I love my home pole and totally recommend this product.
I do recommend that people follow the instructions to take the Xpole down about once a month to take it apart and then reassemble. This is supposed to keep the parts from getting stuck together. I left the country for a few weeks and didn’t have time to do it before I left or after I got back (so it was up for 3-4 months straight), and one day when I was training, I went into a Reiko split, and the dome MOVED. Like, quite a bit. So I took it down and put it back together and it was sturdy again. I think the parts might just shift…somehow…over time, so be aware…? I have the 2013 model, by the way. I’m unsure how exactly the new model differs, so this might not be an issue.
As for shorts, I own a couple of Mika and I don’t even like them as much as I thought I would. I actually prefer the AMB side tie shorts. I bought them at a local dance store for $20 each. I know you can just google “AMB side tie shorts” and purchase them online, and I believe they’re even cheaper. They have a ton of different colors and adjust from having enough length to wear out and about to cinching way up and showing some cheek. They are also stretchier than Mika’s material and are much comfier. Love them.
Good luck!