Studios work with whatever ceiling height they have (may also depend on what they can mount the pole against up there) but generally the higher the better.
We are limited to 8 feet and I think it’s really tough to go any lower, though I know of studios who have no choice as they are stuck with a lower ceiling so they do the best they can.
I agree with Roxie’s assessment of grip being brass, titanium, chrome then stainless however I personally prefer NOT to use brass or titanium in the studio or at home. If you get use to a brass or titanium pole it can be difficult to switch to stainless or chrome.
Also brass and titanium require more upkeep to clean because they are porous and absorb the oils from your skin, that means they acquire more build up that needs to be cleaned more often. With the titanium that means washing it regularly with soap and water, then rubbing alcohol. With the brass it’s even worse and you have to use a brass polish regularly. I’ve noted a brass pole can start to build tarnish after just 30 minutes of dancing…so you really have to polish them at least once a week.
The other thing to note is that various stainless poles can have different grips. I’ve heard that Lil Mynx stainless is very slipper and PS is better. I’ve not used LM stainless but I personally really like the stainless finish on the Poledanzer brand pole – sometimes I think it’s better than the chrome.
Finally the brass and titanium heat up much more quickly and stay hot longer and this can actually make your pole too sticky to work with.
I’d defintely advise chrome or stainless.