[Jenn]

I don’t think it’s the pole or the environment, if your husband can use it with no problems, then it’s probably the moisture in your hands causing all the wet feel. I have super sweaty hands myself and have struggled with this for 3 yrs. I started on a chrome pole, then bought a TG pole, eventually ending with brass. Although the situation got better which each pole, I still have issues with my sweaty hands. I tried Tite Grip, Dry Hands, iTac, Firm Grip and Grrip. My best bet is to apply the Tite Grip first and then layer Dry Hands on top. There are still days when I just can’t grip well enough to do a RG. You might have to experiment with different grip aides until you find one or two that work for you. Good luck!

[Jenn]

I used to find the armpit hold extremely painful. One thing I would do to help, is try to condition my underarm area a bit. I would stand next to my pole and cross my arm around it, then slide down to the floor, holding the pole tightly in my underarm area. After a couple days of doing this, I was able to hold my teddy a lot longer.

[Jenn]

I forgot to ask: can the faded sections (I think they are the A & B poles) be replaced if/when the titanium fades? And is it very expensive to do so?

I really wish I could make up my mind about what pole finish would be better for me. I have hyperhydrosis so I can be clammy at best and uber sweaty at worst. Titanium and brass would probably be a better fit than chrome or stainless, but it’s so hard to make the final decision… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

I replaced the faded sections on mine, and it cost me $160 for new A and B poles. But this was the old style poles that screwed together so now the cost may be different. I was told by X-pole that the color fade did not alter the grippiness and I personally never noticed a difference in grip. I think brass is definitely the best as far as grippiness, but the TG came in a very close 2nd and was easier to care for then brass. I think either one will be good for you, but you just need to figure out which brand of pole you prefer. Which brass pole are you looking to buy?

[Jenn]

Stellarmotion does that combo! He was working on it right before the competition. I haven’t seen anyone else do it yet. He’s on this site too, if you want to send him a message to see if he’ll videotape it for you.

[Jenn]

Hmmm… I’ll have to give it a try next time I practice… I’ll let you know if your trick works for me! xx

[Jenn]

Wow, they are tricky little suckers aren’t they?? Had me fooled too! I bought my x-pole on Ebay years ago, but that was before all of these fake ones were everywhere. There are legitimate sellers on Ebay. But the Ebay dealers will charge you the same amount of $$ that X-pole charges direct, although the shipping may be cheaper.If you are unsure of one, you can contact X-pole and they will let you know if it is/is not a legitimate dealer.

[Jenn]

Okay here was my attempt at his move…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unnzUMFT8V0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think the leg switch at the end is a matter of preference, I have seen some with their shin against the pole and others with their leg wrapped around. I am having issues with grabbing my free leg though… is there a trick to that, or am I just not flexible enough? tips/advice appreciated!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[Jenn]

Mine faded after only a few months of use. Only the areas where I gripped the most faded, so like around where I gripped to spin and the middle where I invert… so the pole kinda had a striped appearance. Not noticeable in video, but you could definitely see it in daylight. I have a brass pole now, and I love it! I don’t see how you could really bend it, but with all the poles, I would be careful about scratches.

[Jenn]

Okay, here was his response, I haven’t tried it yet, I’ll have to reverse everything because I am a lefty, but his directions seems pretty clear cut. Will let you know when he posts a video. Here is what he wrote…

It’s probably going to be next week before I’m on a pole again (I don’t have my own) so I’ll try to explain & then get video next week. I hope regional names aren’t too much of a problem with explaining lol.

For simplicity’s sake I’m going to use right and left as I do the trick but you can reverse it if it’s the wrong side for you.

Do you know how you throw your hips out in front (the pole kind of be in your right armpit) of the pole to do a crucifix or ship’s mast? Do that but go a bit further. Instead of stopping with the pole on your tailbone twist your hips so that your LEFT leg can wrap around the pole.

At this point the pole is on the inside of your left leg and in your right armpit. I usually continue wrapping my leg around so that my foot is back on the other side again but you don’t have to.

Right hand goes back behind you to grab your right foot, pose and you’re golden!

Ohh, and I invited him to join us here, so maybe he’ll stop by.

[Jenn]

I recently bought some silks from the studio where I take lessons, but haven’t got the hardware yet… Here is a website that I found, that sells silks and hardware which is pretty reasonably priced…
http://aerialrevolution.com/equipment.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

What you’ll need to hang your fabric will depend on what structure you are hanging it from, how sturdy it is, how much weight can it hold, how much force can it withstand from sudden drops, etc. Here is a good resource which will help you to figure out what you need, http://community.simplycircus.com/tutorials/aerial/aerial_arts_faq.htm#Rigging" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. I would recommend you speak to a professional rigger before you try to install the apparatus yourself however. It can be very dangerous, if installed improperly.

[Jenn]

Ok, I just noticed that Hanka (gymmeke) does it pretty nicely in her most recent YT vid. It’s from about 2:57-3:02 in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov2JKtMwb40

Wow, that wasn’t exactly what I was thinking.. but that looks wicked. Now
I think I want to do that too!! Thanks for the link/advice.

Amyxshi, I was hopin’ someone here could help me out, but I think I’m just gonna see if he can explain it to me. He doesn’t have videos, so I doubt he can video demo it. I have trouble following written directions without a visual aide.

[Jenn]

I have the old school PS Brass pole, and I love it!! When I ordered it, I had to request the top loading version, otherwise they would have sent the new bottom loading pole. I have heard people say that the new version is convertible to a top or bottom loading pole though, but I’m not sure of the quality.

If you are going to go with PS, definitely stick to a one piece though. The multi-piece poles have all sorts of problems, like Charley said. I think that X-pole is coming out with brass multi-piece poles soon, but in my experience, both companies have had issues with their products when they’ve introduced new models.

[Jenn]

I have a removeable one-piece PS brass pole, and it is my favorite pole! I have grip issues and the brass seems to work well with my skin. It’s super sturdy and the spin-mode is very smooth. It’s super easy to set up and take down, and a simple pin allows me to switch to/from spin mode without having to drag out a tool kit. I do have to polish it every so often, but that is not a big deal and only takes a few minutes. The only downside to it is that my hands smell like a penny after practices.

[Jenn]

He is not on a forum and doesn’t record videos or anything, so I don’t know how receptive he would be to me asking for a video demo. I figured I’d ask here first, since many of us attended the pole jam and I know someone did catch it on video, I just don’t remember who. If no one here is able to help, I may send him a PM.

[Jenn]

I’m assuming skin type is referring to your hands? Cuz I have sweaty hands but normal/dry skin everywhere else.