[co244co2000]

Thanks for all of the replies- I did notice that I usually don’t tilt to one side, I tend to sit pretty straight, and also that I was squeezing as soon as my thighs made contact, and then would settle into the pole sit…
The great news is, no more tears; However, it hurts to sit all over again since I’m doing it the right way now!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

[co244co2000]

It’s a chrome Xpert, from xpoleus.com, relatively new… Based on all of your feedback, I’m thinking it’s a combination of needing to squeeze more and maybe some looseness in my skin (I lost 60+ pounds since I’ve started poling; I think the extra thigh meat/fat…lol being gone means I have to re-learn a lot of things) I’ll try to notice how my hips are aligned when I try it next time-
It’s just frustrating b/c I used to be able to sit until I got bored with sitting with no pain at all- And even now, it doesn’t hurt, but I notice the tears when I get done…

[co244co2000]

Since I’ve started poling, I’ve lost about 45lbs (Yay Me!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif ) And since doing that, I feel like my spins are easier to do, I’m getting more comfortable with inverting, and I can finally do a CKR. I think the idea of "if you could do it heavier, it will be easier when you’re lighter" is 100% correct…. And the boost in confidence is always a plus

[co244co2000]

Turn the hex key until it stops- Then go to the other one until it stops. The first hex key should turn again when you go back to tighten it, repeat this until both hex keys will not turn anymore.

[co244co2000]

Make sure that both ends of your X-joints are fully tightened, alternate as you tighten them (Tighten 1 until it stops, tighten the other, go back to the first one, etc)

[co244co2000]

After helping her with the same issue, PennyGirl has made an excellent video on this same thing…

[co244co2000]

I think the 180 joint has to be pointing a certain way… Does it have a huge arrow etched into it? If so, the arrow has to be pointing up to the ceiling. Or maybe you’re not lining the little metal part that sticks out of the X Joint with the groove on the inside of the pole (check both ends of each pole for the groove)…. If not, leave it where it is, take a nap and try again… I was sooo tired when I first put mine up (but too excited to wait until the next day), it truly took me over an hour just b/c of silly mistakes and losing my trains of thought.

[co244co2000]

Ok, As for the pole shifting side to side, STOP all poling right now, (I know, I know, no fun at all https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif )take it down, and put it back up… It sounds like your X-joints aren’t tight enough, and trust me when I say you’ll be sorry if you don’t fix this ASAP!! The holes will get out of line, it’s all just terrible… PennyGirl had the same issue, and before I could tell her my story of agony, it was too late. She has an awesome video on her profile explaining the whole problem

[co244co2000]

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif I just got the Carousel for the first time….. What works for me is the split grip hand placement, but with my fingers all wrapped around the pole instead of the "gun" position…

[co244co2000]

I think it’s just the swelling…. If I remember correctly from when I got mine 10 years ago (10 years?!? I think I just made myself sad) https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_pale.gif I couldn’t really do much of anything with my tongue for the first day, and it was even more sore the next day when I woke up…. But it gets easier every day after that

[co244co2000]

I know this thread is a couple of months old now… but I too, am having issues. I’ve had my Xpert pole a couple of months, and now one of my joints is stuck and off center, so I can’t reach the hole to loosen it. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif
Same here….. The only thing I can think of for now is to do all of my spins the opposite way until it’s centered…… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif Somebody help PLEASE!!!

[co244co2000]

I did lots of research on this before buying my pole (I was 220-230 when I was looking) X-Pole seems to be the only option out there, but it’s a great choice. Even at my heaviest, I always felt secure spinning and sitting on the X-Pole.

[co244co2000]

I’m pretty sure they’re all held up by friction, but don’t worry, it’s definitely sturdy enough for tricks…. I’m a 14, and mine hasn’t budged yet

[co244co2000]

http://www.thevividroom.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; has the best prices for shoes that I’ve seen, and the selection is awesome.