Best Freestanding Dance Poles (Poles with Bases and Podiums)

This is the lowdown on freestanding dance poles, including the different manufacturers, materials, widths and podium bases. If you’re looking to buy a freestanding dance pole for home or professional use, then this guide is for you!

You will learn about the different brands and manufacturers of freestanding dance poles, as well as the different materials, finishes and thicknesses available. There’s also a handy table below so you can easily find the right freestanding dance pole to suit your needs.

If you’re looking for portable dance poles that are held in place by tension between the floor and the ceiling then read my guide to the best dance poles for home use.

Quick Overview of Freestanding Pole Dancing Poles

Unlike a regular portable dance pole, the top of a freestanding pole does not touch the ceiling. Freestanding dance poles have large, heavy bases (most are round) that hold the pole firmly in place for you to dance to your heart’s desire.

This type of pole is a portable dance pole with a base and does not need to be secured at the top.

They are also known as:

• Stage poles
• Podium poles
• Free standing dance poles
• Portable stage poles
• Dancing pole with a base

Freestanding dance poles are extremely popular with people who rent their homes, as they’re often concerned with causing damage with a removable dance pole that’s held in place by pressure.

They’re also great if you have exceptionally high ceilings, and don’t want to buy loads of extensions, or if you have a false/suspended ceiling.

Pole dance performers and instructors favor these poles as they can be set up anywhere without the need for looking around for a joist and hoping that you have the right size extensions with you to fit the ceiling height – with a freestanding pole you just set it up and go!

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Best Freestanding Dance Poles

There are several manufacturers who currently sell high-quality freestanding dance poles. The best known are X Pole and Lupit Pole, and Platinum Stages sells X Pole stages in the US. Two smaller European makers, Fitpole (Finland) and Gympole (Czech Republic), make stages too. For an in-depth comparison of X Pole’s three stages, read my X Pole Stage review: X-Stage vs X-Stage Lite vs X-Stage Pro.

The best freestanding dance poles for sale are:

1. X Pole X-Stage, X-Stage Lite & X-Stage Pro
2. Lupit Pole Stage
3. Platinum Stages (an X-Pole Reseller)
4. Fitpole Original Stage
5. Gympole Stage

Each of these poles is available in a different set of specifications for material and width, so you’ll need to know your requirements before you buy.

Best Freestanding Dance Pole Comparison Table

Here’s a handy table to help you figure out which freestanding pole is best for you and whether it’s available in your preferred size and finish. More information about each pole is below.

Diameter	Chrome	Brass	Stainless steel	Silicone	Powder coat
40mm	X-Stage X-Stage Lite X-Stage Pro	X-Stage X-Stage Lite X-Stage Pro (US only)	X-Stage X-Stage Lite X-Stage Pro	—	—
45mm	X-Stage X-Stage Lite X-Stage Pro Lupit Stage	X-Stage X-Stage Lite X-Stage Pro Platinum Stage	X-Stage X-Stage Lite X-Stage Pro Lupit Stage Platinum Stage	X-Stage X-Stage Lite X-Stage Pro (black or pink)	X-Stage X-Stage Lite X-Stage Pro (black, pink, white) Lupit Stage (black)
50mm	—	—	Platinum Stage (listed option, sold out Nov 2026)	—	—

Click on the links within the table for a closer look at the products (scroll horizontally if you’re on a mobile)

Let’s have a look at the different brands of freestanding dance poles, and what options you have when deciding which one best suits your needs.

1. X Pole X-Stage, X-Stage Lite & X-Stage Pro

X Pole is by far the best manufacturer of freestanding dance poles and portable dance poles. In the pole dancing community, the name X Pole is synonymous with aerial and vertical fitness equipment. They have been innovators of pole dancing products for many years, and they continue to be the market leader in this area.

They currently sell three freestanding dance poles: the X-Stage, the X-Stage Lite and the X-Stage Pro (called the X-Stage Lite Pro on X Pole US).¹ For an in-depth comparison of all three, read my X Pole Stage review.

Our pole studio has had X Pole Stages in use for many years.

Over 6 years of using X-Stages, I danced on all three versions: the X-Stage, the Lite and the Pro. They need no fixtures and never touch the ceiling, so I’ve been able to use them outdoors and on stage, and whenever I’ve set one up in the park, people always want a turn. The trade-off is weight and setup: they’re a real effort to carry, slow to put together, and only usable on completely flat ground. Of the three, the Lite sways a little more, and its base sometimes wobbles under me in big spins, which is why I steer clear of big sideways moves on it.

All three stages are available in different materials and diameters (40mm or 45mm). All three have a round podium/base, 5 feet (1.6m) across.²

They can also be used in ‘static’ mode or ‘spin’ mode and you can easily change the static/spin depending on your needs. On the X-Stage and X-Stage Lite, you switch modes by tightening (static) or loosening (spin) two hex screws in the bearing unit.³ The X-Stage Pro has X Pole’s tool-free X-LOCK instead, so you just lift and twist.⁴

All three X Pole stages are freestanding dance poles supported by a round metal base. The podium pieces are 6 large wedges that slot together over the base, and the pole stands tall in the middle. It is the large, heavy base that gives the pole its stability.

The main difference between the X Pole X-Stage and X-Stage Lite is the podium height. The X-Stage has a podium height of 320mm whereas the X-Stage Lite is just 110mm. The X-Stage Pro has the same low 110mm podium as the Lite.⁴ The overall height of the product is about 10 feet.

As the X-Stage Lite has a much lower podium, it’s less suitable for use on rough/uneven surfaces (if you’re planning to use your pole outdoors). The lower podium means slightly less stability on uneven surfaces, but greater portability.

Both are perfectly suited to indoor use, but the X-Stage is the preferred option if you’re planning to use your freestanding dance pole outdoors at a music festival, events, photo shoots or just for fun!

Each stage stands about 10 feet tall and needs at least 10’5″ of ceiling clearance (3.2m on X Pole UK).⁵ If your ceiling is lower, you can swap the top section for a shorter extension (500mm, 750mm or 1000mm). Extensions can’t make a stage taller.⁶

X Pole Stages are available in a range of different materials, including chrome, brass, stainless steel, powder-coated and silicone.

Visit X Pole’s Shop (US)

Visit X Pole’s Shop (UK)

2. Lupit Pole Stages

Lupit Pole are one of the leading manufacturers of professional portable dance poles and their pole stage is the latest addition to a long line of quality dance poles and aerial equipment.

Lupit’s pole stage has a few buying options, but no choice of width. The Lupit Pole Stage is available in 45mm only, in chrome, stainless steel or black powder coat.⁷

They can also be easily switched between static and spin modes. Lupit’s Quick Lock switches modes with a simple turn of a locking ring, with no tools.⁷

The pole comes in a choice of short legs or long legs (these are horizontal bars that extend from the base of the pole for extra stability).

The longer leg option gives additional stability for spinning at height or performing tricks that put a lot of sideways pressure on the pole.

Key specs of the Lupit Pole Stage (as of November 2026):⁷

• Round podium in 6 parts, 1600mm (about 5’3″) across
• Needs 1800mm (about 5’11”) of floor space and a ceiling height of at least 3050mm (about 10′)
• 2905mm (about 9’6″) tall overall, with 2810mm (about 9’3″) of usable pole
• Weighs 80kg (about 176 lb)
• Built-in mount for aerial silks
• Shorter extensions (500mm, 750mm or 1000mm) are available for lower ceilings, but nothing taller than the standard 1445mm top section
• Carry bags cost extra
• Prices start at €1,149.90, and shipping outside Europe costs €549.99

3. Platinum Stages

Platinum Stages are another manufacturer of freestanding dance poles. They have their own Platinum Stages branded poles, but they also sell X Pole Stages on their website as an X Pole reseller.

The Platinum Stages freestanding dance poles are performance/display poles as opposed to fitness equipment. The base, which is square and not round, is completely customizable.

You can choose different colors, lights and surface patterns for the base, which makes it ideal for nightclubs or performance venues. The pole itself is stable enough to support you, yet it lacks the professional quality and durability of X Pole branded poles.

Platinum Stages only sell freestanding dance poles in stainless steel or brass, and the stage can be static or spin with it being simple to switch between modes.

Unlike the X Pole and Lupit stages, Platinum Stages says its stage is not designed to be portable. It’s a 4ft x 4ft square, 1ft-tall steel stage with a one-piece 7ft or 8ft pole (you’ll need 8.5ft or 9.5ft of height), rated for up to 250 lb.⁸ As of November 2026, the standard Platinum Stage was sold out in every option, and only the White Frosted version was in stock, at $1,259.89 (7ft) or $1,284.89 (8ft).⁹

Visit Platinum Stages Shop

4. Fitpole Original Stage

Fitpole is a small Finnish maker, and its Original Stage is made in Finland from a mix of Finnish birch and metal. Unusually, it comes in three diameters, 42mm, 45mm and 48mm, and it does both spin and static.¹⁰

Key specs of the Fitpole Original Stage (as of November 2026):

• Square base, 1500mm (about 4′11″) on each side, delivered in four parts
• 3000mm (about 9′10″) of pole, 3150mm (about 10′4″) tall overall, plus 50mm of clearance to assemble it
• Shorter versions are made on request
• Weighs 89kg (about 196 lb)
• Brown (original) or black
• €1,329 including tax, with worldwide shipping on top

5. Gympole Stage

Gympole makes handmade stainless steel poles in the Czech Republic, and its stage is a recent addition. It stands on a square base with a plywood deck and switches between static and spin with Gympole’s “Oneclick” system. Gympole says it takes about 3 minutes to put together.¹¹

Key specs of the Gympole Stage (as of November 2026):

• 45mm, AISI 304 stainless steel
• Square base, 1600mm (about 5′3″) on each side
• 3.16m (about 10′4″) tall, with a custom top section for lower ceilings
• Weighs 125kg (about 276 lb)
• Made to order within 2 weeks
• €1,800 before VAT; check shipping with Gympole

Is the X-Pole A-Frame a freestanding dance pole?

No. The X-Pole A-Frame is a portable aerial rig: four telescopic legs and a top bar that you hang a hammock, silks, a hoop or X Pole’s X-FLY flying pole from. It doesn’t hold a regular dance pole like the XPERT or Sport.¹²

It stands between 8 feet and about 11 feet 5 inches high, weighs 71 lb and has a working load limit of 308 lb. It costs $1,091.99 at X-Pole US and £499.99 at X-Pole UK.¹³ If you want a pole you can climb and spin on without a ceiling, you need a stage like the X-Stage instead. There’s more about the A-Frame itself in my X Pole A-Frame review.

What happened to R Pole?

The British-made R Pole was a lightweight freestanding pole with a low ‘star’ base. Its maker, Pole Passion, has paused production, so it’s no longer available to buy new.¹⁴ I would not choose an R Pole over an X Pole branded dance pole.

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Why Choose A Freestanding Dance Pole?

• You can use a freestanding pole in rooms with extra high ceilings, without needing to buy any extra extensions
• A Freestanding pole can be set up in a room with a vaulted ceiling, without the need to buy mounts or fixtures
• You can also use freestanding poles in rooms with false/suspended ceilings that you can’t use a regular portable pole with
• Most are designed to be portable and can be set up almost anywhere (Platinum Stages says its stage isn’t a portable item)
• It’s a great way to take pole fitness into nature by taking your freestanding pole outdoors
• They’re excellent for photo shoots, as you can bring it where ever you can carry it!
• For performers and instructors – no need to worry about measuring ceilings or carrying a stud detector to find the joists, just set up the freestanding pole instead and get to work!
• Great for pole dancing parties too!

One thing a stage can’t fix is a low ceiling. X Pole’s stages stand about 10 feet tall and need at least 10’5″ of clearance, and Lupit’s needs just over 10 feet. If your ceiling is lower, you’ll need a shorter top section (see the extensions note above).

Downsides To Freestanding Dance Poles

• Despite being portable, they’re incredibly heavy. The base pieces alone are very heavy and awkward to carry.
• There’s a limit on pole height, and being up on the podium makes some tricks feel scary. I can feel the pole sway, so you need to trust it.
• A freestanding dance pole needs to be packed away into multiple purpose-made carry cases if you want to transport it.
• The base of these poles will take up a lot of floor space in your room. You will need an area large enough for the base to fit comfortably in the room.
• They cost more than a regular portable pole. As of November 2026, X Pole’s US stages cost $1,232.99 to $1,663.99, compared with $607.99 to $779.99 for its XPERT Pro portable pole.¹⁵¹⁶
• They have weight limits. X Pole suggests a user weight limit of 330 lb for its stages, and Platinum Stages rates its stage for up to 250 lb (113kg).⁵⁸

Pole Thickness (Diameter)

Which one is right for you?

Freestanding dance poles and pole stages are available in slightly different thicknesses to portable dance poles that are held in place by pressure.

Available thicknesses of freestanding dance poles are:

• 40mm (X Pole)
• 45mm (X Pole, Lupit Pole and Platinum Stages)
• 50mm (listed as a stainless steel option on the Platinum Stage, but sold out as of November 2026)

The general guide is that a thicker pole will be harder to grip with your hands, and a slimmer pole will be easier to grip with your hands, but pinchier on your legs (or anywhere else on your body).

Not all pole thicknesses are available in all materials. Silicone and powder-coated stages are 45mm only, and on X Pole UK brass is 45mm only too.²

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Materials & Finishes

Just like Portable Dance Poles, Freestanding poles also come in a variety of different finishes, each one has its own pros and cons.

The types of different materials available are:

• Chrome
• Brass
• Stainless steel
• Silicone
• Powder coated

For some reason, only regular portable dance poles, and not freestanding ones, are available in Titanium Gold. 

Chrome Freestanding Dance Poles

Chrome dance poles are very common as they are one of the least expensive types of material. It is a very high-quality material for a dance pole. You’ll find chrome poles in pole studios, clubs and in homes worldwide – this is one of the most affordable options for choosing a freestanding pole. (On X Pole’s US stages, powder coat is slightly cheaper still.)⁵²

Brass Freestanding Poles

Brass is the highest quality metal available for a freestanding dance pole. They’re commonly found in areas with warmer climates. Brass poles are also known for being easier to grip with, as they’re much less slippery that chrome poles, making brass an excellent choice for a beginner – although, they are a bit more expensive.

Stainless Steel Freestanding Poles

Stainless Steel is another very high-quality materials for a dance pole. Freestanding dance poles made from stainless steel are extremely durable and have a polished finish. It’s more common to find these in studios rather than at home, as studio poles take a lot more abuse than home poles do!

Silicone-Coated Poles

Silicone-coated dance poles are unlike all of the other materials discussed so far. The pole itself is made of metal but it is coated with silicone.²

You will be able to use this pole fully-clothed and still be able to grip because it’s not a slippery metal surface. These poles were designed to work like a Chinese Pole, which is often performed with long pants and sleeves.

Currently, X Pole is the only brand to make a silicone-coated freestanding dance pole.

Powder-Coated Freestanding Poles

Powder-coated dance poles are one of the newer types of finish you’ll find in the industry, and they’re now a standard option on X Pole and Lupit stages. They were designed to be ultra-sticky for pole dancers who really struggle with gripping all different types of metal poles.

Despite being powder-coated, they actually have a very smooth texture.

X Pole and Lupit Pole both make powder-coated freestanding dance poles.⁷

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions? No problem!

Here are some commonly asked questions by people who are considering buying a freestanding dance pole. If your question isn’t answered here, then leave a comment on this post and we’ll answer your question 🙂

Are freestanding dance poles safe?

Yes, they’re perfectly safe. Freestanding dance poles are just as safe as the regular style of dance pole that is held in place either by pressure or with a permanent mount. As long as it’s been assembled correctly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then your freestanding dance pole is a very safe piece of equipment.

If you’re familiar with dancing on a fixed pole, then you will notice a slight difference. It’s normal for a freestanding pole to move slightly when you perform a spin or trick with sideways pressures. This is nothing to worry about – watch professionals performing routines on freestanding poles on YouTube and you will see the poles move and ‘sway’ slightly.

Can you use them outdoors?

Yes! Providing that they’re on a relatively flat surface so that the pole itself doesn’t tip over, then go right ahead! X Pole lists outdoor shoots among the uses for its stages, and Lupit sells its stage for indoor and outdoor use.¹⁷ X Poles were designed with fitness in mind, whereas Platinum Stages’ Poles were designed for performance use, and Platinum says its stage isn’t designed to be portable.⁸

The X Pole X-Stage is my preferred choice for using outdoors, although X Pole says the X-Stage Lite is “just as stable as the X-STAGE”.¹⁷

Will the base of the pole damage the floor?

No. Freestanding stages rest on a metal frame with adjustable feet, and X Pole’s feet have silicone pads.³ Like any heavy furniture, the feet may leave small marks on your carpet (if you have one), but you won’t get a big round imprint from the podium. This is nothing to worry about.

Freestanding Dance Pole Vs. Regular Dance Pole

This really does come down to preference. Both are professional pieces of equipment that are perfectly safe. Many pole dancers opt for a freestanding dance pole, despite the higher price tag because their ceilings are not suitable for a portable pole. Also, people who rent their home and are concerned about causing any damage with a dance pole putting pressure on the ceiling joists.

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Conclusion

If you’re looking for the absolute best quality, then you need an X Pole or a Lupit Pole. They have both been the industry leaders for years and they continue to create the best pole dancing and aerial equipment.

If you’re on a tighter budget, the X-Stage Lite is the lowest-priced X Pole Stage, or a regular portable dance pole costs less again. I have owned lesser-quality poles in the past and regretted not saving up for the X Pole as they really are made to a much higher standard than most other dance poles on the market.

If you enjoyed this guide, then please share it with all of your pole dancing friends! I hope you found this useful, but if you still have unanswered questions then please do leave a comment below and I’ll be happy to answer your questions!

Happy Poling!

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Sources

1. X-POLE US, “X-Stage Lite Pro” (the X-Stage Pro’s US name and specs). xpoleus.com ↩︎
2. X-POLE UK, “X-STAGE – Static/Spinning” (1.6m podium diameter, 320mm podium height, 40mm and 45mm poles). x-pole.co.uk ↩︎
3. X-POLE, “X-STAGE / X-STAGE Lite Instruction Manual, Version 5.0” (two M10 hex screws set static or spinning mode). d13f0n119plubz.cloudfront.net ↩︎
4. X-POLE UK, “X-STAGE PRO – Static/Spinning” (lift-and-twist X-LOCK, 110mm podium height). x-pole.co.uk ↩︎
5. X-POLE US, “X-STAGE (NST03)” (10′ overall height; meant for ceiling heights of 10’5″ or above; 1000mm, 750mm and 500mm extensions replace the B-Pole for 9ft, 8ft and 7ft ceilings). xpoleus.com ↩︎
6. X-POLE, “X-STAGE Lite Height Chart” (the tallest set-up is 3000mm with the standard 1500mm top section; shorter extensions give lower heights). d13f0n119plubz.cloudfront.net ↩︎
7. Lupit Pole, “Lupit pole stage QUICK LOCK™ powder coated black, short legs, 45mm” and “Stage poles” pages on lupitpole.com (45mm; chrome, stainless steel or black powder coat; short or long legs; Quick Lock locking ring; 1600mm 6-part podium; 1800mm floor space; 3050mm minimum ceiling; 2905mm height, 2810mm usable; 80kg; integrated silk mount; 500/750/1000mm extensions, none higher than 1445mm; carry bags sold separately; prices and shipping; indoor or outdoor use). ↩︎
8. Platinum Stages, “The Platinum Stage” (not a portable item; 4ft x 4ft square, 1ft-tall steel-frame stage; one-piece 7ft or 8ft pole; 45mm stainless or brass, with a 50mm stainless option listed; 250 lb (113kg) user limit; all options sold out as of November 2026). platinumstages.com ↩︎
9. Platinum Stages, “The Platinum Stage – White Frosted Only” (in stock; 7ft and 8ft prices). platinumstages.com ↩︎
10. Fitpole, “FITPOLE ORIGINAL STAGE – Freestanding dance pole”: 42mm, 45mm and 48mm; spin and static; 300cm pole, 315cm overall plus 5cm to assemble; 1500 × 1500mm base in four parts; 89kg; €1,329.00 including tax; ships worldwide. fitpolestore.com ↩︎
11. Gympole, “Gympole Stage (new)”: 45mm AISI 304 stainless steel; static and spin with a “Oneclick” switch; 3.16m tall; 160 × 160cm base with a plywood deck; 125kg; about 3 minutes to assemble; made to order within 2 weeks; €1,800.00 excluding VAT. gympole.com ↩︎
12. X-POLE US, “XPOLE A-FRAME”: “a portable aerial rig” for hammocks, silks, hoops and the X-FLY; 8ft to 11.42ft high; 71 lb; working load limit 140kg (308 lb); $1,091.99. xpoleus.com ↩︎
13. X-POLE UK, “XPOLE A-FRAME”: 2250mm to 3480mm high; £499.99. x-pole.co.uk ↩︎
14. Pole Passion, “RPole Fitness Portable Pole” (RPole production is currently paused). polepassion.fitness ↩︎
15. X-POLE US, “X-POLE Stage Poles” (X-Stage, X-Stage Lite and X-Stage Lite Pro prices). xpoleus.com ↩︎
16. X-POLE US, “XPERT Pro (PX)” (portable pole prices). xpoleus.com ↩︎
17. X-POLE US, “X-STAGE Lite (NST04LT)” (the Lite is “just as stable as the X-STAGE”). xpoleus.com ↩︎