US Pole Mat gives us the scoop on their pole dance mats. This is part of a continuing series on pole dance mats.

How did you go about designing your pole mats? What standards were used in the design?

We had a pole dance studio owner as well as a pole dancer design the pole mats. The standards we used for compression were from the foam industry – density vs. weight usage. We assumed a range of 120lb – 250lb women would be standing and falling on the mats.

What are the features of your pole mat? (Size, shape, type of foam, single vs. dual density foam, ability to use with carpet or bare floors, etc.)

Our US Pole Mats are round.

We manufacture several sizes – 4′ diameter x 4″ thickness, 5′ diameter x 4″ thickness (these two mats are designed for dancers of every skill level). We also make a 4′ diameter x 2″ thickness for “at home use only”, which is meant to be used only by beginners. All of our mats are offered in solid pink and solid black. Our mats are designed to fold, with handles for mobility.

The foam we use is anti-microbial, non-toxic open cell urethane, 1.8 density, 90lb compression. Basically, we chose a foam that allows a dancer to stand on the mat with very little give.

We chose a high tear-resistant anti-microbial, non-toxic aquamarine vinyl for our covers.

How were the mats tested?

The mats were tested with pneumatic weights. The machine had a shoe attached to the weighted plunger that ranged from sneakers to a medium height high heel. The plunger rotated around the mat until the material started to wear or tear.

We simulated two years of usage without failure (the two year usage was based on studio owners’ input regarding the amount of activity that a mat will experience). Now, of course, under some extremely pointed high heels, the material may tear. It would be cost-prohibitive to design and manufacture a mat that can sustain that type of heel with weights of 250lbs. The foam never failed – always keeping its shape.

Where can people go to buy your pole mats?

Dancers can buy our US Pole Mats at our website, www.polemats.com. Also, Joel at Mighty Grip sells our mats on his site.

Anything else you’d care to share.

We want everyone to know that we believe we designed a pole mat that takes into consideration all the important issues of a pole dancer. We researched and interviewed the USERS (most important) and the studio owners. We are also proud to be making our product 100% in the U.S.A.!

US Pole Mat is happy to answer any questions you have. For more information, email them.