Hey Velour, What kind of pole are you using? One handed grips on thicker poles (like the 50mm) can prove hard if you have dainty hands! I love my 45mm for giving me that extra grip on one-handed moves. However, you can build wrist and hand strength by investing in one of these: http://url.moosaico.com/24723 - and you can also read some of my grip reviews for a bit more pole inspiration :-) - http://url.moosaico.com/24720 and http://url.moosaico.com/24721 - let me know how you get on!

Thank you for the links. I have man hands (hairy, gnarly knuckles and all =P) so I can usually get a great initial grip. I guess it's just the lack of necessary strength. I'll work on that. Thank you for your helpful strength building tips. Also, the advice to use very fine sandpaper and lightly sand the shipping coat of gloss off the pole has really improved my sticking power. I didn't even realize there was such a coat making the pole slippery, even after a good wipe down. Thanks again Lucy.

Cleaning your pole can also cause grip problems. I have danced for years and bought my first x pole, and it seems like I have to clean it a little more since I like an extra tight grip. Rubbing alcohol is great to clean with.
Also you can make your grip stronger by standing in front of the pole and trying to pull yourself up, your feet should just hang there. It works the middle, upper arms, and wrists.

Hi Lillian, excellent suggestions - is the move you are suggesting the Hang Tough? I find this move awesome for training that initial wrist strength. I do it with long arms for wrists and short arms for more shoulders and biceps :-)

Bingo! You're right, glad you understood what I was talking about. Thanks for your help!

No problem, glad I got it right! Good luck with all your pole work :-)