This is the first pole I have owned but I am pleasantly suprised. It is set up in my living room, and I used the mount for vaulted ceilings which is sold separately. This pole is sturdy. I have done spins on it, heavier friends have, and even my boyfriend, who weighs in at about 200 lbs, hopped on it (very briefly, and he is admitting to nothing). It hasn't come loose at all, and is SOLID. I'm glad we spent the money to get a really good one rather than go cheap and break a limb, or whatever happens when one of those things fall with me attached to it. It's been up for 2-3 weeks and so far I'm pleased. I'll updated if anything changes.