Pole series - flex rating increments

[master]

I have a series of 4.15m Pacer FX poles, 155 through 180 in 5 pound increments. That would seem to be some nice even steps as I improve and move up in pole weight. My problem is the flex ratings do not result in such an even increase. The flex ratings go from 19.4 to 18.5 to 17.6 to 16.2. I'll stop there because this last change is the one that I have a question about. I have not yet been able to transition from the 165 (17.6 flex) to the 170 (16.2 flex). The difference in flex between the two poles is 1.4. The difference between each of the lighter poles is 0.9.

My question is do people think this is significant? Would it be worth buying a pole that is in between the two flex ratings? Or, should I just work harder and not try to move up until I am stronger, and/or have better technique such that I can get on the 16.2 flex.

In case it enters into your thinking, I'm 5'9" tall and weigh 143 pounds. I use an 8 left approach and start at 93 feet. I usually grip at 13' to 13'2".

- master

[rainbowgirl28]

That's a decent sized gap to have at the top of your series. Especially considering you're a more mature vaulter, and not likely to have any huge breeakthroughs like a high schooler would.

If you can afford to buy a new pole, don't feel guilty about it!

[Russ]

I think that we have pretty much the same series!

I do have a 16.8 in between my 17.5 and 16.2. I must admit that I like having that 16.8 for the days when the 17.5 is too soft and the 16.2 seems too stiff.

[master]

Russ,

Did you specifically buy your pole series with it in mind to keep the flex increments at a comfortable level?

- master

[Tamaqua Vaulter]

okay, am a noob.......where can i find the flex increments on the pole?

[master]

Usually the pole information is scribed into the pole at the top, above the max handgrip line. It should give the pole length (in ft and in OR in m), the weight rating (in pounds), and the flex number (usually a number between about 12 and 24 or so). Note this is a flex number, not an increment. The flex number is a more precise way of describing the bending characteristics of the pole than the pole weight rating. For example a weight rating of 160 on the Pacer FX 4.15m pole could be assigned to a pole with a flex number from 18.1 to 18.9. But each .1 increment in flex number is measurably different although a .1 difference would not likely be noticable to most vaulters. NOTE, the numbers I just used are for example only. They are probably close, but not necessarily accurate. The flex number is a measure of the deflection of the pole at the center when it is supported horizontally near both ends (at a precise distance between supports) and loaded with a specific weight.

Some pole manufacturers also write this information on a label and attach that to the pole. Some older poles do not have this information.

[Tamaqua Vaulter]

thank y9ou very much ...........now is it easier to bend at a higher flex number or a lower one?


heres the info on my spirit pole

415/70
13'7" 155lbs
05-22.1-4-28


i just got it this week

[master]

thank y9ou very much ...........now is it easier to bend at a higher flex number or a lower one?

heres the info on my spirit pole
415/70
13'7" 155lbs
05-22.1-4-28

A higher number indicates the pole will deflect more with the same amount of weight, that translates to easier to bend a higher number.

415/70 means 4.15 meters long and 70 kilogram weight rating (which converts to the numbers in the second row)

I suspect there is a date of manufacture in the last line (maybe 2005-may-28), as well as the flex number of 22.1. When using flex numbers (see several of the topics already on PVP) be careful. Comparing numbers will only work for sure with poles from the same manufacturer and of the same length.

[Antihero43]

master,
how do you go about getting a specific flex from a manufacturer on your prefered size of pole?[/quote]

[master]

master,
how do you go about getting a specific flex from a manufacturer on your prefered size of pole?

Well, I have not ever done that, but I may try if I decide to "fit" a pole into my series. However, I do know someone who called up a distributor and asked them to look at their inventory of company X's poles of length Y and weight rating Z and tell them what the flex ratings of each of the poles were. He then said I want to buy the one with flex rating Q. Seems pretty straight forward if you can talk with a company that has a large supply of poles, or maybe you will just get lucky that one of the few poles they have is the flex rating you would want.

[rainbowgirl28]

master,
how do you go about getting a specific flex from a manufacturer on your prefered size of pole?

You call the manufacturer and order one. If you have a local dealer who knows their stuff, they can order you one as well.

All of the US manufacturers sell directly to customers, in addition to using dealers.