Pole for Next Year

[PV4Free]

My coach and i are looking into purchasing me a new pole for next season (spring 2007). This year I started off with a 14' 171.6 lb. ESSX pole that I outgrew the first time I used it. To avoid having this happen again how long and how stiff should next year's pole be?

I am already using 14' 175, and 180 from the local college with no problems. I want a pole that I can grow into and that will carry me well into the postseason. I plan to lift weights, and work hard on getting faster this off season. He wants a 14'-07" 180 lb. ESSX Carbon but i feel that something stronger and longer will be needed, what should we do?


BTW I am
6'-0" tall
170 lbs

[theczar]

i would definately look into some 14-6 or 15 poles around your wieght...you probibly should not use 14 footers anymore... sounds like you've outgrown them

[PV4Free]

theczar, I noticed in your videos you wear a helmet as well. I just want to ask if you think its any kind of a burden when vaulting. Also, have you ever heard of the KDMax? Its a helmet specifically designed for vaulting. Check it out at www.polevaulthelmet.com

[theczar]

theczar, I noticed in your videos you wear a helmet as well. I just want to ask if you think its any kind of a burden when vaulting. Also, have you ever heard of the KDMax? Its a helmet specifically designed for vaulting. Check it out at www.polevaulthelmet.com

no, the helmet does not bother me at all, and i strongly encourage other vaulters to wear them as well. Also, I tried to get a vault helmet, but when i contacted them about getting one (about a year ago) they said it was out of buisness...are they for sale now?

[PV4Free]

As far as i can tell by looking at their website they are for sale. I'd jump all over one of those except the cost is still a little more than i want to spend right now. If you know anyone who has one i'd be interested to see how they work.

[Bruce Caldwell]

If you are selecting ESSX they are SO EASY TO MASTER I recommend you get an ESSX at least 5-10 lbs over your weight. Now you did not mention how high you jump and if you are jumping over your handgrip then add another 5 lbs.
However if you have tried to move the grip up more than 1 fist at a time you could be on a pole holding more than your ability. So make sure you select a pole that is not any longer, than 1 foot over the height you jump.
A 14-171 is the same at take off as a 14'7- 162.8 so if you get a 14'7" 180 you will need to pump some weights.
If you need help in selection give me a call or email me before you buy, we do our best with the info you give us to fit you. We think fitting is the most important part of pole selection.

http://www.therightpole.com will help you also if you read the whole thingy.
We have found if you are going through poles, it is because you are jumping higher and getting better. Trying to make one pole last all year will be tough if you start jumping well.

Bruce Bruce@xlogicsports.com

[PV4Free]

We have found if you are going through poles, it is because you are jumping higher and getting better. Trying to make one pole last all year will be tough if you start jumping well

So is there any way to tell what I will be capable of next season based on this year's improvement that can help in selecting a pole? (so farI have improved by 13" from 13' to 14'-1" and have cleard a 14'-6" bungee in practice)