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I am curious to know what you folks think about the mathematical correlations between different pole lengths. For example, suppose I'm jumping on a relatively stiff 13-160 and gripping near the top of the acceptable weight-rating band (i.e., about 12'6"), and I'm interested in moving up to a 14-foot pole (and maybe trying to move my handgrip up a little...I'm usually vaulting with the standards set at 70-75 cm so I know that I'm penetrating well). Obviously, if I were to stick with a 13-foot pole, my next step would be a 13-165. But what do you all think would be the functional equivalent of a 13-165 in a 14-foot pole (a 14-150? 14-155? or what?)?

Assume that I plan to stick with the same brand (i.e., pole manufacturer) and model. I presume that this would be an entirely different problem if one were to try to change brands and models...so I'd rather not even go there.

In high school (1973-75), we used to figure that 1 foot of pole length equaled about 10 lbs of stiffness on the old black Cata-Poles (so a 14-155 was the functional equivalent of a 15-145) and that correlation seemed to work pretty well back then.

I know that Jan Johnson's website correlates 10 lbs. of stiffness for every 6" (and therefore 20 lbs. for every foot) on today's poles. I've talked with other folks, however, who think that the equivalency is closer to 7.5 lbs. per foot. Since obviously reasonable minds can differ on this question, I assume that this is not a settled issue.

I know that the coaches and vaulters on this site have a great deal of collective wisdom and experience, so I'm interested to know what your experience has been, and if you have formulated any "rules of thumb" for calculating pole equivalencies when moving from one length to the next.

Thanks,

Ooops. In my 4th paragraph I said that some people have told me that they consider that 7.5 lbs. is the difference per foot. I meant to say 7.5 lbs per 6" (i.e. 15 lbs. per foot). Sorry for my sloppy proofreading.

then next pole from a 13 160 would be a 13'6" 155 of course that means that the equivalent pole to the 13' 160 would be a 13'6" 150 the next pole after that would be a 14' 145.

my advice dont move your grip up... but what do i know? it was my problem for along time just made sense to me grip high jump high.... wrong

I've done some flex testing between 4.90s (16'ers) and 4.60s (15'ers) with the same spans, top support at 14'9 (4.50m) from the bottom of the pole, and found that Jan's chart is pretty accurate assuming 10lbs per 6" and 20lbs per 12". Of course, a lot of it has to do with flex number, ie: are you comparing a medium 13' 160 to a medium 14' 140 or is one of them stiff, one soft. Either way, it's a good rule of thumb that I apply with very few problems to my vaulters on a regular basis.

If I were you, I'd go with a 13'6 155 soft flex to have an easy transition up from your 13' 160, rather than getting a true equivalent which would be a 13'6 150. Unless you plan on gripping above 13'6, no need for the 14'er.

I find this a great tool to use!
When moving to the next longer pole
As a rule of thumb here is what I find that works;
[color=green][b]If you have a 14’- 160 pole and are moving to the next length, lets say a 14’6â€Â

I say that you should go with a bigger pole(maby 6 inches) with the same wieght. You will get a stiffer, faster bend if you hold at the same hand grip you are holding at now. This will bring the standerds up a little, and will help you with getting more inverted. In time, with more training, you'll slowly move up the pole.

~Casey

Up 6" back 5lbs. you SHOULD have the next pole bigger keeping relatively the SAME grip ht. You should NOT jump 6" in grip just because you go to a 6" longer pole............WAY too many variables there. Up 6 back 5 and raise your grip 2 fingers (at most)............... this is NOT accurate when switching brands (at least until there is a STANDARD!!!!) because while the same method is used different wts. are applied based on the "flex".


Call the manufac. of the pole that your on to determine the proper progression.

PUREITY............HEHEHEHE

PVJunkie wrote:PUREITY............HEHEHEHE

If only phpbb had a spell checker *rolls eyes*