is this a safe pole?

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jhesch
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is this a safe pole?

Unread postby jhesch » Mon Feb 09, 2004 8:32 pm

I was looking through our track shed today and found an unmarked unwrapped pole. It looks old and as if all the tape wrapping was worn off as well as any labels. only pole marking is a permanent magic "180" on the top as if to signify its 180 lb wt. rtng. it probably is a 180- it looks about 13' 6" and marginally thicker than my 15' 160 lb. pacer carbon. doesnt seem to have any nicks, cracks, but is missing a plug at the bottom. any suggestions on whether or not i should use it? I weight a little less than 175, and anyone know what size plug goes on bottom?

zack

Unread postby zack » Mon Feb 09, 2004 8:44 pm

Theres nothing inscribed in the fiberglass? You would be taking a big chance jumping on it if you can't find out what the true flex/weight is.

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Unread postby Skyin' Brian » Mon Feb 09, 2004 8:53 pm

if you live close enough to a pole factory maybe you can take it there and have them take a look at it. i know that the gill factory charges a small fee to flex test a pole and bend it to see if it is sound.

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Unread postby jhesch » Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:23 pm

i forget to check at the top for flex number etc. but i have a feeling it was cut. in terms of factories, seems closest one would be ESSX in Texas, then maybe UCS in Nevada, bein that I live in New Mexico.

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Unread postby rainbowgirl28 » Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:22 pm

Probably the only manufacturer that will retest it is the one that made it.

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Unread postby jhesch » Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:49 pm

wish i could say who that was....

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rainbowgirl28
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Unread postby rainbowgirl28 » Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:07 pm

jhesch wrote:wish i could say who that was....


Well tell us more about the pole... what color is it? See if you can find what is engraved at the top. Each manufacturer engraves their stuff a certain way, so if you copy it down and tell us exactly what it says, we might could help out.

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Unread postby jhesch » Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:19 pm

it seems to be the same color as pacers... tomorrow ill check to see if it has any ingravings, etc. nonetheless there isnt any manufacturers close enough for me to spend the money on sending this pole to to get checked, just tryin to get some idea of its condition. besdies, some new poles should be comin in within a matter of days... anyone know how to determine plug size? like a certain diameter or circumference or what have you

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Pole tip size

Unread postby vaultdad » Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:13 am

Essx posted this earlier, so with plagurism being the sincerest form of flattery:

A mandrel is tapered and it would be relative to the pole tip size required for that pole.
For those who need to determine the replacement pole tip needed for their poles here is a guide to help you.
Example :

tips ID.
V-18 1.075
V-16 1.125
V-15 1.15
V-14 1.175
V-13 1.2
V-12 1.225
V-11 1.25
V-10 1.27
V-9 1.295
V-8 1.325
V-7 1.35
V-6 1.37
V-5 1.398
V-4 1.425
V-3 1.45
V-2 1.475

End Quote :D

As for being cut , If the size of the pole varies a lot from these numbers at the bottom , I'd look for hacksaw marks instead of a clean cut.

I have seen poles where the more neurotic kids will pick off the tape until its gone, but at least you can look for spike marks pretty easily. If nothing else it's a good crossbar lifter! :P Could this pole have been used in pool drills? :eek:
Vaulting Incognito "I saw those tubes on your truck, and I thought you were a plumber . . ."

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Unread postby jhesch » Wed Feb 11, 2004 7:45 pm

here's somre more facts on the pole. when comapred to a 14 ft. pole it appears to be approx. 13' 4 inches or so. there is absolutely no sign of any kind of engravings or label, and i know its the top end, which leads me to believe it might've been cut. every bit of wrapping is gone except approx. the top 6 inches before the grip area which is white with the top part blue. my assumption is that it is an old pacer or Pacer III. I found a tip for it from an old 14' 145 - therefore, same size mandrel(?) , but it also had thicker glass... it seems likely that it'd hold 180 considering the thickness compared to the length, and Im tempted to try it since I have no poles to vault on until some new ones finally come in. anyone have any ideas or any clue as to the span for flexing it so I can determine its relative weight rating? any other help would be appreciated. also, i weigh approx. 173 lbs. would it be safe to hold a foot down on a 160 pacer carbon for vaulting until new poles come in?


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