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is it possible to have 2 poles with the exact same length, exact same flex number, and both are mde by the same manufacturer, and made with the same material and wrapped the exact same way, have different weight ratings?

basically, can two identical poles have different weight ratings?

could a soft 160 be the same as a stiff 155? Not close to the same, but the same...

Some manufacturers have adjusted their weight ratings over the years, so if the poles were made in different years it is possible.

As far as I know, none of the manufacturers would assign more than one weight rating to a specific flex number.

It is possible to have a stiff 155 and a soft 160 be very close in flex ratings. It's basically the same pole. That's why I don't understand the tons of people that order poles by weight rating only unless it's an 11 footer and down (mine are in 20 lbs. increments).

Here's a general rule of thumb I use when constructing a line of poles. I'm not saying my way is the best way, but it works well:
12'-15' poles - 1cm difference between each pole
16' & up - .5 cm difference between poles

If all you're looking for is a weight rating that will fit your kid's weight and you're not sure if he/she can handle it, but you have to have it due to the weight rule, order the soft flex in that weight rating.

With that being said, it's possible that a pole could be marked incorrectly for whatever reason.

AVC Coach wrote:It is possible to have a stiff 155 and a soft 160 be very close in flex ratings. It's basically the same pole. That's why I don't understand the tons of people that order poles by weight rating only unless it's an 11 footer and down (mine are in 20 lbs. increments).

I saw a kid a few years ago who bought pair of brand new carbons (175 & 180) and they were 0.1 apart. Talk about a complete waste of money.

I have three 16ft 190 all carbon pacer made by Gill. they are a 17.0, 16.4, and 16.0. I can jump a full foot higher on the 16.0 as compared to the 17.0. In my experience in 16ft pole's it is usually 1 point per five pounds so if the actual weight was read for these poles it would read 190, 192, 194.5. Also a pacer carbon or carbon fx is usually 5 pounds stiff then a spirit with the same rating. This is were flex numbers can be important so your program does not by the same pole. Also relative stiffness is good to know as well if you hold 6 inches lower the pole is about 10lbs stiffer. Understanding this can save a program a fortune on poles, but the company makes more money by putting maximum weight ratings.

--Kasey