Glass/Carbon Pole Comparison
Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 9:35 pm
Other than the weight, what are the differences between a fiberglass pole and a carbon pole of the exact same weight and flex?
Depends on how each pole is designed:
If the use of carbon is balanced, weight is the biggest difference.
Bigger question is at what point the pole starts to oval - if you are really interested in all these nuances of poles and design, let me know I can get you link or e-mail you more in depth material.
Since flex number is taken at a relatively small degree of deflection (compared to full bend during vault - pole chord shortened to aroung 70% of orignally length) it is a relative gauge measurement.
Balancing act - lots of carbon fiber in the long direction has be used to make a slightly higher end load at max bend which leads to feeling of faster return.
Made five poles all with same flex number but varying end loads at big bends -- higher level vaulters could tell the difference.
That said -- for the vast marjority -- find what works for you/your vaulters and build your series off that.