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I've been finding it odd that i can jump much more technically sound from a shorter run ( 5 or 6 strides) on big 15' poles (195-200) gripping around 14'7"-8". Compared to a longer run (7-8) gripping 15' on a 16 190-200.

I understand the timing that is involved, but with the grip not changing much, should the sail piece in the 16' pole really have that much more of an affect on my jump. I jump just as high on the shorter approach, then I do on the longer run, and i get more blow off the pole with the shorter run...... Take into consideration that I am 6'3"-200lbs, I have average speed for a taller guy, and have a "descent" take off.....

One thing i thought about was, on the 15' pole, i'm holding further(higher) from the sail piece, thus the timing is better, and holding, just slightly higher on the 16' poles, I am gripping closer to the sail piece. Would gripping up that much higher really create better timing?

With this info. can anyone get a reasonable understanding on why this is..... Sorry for the long "windedness" of this topic... any suggestions are appreciated.. thanks so much.

BJV

You say you're not gripping that much higher, but 6" of grip is actually quite a bit higher as far as changing your timing.

Try gripping the same height on the same run on a 15' pole with a comparable 16' pole. For example, if you're holding 14'8 on a 15' 195, try gripping 14'8 on a 16' 175 (relatively the same stiffness at that grip), and see how your timing feels.

I think you hit the nail on the head when you talked about distance from the sail, as a 16' pole has a longer and higher sail. That's why I really like 6" increment poles, in this case 15'6's or 15'7's. Not too drastic a change in sail or timing with the same grip.

yeap it's the handhold in relation to the sail, In my old age and short runs I notice the same thing. I vault nearly as high from 4 lefts on a 13'9" 190# Best hight-14'3" as I do from 6 lefts gripping 6" higher on a 15' 185# best jump14'7" I however have a horrible take off step. I always say if I could time up with

<----this pole like I do the 13'9" I would easily jump 15' plus. Triing to talk the wife into getting a few 14'6"'s for this very reason.