Key features and needs to a Vaulting Pole

[tapeboy]

Hi guys, I'm doing a design project on the vaulting pole, but I needed some more information on what pole vaulters want and need in it. So if you could answer a few questions that would greatly help me in narrowing down the key factors in what makes a good vaulting pole. Please try to answer the questions regarding the vaulting pole itself. Thanks

1) What are the most desired qualities that you need in a vaulting pole?
2) How do you find what length of pole is perfect for a pole vaulter?
3) If you own a vaulting pole, what is it made of, what are the dimensions of the pole (length, diameter), and what is the brand of the pole?
4) What material do you prefer in your vaulting pole? Fiber glass, carbon fiber, aluminum, etc.?
5) If you could have one thing changed from the present poles right now that would improve your vault, what would that be (please don't be restricted to one)?

Thanks so much for the help and I look forward to seeing your replies!

[lifecaster9]

1) This will be different for every vaulter depending on there personal jumping style. However I find that most vaulters prefer a lighter pole with a smaller diameter thats just as strong as the older thicker poles this helps to run faster since your not carrying as much weight which means you can put more energy into the pole therefore enabling you to use longer stiffer poles thus making you go higher!
2) You find the length of pole by first finding out how efficient the athletes form is maybe how tall they are how fast they can run down the runway and there weight.
3) I have 4 poles
pacer fx is the brand its made of fiberglass it is 14 ft long and im not sure of its diameter
I have 3 ucs spirit poles a 15 ft 175 15 ft 180 and 16 ft 180 all made of fiberglass i do not know the diameters im sorry for that.
4) I prefer my poles to be fiberglass simply because I need more time to swing and invert and a fiberglass pole can offer me that extra time and the fact that the highest jump ever cleard was jumped with a fiberglass pole helps too haha. Carbon poles unbend quicker so they would benefit an athlete who can roll to verticle and swing much quicker.
5) well a pole that will never break would be nice. but thats all i can think of other than that i love the poles we have today.