What pole should I switch to?

[theflyingkorean]

Heres the deal. I'm currently vaulting on a 13'- 170 Spirit Pole. I'm vaulting the pole legnth, 13'. I was thinkging about moving up to a 14' pole. But i wasn't sure on what type of pole would be a good one to move up to. I was thinking of a 14'-150 or 14'-160 but I'm not really sure. I was just trying to get some imput so I wouldn't et rejected.

[Oldcoach]

The 14-150 is roughly equivalent to your 13-170 when gripped at the same height. I would start with the same grip on the 14-150 and if you are not bending the pole past 90 degrees keep raising your grip slightly (2-3 fingers at a time )until the pole bends past 90 or your penetration is impaired.

[PVJunkie]

Thats good sound advice. The question is, do you need a longer/stiffer pole or are you looking for the same pole only longer???????

[theflyingkorean]

Thanks oldcoach. Im looking for the same pole but longer. I'm bending it as much as I need to at the moment, I'm just looking for the extra height.

[Bruce Caldwell]

answer these questions;
1. Am I jumping over my handhold?
a. If yes go to the next question
b. If no, you need to before moving to the next length pole
2. Am I on a pole rated at least 10-15 lbs over my weight?
a. If Yes then move to a longer pole rated at or 5lbs over your weight.
b. If No select a stiffer pole rather than moving to a longer pole
The reason:
With a stronger pole you will get more lift and will then have the ability to receive the energy stored into the pole more efficiently. Doing so will allow you to jump heights over your handgrip. This will be the most important phase to accomplish to insure progressive proper vaulting. Moving to longer poles does works more efficiently when you have established this style of jumping. (Over your handgrip). When you have learned this progressive way to jump, you will excel faster to much higher vaults.
If you do not follow these rules you will be moving to a longer pole that may be less than you body weight which complicates the style and further holds you back from getting your hips up. Additionally, all vaulters who jump at heights less than their handgrip are not pole-vaulting they are pole bending!
Always go for the power before the length

[vaultmd]

My advice to Flying Korean dude is to do whatever Coach Parker says.

[theflyingkorean]

You know coach parker? Hes a great guy

[vaultmd]

Yeah. I helped one of the St Francis vaulters last year.