NOTE: Freight is $200 per shipment within the USA, so please buy at least three poles to maximize your freight costs!
1. Select the grip.
2. Select the weight.
3. Select a pole that is no longer than 18" over their best jump.
Allan Williams UK Master Vaulter says, "Your Reach Should Exceed Your Grasp."
4. An exception to that rule for vaulters jumping less than 10' should use a 9' to 11' pole.
5. OUR SECRET IS: ATHLETES WITH NORMAL EXPERIENCE MAY USE POLES WITH A WEIGHT RATING OF 5 LBS TO 20 LBS OVER THEIR WEIGHT! A BIGGER POLE GIVES THE JUMPER MORE LIFT & BETTER ABILITY TO USE THE ENERGY IN THE PULL-TURN-PUSH!
6. Ultimately, the pole you select should be based on the person's recommendation who is training or coaching you.
The guidelines we suggest are for a starting point and a way to move towards proper progression.
Suppose you are having problems fitting your vaulters to meet these guidelines. You have not taken into account the missing link! or the missing equation! Today's vaulting poles are measured for a weight rating and an average handhold for a grip 4" to 8" below the top of the pole. If you select a pole length that is 12" to 18" over the vaulter's grip, you are not getting the right pole for that vaulter! At a grip of 18" down from the top of the pole, the pole will not roll over (due to the distance from the center of the sail of the pole), and the pole resistance at take-off will be 5 to 10 lbs stiffer. The grip positioning must be another factor in pole selection; this is the missing link! Other considerations need to be factored in, such as adding a stride that could be up to a 5 lb increase in forces. It is normal for a female with Gymnastic ability to have the edge to use a pole 20 or more over her weight!
