Selecting the right pole is the most critical technical decision a pole vaulter or coach will make. Use this calculator to determine the relative stiffness and safety requirements when transitioning between different pole lengths and weight ratings.
Pole Selection Tool
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Understanding the Pole Vault Pole Selection Process
In the world of track and field, pole vaulting is perhaps the most equipment-dependent event. A vaulter's success—and safety—depends heavily on matching their body weight, speed, and technical proficiency to the specific characteristics of the fiberglass or carbon fiber pole they are using.
The Golden Rule of Pole Selection
The first and most important rule in pole vaulting is the Weight Rating Rule. Under high school (NFHS) and collegiate (NCAA) rules, a vaulter is never permitted to use a pole rated below their actual body weight. If a vaulter weighs 155 lbs, the minimum pole rating they can legally and safely use is 155 lbs.
Flex Numbers vs. Weight Ratings
While the weight rating is the primary label on a pole, experienced vaulters also look at the "flex number." The flex number is a measurement of how many centimeters the pole bends under a standardized weight.
- Lower Flex Number: Stiffer pole (harder to bend).
- Higher Flex Number: Softer pole (easier to bend).
Moving Up in Length: The Physics of Leverage
When a vaulter moves from a shorter pole to a longer pole, the physics of the vault change significantly. This is due to the principle of leverage. A longer pole creates a longer lever arm, which makes the pole feel "softer" even if it has the same weight rating as your shorter pole.
The 6-Inch / 10-Pound Rule
A common rule of thumb used by coaches is that moving up 6 inches in pole length is roughly equivalent to a 10-pound drop in stiffness. For example, if you are currently using a 13' 150lb pole and you move to a 13'6" 150lb pole, the 13'6" pole will actually feel and behave like a 140lb pole of the shorter length.
To maintain the same relative stiffness when moving up 6 inches in length, you generally need to move up 10 to 15 pounds in weight rating. This ensures the vaulter doesn't "over-bend" the pole and risk breakage or a dangerous landing.
Safety Considerations
Using the wrong pole isn't just a matter of performance; it's a major safety risk. Over-bending a pole (using a pole rated too light for your weight or speed) can cause the pole to snap. Conversely, using a pole that is too stiff for your ability can result in a "stalling" effect, where the vaulter is not carried into the pit and falls back toward the runway or the planting box.
When to Move Up
You should consider moving to a stiffer or longer pole when:
- You are consistently landing deep in the back of the mats.
- The pole is bending excessively (past 90 degrees).
- Your grip height has reached the maximum safe limit of your current pole.
- Your speed or technical efficiency has increased significantly.