Pacer Poles

Guest Author: Bryan Carrel 

As beginner pole vaulters progress, the pole needs to be appropriate in length and stiffness so that they can learn to bend it. Using a pole that is 6 to 12 inches longer than their highest grip without bend (straight pole), that has a weight rating equal to their body weight will provide the best opportunity for technical growth. Keep in mind that even with the appropriate pole the athlete needs to overcome the resistance of the pole. Until they can run fast enough and plant effectively enough, they will struggle to bend a pole rated at their weight. Do not skip straight pole vaulting, that's where they will gain the skills and confidence needed to learn to bend the pole.


For athletes already bending the pole there are a few simple rules that will make getting the right "next pole" ...right. Making safety a priority at all times, as adjustments are made, the goal should always be to land in the pit and don't bend the pole excessively. It is easy to make changes when you do not have to change lengths. If a stiffer pole is needed, increase the weight rating, softer pole decrease rating. The challenge comes when you must change lengths. If you increase the length of the pole 6 inches you should decrease the weight rating by 5 pounds. When doing this, do not change the grip height much if any, adjust pole stiffness first then grip height. For example, if an athlete is using a 14'0" / 155 the next stiffer pole would be a 14'6" / 150. A poles weight rating is based on gripping it very near the top. By gripping down 6 inches the pole will be 7 to 10 pounds stiffer than its rating. So the 14'6" / 150 is stiffer than the 14'0" / 155 when gripped in the same location.

The right pole can change from day to day depending on a variety of factors. Weather, training, run length etc. can all change the appropriate pole. Using the chart below can help with visual cues and the appropriate adjustment.