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My school only has small poles and big poles. Right now I'm vaulting on a 13'6 135 (finally got on it). The problem is I weigh approx. 145-150. The next biggest pole is like a 14' 155. I am doing well with the 13'6 and I'm not over bending or landing deep in the pit, but it is still under my body weight, and if I happen to break it, I would like to not break my neck or anything. Any comments or suggestions??

monopoly00 wrote:My school only has small poles and big poles. Right now I'm vaulting on a 13'6 135 (finally got on it). The problem is I weigh approx. 145-150. The next biggest pole is like a 14' 155. I am doing well with the 13'6 and I'm not over bending or landing deep in the pit, but it is still under my body weight, and if I happen to break it, I would like to not break my neck or anything. Any comments or suggestions??

Get a 13' 150 - if your school won't buy you one, have your coach see if any other local schools have one you could borrow, or join a club that has poles you can borrow.

No clubs around here, but I'll see. About the weight thing, is it REALLY dangerous when you vault with a pole under your body weight, or is it just a factory warning to cover their butt? I know it will make things a lot safer if everyone follows the rule, but is it really a situation where if you vault on a pole lower than your body weight you will more than likely break the pole or something?

I'm not saying it is safe or isnt safe because that is definitely my place, but i do know that it is a hs rule to jump at or above your body weight, and all i'm saying, is either way thats the rule

It just so happens that I've got a 13-150 (19.7 flex...i.e. pretty soft) Pacer FX listed in the Sales Forum if you are interested. $225 which includes shipping. I jumped on this pole once, and it turned out to be too soft for me.

As of right now I'm going to stick with the 13'6 mentioned above. I've only been vaulting for 1 week so far this year, and just got on it. I'm sure within a week or two I will be blowing through it, so I will worry about getting a new pole when the time comes. Hopefully nothing will happen between then. BTW, how much would, lets say Altius, cost for like a 13'6 165 or maybe a 14'0 155??

monopoly00 wrote:No clubs around here, but I'll see. About the weight thing, is it REALLY dangerous when you vault with a pole under your body weight, or is it just a factory warning to cover their butt?

It's against National High School rules, so whether or not it is unsafe is a moot point for you. I would also recommend getting/borrowing a shorter pole over your weight if at all possible.

go from shorter run

Thanks for the advice everyone. I got it figured out yesterday.