Fiberglass vs. Carbon

[Cpvault]

I'm sure this one has been debated at great length between members, but, I'm still going to ask:

Which do you prefer, and why? Fiberglass poles (i.e., Spirit) or Carbon poles (i.e., pacer carbon).

[Decamouse]

Spirit versus Pacer Carbon FX is one question - but carbon versus straight glass is a different question since there are various other-readily available - production type - non-carbon poles out there. Nordic, Essx, Skypole, Pacer FX, Altius, - to name a few - my own experience - vaulted on Spirit, Pacer, Pacer FX, Skypole, Carbon Mystic, a very few on Carbon FX, 2003 carbon prototype - differences - carry weight is the biggest noticable difference - carbon tends to be lighter - also seem to uncoil quicker (I personnally have had an easier time intially with skypoles -as I have gotten better of the ground - the Pacer FX is easier to time and finish up on - need a little work to consistently do it on the carbons - Spirit is some where in between the Skypole and the Pacer FX - closer to the Pacer - but that is my feel - once we are completely set up in the new digs - hope to have more solid numbers to show what happens - it really comes down to what has been stated many times before - which one works best for the individual - since we are not all 6'2", 180lbs, running 10.6 with a good plant and technique - me - shorter, probably heavier, definitely a lot slower - so so technique

[Cpvault]

I tend to agree with you. I haven't jumped since 2000, but, I have used both Spirit and Pacer Carbon's and jumped 5.50 on both. You're right, the Carbon is a bit faster and the Spirit a little slower; with respect to that I prefer the Spirit. Yet, the regular Pacer Carbon is unmatched when it comes to weight and pole diameter. Because I'm just coming back to the sport after a couple of years off, I was wondering whether the Pacer Carbon FX technology is any better/different than the Carbon's I used t jump on?

[Decamouse]

More consistent transitions - slowed it down a little - more consistent bend throughout the length of the pole - Brian has jumped both and so have his U of I guys - I am sure he can give more feel of the pole input

[lonestar]

What did Dub say awhile back? It's the Indian, not the arrow. I've jumped on just about everything out there, and if I've got the right flex number in my hand, it doesn't matter what the pole is made of.

So it comes down to comfort - I prefer Carbons because of the narrower grip diameters/mandrels, and lighter carry weight. Do they come back faster? Perhaps. Do they time up better? Hard to say - haven't jumped on an FX yet. Most of my guys that I coach really like the CarbonFX over the Spirit, but can jump high on either.

[wacky274]

Exactly, if you're meant to jump high, and are good enough to jump high, it shouldnt really matter whats in your hands so long as you trust it...personally i do have a large preference for spirits as i have jumped on them since i started, and for me they work wonderfully...if it ain't broke, dont fix it right? thats just my thing, everyone has there preferences, but poles can only do so much for you....learn to vault correctly, and only then worry about which pole is going to be the best FOR YOU....