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Hi,

I am 5"6' and 123 pounds. A while ago, I took home a pole from my club that was an 11"6' 120, because I was 119 pounds at the time. However, indoor track season has started and we have been working out a lot so I guess the added weight could be gaining muscle (?). Anyway, my problem is that they don't make a 125 pound pole unless you have a 13 foot. I don't really want to go to an 11"6' 130. What should I do? Should I try to lose the weight so that I can use the 120 or will I have to jump to the next pole?

If you're in high school, take a look at what other poles your school may have

Moving up to a 13' pole doesn't have to be bad! You can always keep your grip at the same position, and remember that it is not about bending the pole!

You may be able to borrow a pole from another school or private coach if your school doesn't. Coaches in my area are very good about that and we perform lots of trades for the season where we swap poles for a couple months.

Also, in high school its good to be atleast 10 pounds under what your pole is rated at. I'm 5'7" 135 and using a 13' 150 and 13'160 pole. I don't bend the 160 pole much but I'm still able to reach the same heights. ITS NOT ABOUT BENDING THE POLE! Just remember that and you should be okay

ok thank you so much I really appreciate it!!!

OK it's actually a HUGE jump from an 11'6 pole to a 13' pole. Check out this chart: http://www.skyjumpers.com/articles/pvpr ... table.html

Altius and ESSX both make poles that are about 11'6 125 lbs. However, when you switch brands, there's no guarantee it would feel exactly 5lbs stiffer than your 11'6 120.

What brand is the 11'6 120 you are currently using? I've found that 11'6 Spirit poles generally feel stiffer than modern 11'6 Mystic/Skypole/Pacer poles. So if you were currently using an 11'6 120 Spirit, and found an 11'6 130 Mystic or Skypole or Pacer it probably wouldn't be a huge difference.

No, you should not lose weight. If an 11'6 130 pole is to big you for, you need to use an 11' 130. Again, check out the chart above.

Finally, please only make the same post once on this website. Extra posts are deleted.

ok, thanks so much! and sorry for the extra posts, I'm new to this site and didn't know where to put this question? And yes, my pole now is a UCS spirit, so I'll try your advice. Thank you SO MUCH!