PoleVaultPower.com

i know this was probably discussed already in some other thread...but i'm curious...what are the advantages/disadvantages to carbon poles vs. normal fiberglass poles? i'd really like to hear what everyone has to say...but please keep it to stuff that can be tested (i.e. lightweight v. heavy)...i'm trying to research this stuff for a term paper i'm writing, and i know we've got ppl on here from gill and essx who should know what they're talking about...lol

Start off by reading the Pacer v. Spirit thread down below.

How long is your pole? If it isnt longer then 14' dont spend the extra cash. Its about carry weight and for something at or below 14' it doesnt make enough difference for the cash.

Brand does tho. I know a good review on polevaultpit.com where a guy bought like 6 brands and compaired them. Ill try to find that and give you the link!

I think probably the biggest difference between carbon fiber and regular fiberglass is that carbon... well, the best way to describe it is that carbon fiber flexes like a muscle, while traditional fiberglass stretches. Of course you have the benefit of a lighter carry too.

I tried a 15' 185lb carbon out early last year (which was nearly identical to the Spirit I was using).... I was expecting a lighter pole, but it wasn't. It was just as heavy as the spirit. If there really is a difference I couldn't tell.... My money will be better spent on traditional fiber poles....

From the following Website:

http://vaultpages.homestead.com/main.html

Article: Fiberglass vs. Carbon Vaulting Poles

Many vaulters are faced with a critical decision as they reach higher and higher heights: switch to carbon poles, or stay with fiberglass poles. Indeed, nearly all vaulters today begin vaulting on fiberglass poles, but many are curious about newer carbon poles. The truth is, both fiberglass and carbon poles each have their respective strengths and weaknesses.

Fiberglass vaulting poles are still the norm today in most levels of vaulting. They are easier to begin on, and many vaulters find that they are so used to the feel and rhythm of the vault using fiberglass poles that they are extremely reluctant to move to carbon poles. Vaulters such as Nick Hysong, 2000 Olympic champion, and Lawrence Johnson, silver medalist at the olympics, still use fiberglass vaulting poles. The critical difference in carbon poles that makes people love or hate them is this: they store considerably more energy than fiberglass poles, but they recoil so quickly that many find it hard to swing hard and fast enough to get on top of the bend in order to facilitate a good vault. Many find that by the time they have rocked all the way back, carbon poles have already unloaded and thus the vault is ruined. A great, fast swing is required in order to use carbon poles effectively. Many world class athletes have become disenfranchised because of this fact.

BOTTOM LINE: Stay with fiberglass poles, unless your name is Jeff Hartwig or you have a really great swing.

To me, i heard all this talk about carbon vs. glass, and i wonder, how many world records are set on carbon poles? Just my thoughts.....also, since i vault on glass, i look at it as, if it isn't broke, don't fix it.

Who is the author of this?????? They hit some good points but missed the mark on a couple. A pole cannot store more energy it can only return more of the energy that was originally put in. When you hit the plant "X" amount of energy is put into the pole. Where does the energy go........good question.......some goes into the pole, some is used to swing, some is lost into the ground but the reality is the amount that goes into the pole is the same no matter what the material. Every pole "stores" that energy the carbon poles just give more of that total back (they are more aggerssive). Carbon poles are most beneficial to the technically proficient vaulter BUT you dont have to be world class to jump carbon (If you dont get under the bend on any pole your not going to jump high). You just have to have good tech to get the benefits from them. If you are an intermidiate or beginner a carbon pole may respond too fast for you abilities and actually slow your progress. Thats why we start them at the longer lengths. Dont go carbon until you are ready technically for a faster pole.

Our you use a Carbon "MYSTIC" - MY not MS - for old slowing, beer lovers that want to try a Carbon (not as much carbon as FX) - less filling - wrong comercial - by the way have a 13'6" Pacer FX and Carbon MYSTIC - same flex - big noticably difference is carry wgt - but it could be I am getting weaker

Man I hope the "if it aint broke dont fix it" does not stand true. If it did we would all be arguing which BAMBOO pole is the best and what type of sawdust is the safest!!

BrandoAZ wrote:How long is your pole? If it isnt longer then 14' dont spend the extra cash. Its about carry weight and for something at or below 14' it doesnt make enough difference for the cash.

i don't intend to buy a carbon pole...i just want to know what the difference is...

PVJunkie wrote:Man I hope the "if it aint broke dont fix it" does not stand true. If it did we would all be arguing which BAMBOO pole is the best and what type of sawdust is the safest!!

lol...or even better...which WOOD pole is best!

Simple answer - carbon fibers are stonger (stiffer and handle more tension) than standard glass fibers - so if incorporated properly - you need less material to get the same physical properties (strength) - thus a lighter pole - since it is stiffer it wants to straighten, when bent, more aggressively - the trick is to make a light fast aggressive pole - but yet smooth enough in how it behaves so that most mere mortals can use them - (Bubka's use trees)