Pole Step Up

[bonnefm]

I've been vaulting for 1-1/2 years and our school has a minimal selection of poles. I currently weigh 160 pounds but have been jumping on a 14' 6" 140 pole, holding at 13'. I'm mushing right through it. We have three other 14' 6" poles, 150 lbs, 155 lbs and 170 lbs. We have no other poles shorter than 14' 6" anywhere near my weight. I've moved up to the 150 pole and kept the same grip but I'm just about through this one as well. I'll be starting with the 155 soon. Here's my problem: some of our meets weigh us and won't let us jump on lower rated poles. I'm going to struggle with the 170.

I'm looking at buying a pole. What size should I target? Should I go with a shorter pole since I'm gripping 18" off the top of these? If I grip any higher with these I really over bend them.

I'm getting over 11' 6" and I'm really close at 12' but can't get over that hurdle.

[lonestar]

14' 165

[PCHSpolevaulter16]

weigh the same thing and usually jump on a 13'6" 160 or a 14' 160, and i sometimes use a 14' 165 when i am feeling good lol...... just try to find something near your weight prob bout 14'