I not a new vaulter ive been vaulting for three years now and am not scared of going 10 pounds up a pole. And Im not the only one who heard it stretch out.
We didn't say you were scared to go up to the heavier pole, we said that it was your confidence that wasn't completely there yet. Going to a heavier pole will mean that your mechanics will need to be better. It usually takes a few jumps for a vaulter to adjust their mechanics and timing to get on the bigger pole.
The stretching you heard was more then likely the sound of the tip of the pole rubbing on the box as the pole penetrated the pit.
We're not trying to knock you down here. We're speaking from eons more experience then you. 3yrs in the sport is still inexperienced in my opinion. I've been jumping 10years and coaching for 5years and I still have a lot to learn.
If you want to continue to be successful, you'll need to keep your mind open and listen to those on this board who know what they're talking about. The vaulting community is a very strong community. There are a lot of people who are more then willing to lend a hand or advice, but you'll need to be willing to accept it.