LHSpolevault wrote:Just out of curiosity... the 13'6" 140 is a UCS, meaning that the max handhold would be about 4-5 inches from the top... thus making it almost like the other 13'3 poles or so correct? and wouldn't that lower grip on the UCS make it stiffer too?
Regardless of where the manufacturer places the top handhold band, each different length pole is flex tested and weighted for that particular length. A 13'6 140 is measured on the flex spans for 13'6 poles. 13'3 Altius poles, however, are measured on 13'0 spans, so consider a 13'3 Altius just any 13'0 pole with 3 extra inches on the top. The way the conversion works, is that a 13'6 140 will feel and react RELATIVELY the same as a 13' 150 with the same handgrip. Yes, lowering the handgrip will make the pole feel stiffer, but it will also increase pole speed and penetration. Raising the grip will make the pole feel softer but will decrease pole speed and penetration.