Deciding which pole to buy...

[patybobady]

I have a sophomore who is jumping on a 14' 150, and holds down 1'4" and weighs maybe 153-155. Problem is, today he did great at our meet, but it reaffirmed my notion that he is ready for the next pole as he is getting somewhat deep (22 inches only but is getting good bend - of course needs take off work). And not enough pop and launch/spring from the pole.

Do I get a 14' 155, the next pole, or get a 13'6" 160, the same pole? Especially with conference and sectionals coming up where they weigh them in, do I buy a bigger pole (14' 155 or maybe even a 13'6" 165 for the future) and have him adjust quickly or get the 13'6" 160 which is the same pole essentially so it will feel the same.

I'd hate to buy a pole that as a junior next year he may be a little more than weight wise. But with 3 weeks left want it to end as best as possible.

Any input would be great.

[rainbowgirl28]

I would get a 14'155, but I wouldn't move him up to it until he was vaulting with the standards at 30"+

[patybobady]

Yea, ESSX recomended a 13'7" 162...This would be in between the 14' 150 and the 14' 155...more importantly it would eliminate any weighing in problem and could even be used next year for awhile. Thanks. Over the summer I do have to build up the arsenal and get possibly a 13'7" 167 then a 14' 160 (or a 13'7" 172) and so on...

[rainbowgirl28]

How far are you from Champaign? ESSX poles are great poles, but if you drive out to Gill Athletics and pick up a pole yourself, you can save $65+ in shipping costs.

Of course if you are far away, you might spend that much in gas $$ anyway.

[patybobady]

I'm in Chicago, well I can see the skyline from my house...Yea that might be an option...My coach said 'whatever is needed', so if the bill is his or whatever, ship it and save the time I say. Once I unload those 16'1 180 and 185 Pacer Carbons sitting in our closet I can buy a few more, hopefully over the summer.

Good thinking, I am in talks now getting it set.

[patybobady]

Ha, got the pole Monday, he is doing well on it but its a tad too soft I feel, he can't fight the 'lean' and standards are at 20ish...He is not as tall at takeoff so he is (hips and all) being pulled under and forward right away and thus getting just past 45 degrees is tough. Just really trying to get him to be tall and keep that chest up/out at takeoff to keep him from over loading the pole which prevents him from not getting the pop up he needs...14' 160 soon...geez.

[rainbowgirl28]

If the pole is bending a lot, but he's only jumping with the standards at 20", try lowering his grip a fist and see what happens.

[patybobady]

Yea...grip is at 12'6"ish on 13'7" 162 (14' 156). I am doing that. Not a huge unsafe bend when he holds higher, just cant travel in...trying to get him to do mroe at 12'3" on the grip.