Essx vs Spirit

A forum to discuss everything to do with pole vaulting equipment: poles, pits, spikes, etc.

Moderator: Barto

pvph
PV Newbie
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2011 8:20 am
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie

Essx vs Spirit

Unread postby pvph » Wed Jul 25, 2012 7:51 am

Im thinking about trying some Essx poles..

How does a 16'5 spirit pole compare to a 16'5 essx carbon pole? Weight, hard/soft bend, speed of recoil.

fishman4god
PV Pro
Posts: 311
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 11:03 pm
Expertise: 4 Time all american 3 college 1 masters,Current high school pole vault coach,current masters vaulter
Lifetime Best: 4.81 m
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
Favorite Vaulter: Tim Mack

Re: Essx vs Spirit

Unread postby fishman4god » Wed Jul 25, 2012 8:59 am

pvph wrote:Im thinking about trying some Essx poles..

How does a 16'5 spirit pole compare to a 16'5 essx carbon pole? Weight, hard/soft bend, speed of recoil.


Well you are going to get alot of different answers with this one. Basically spirits bend more round and Essex poles tend to bend a little higher,The feeling is describes as being lifted off the ground. Weight ratings are similar with the two brands,...................but my best "guess" would be that the spirit will feel a little stiffer.

reggiepv
PV Wannabe
Posts: 34
Joined: Thu Jun 01, 2006 9:07 am
Expertise: Vaulted in MS,HS,College,Club,Masters, Coach, Parent
Lifetime Best: 15' (4.57)
Favorite Vaulter: Jenn Suhr
Location: Rochester, NY

Re: Essx vs Spirit

Unread postby reggiepv » Fri Sep 07, 2012 12:44 pm

Code: Select all

I don't know if this will help, but for a 14-55, a spirit feels nearly 10lbs stiffer than an essx (non-carbon)

User avatar
kcvault
PV Pro
Posts: 333
Joined: Tue Sep 08, 2009 11:41 pm
Expertise: College vaulter, post collegiate vaulter, BA kinesiology,
Lifetime Best: 5.40m
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
Favorite Vaulter: Annie Burlingham
Location: Turlock Ca

Re: Essx vs Spirit

Unread postby kcvault » Fri Sep 07, 2012 1:29 pm

I have some 4.90 and 5m ESSX poles if the flex is the same you well jump the exact same height with either pole. The ESSX pole have a very smooth bend and recoil because of the low sail piece, but the low sail piece makes them extremely heavy (except for the red ones.) Personally If you don't sink into your takeoff I think you get the most out of the Carbon fx poles.
--Kasey

fishman4god
PV Pro
Posts: 311
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 11:03 pm
Expertise: 4 Time all american 3 college 1 masters,Current high school pole vault coach,current masters vaulter
Lifetime Best: 4.81 m
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
Favorite Vaulter: Tim Mack

Re: Essx vs Spirit

Unread postby fishman4god » Tue Sep 11, 2012 9:19 am

So in your opinion what pole would be best if you do tend to sink at takeoff ?

User avatar
kcvault
PV Pro
Posts: 333
Joined: Tue Sep 08, 2009 11:41 pm
Expertise: College vaulter, post collegiate vaulter, BA kinesiology,
Lifetime Best: 5.40m
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
Favorite Vaulter: Annie Burlingham
Location: Turlock Ca

Re: Essx vs Spirit

Unread postby kcvault » Tue Sep 11, 2012 6:31 pm

If you sink at takeoff the best poles are spirit because they will bend further then almost any other pole without breaking, allowing you to get away with things you would not get away with on other poles. However it would be better to learn how to jump up at take off.
--Kasey

User avatar
rainbowgirl28
I'm in Charge
Posts: 30435
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2002 1:59 pm
Expertise: Former College Vaulter, I coach and officiate as life allows
Lifetime Best: 11'6"
Gender: Female
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
Favorite Vaulter: Casey Carrigan
Location: A Temperate Island
Contact:

Re: Essx vs Spirit

Unread postby rainbowgirl28 » Tue Sep 11, 2012 9:57 pm

I think if you tend to have a flat takeoff, gripping nearer the top of a shorter pole tends to work better than gripping down on a longer pole... at least that has been my experience both using and watching teammates (girls) use 12'6 vs 13' poles.

fishman4god
PV Pro
Posts: 311
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 11:03 pm
Expertise: 4 Time all american 3 college 1 masters,Current high school pole vault coach,current masters vaulter
Lifetime Best: 4.81 m
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
Favorite Vaulter: Tim Mack

Re: Essx vs Spirit

Unread postby fishman4god » Wed Sep 12, 2012 8:04 am

Well KC I agree but at 54 there is only so much UP at takeoff LOL! Trying different poles to find what works best for me at my age. currently jumping on Altius and Gill products. Might try an ESSEX if I can rent it first. thanks Becca and KC for the input. any additional info or insight would be gladly accepted.

User avatar
rainbowgirl28
I'm in Charge
Posts: 30435
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2002 1:59 pm
Expertise: Former College Vaulter, I coach and officiate as life allows
Lifetime Best: 11'6"
Gender: Female
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
Favorite Vaulter: Casey Carrigan
Location: A Temperate Island
Contact:

Re: Essx vs Spirit

Unread postby rainbowgirl28 » Wed Sep 12, 2012 11:27 am

I think having a series of the right size poles is far more important than the brand. All of the poles being made today are good.

fishman4god
PV Pro
Posts: 311
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 11:03 pm
Expertise: 4 Time all american 3 college 1 masters,Current high school pole vault coach,current masters vaulter
Lifetime Best: 4.81 m
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
Favorite Vaulter: Tim Mack

Re: Essx vs Spirit

Unread postby fishman4god » Wed Sep 12, 2012 2:48 pm

Well I agree, just thought there might be a brand that might help more(age wise) than another brand. Have never jumped on spirits or Essex but have/ do jump on all others. Thanks


Return to “Pole Vault - Equipment”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 22 guests