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Ok Ive always used Carbon Mystics where there really isnt a max hand grip, (like an inch from the top). Now in college we use UCS Spirit and the max hand grip is about 6in from the top.

1) What is the relative conversion? Say im holding 12'11 on a 13' 155lb Carbon. Would that be the same as holding 13'1 on a 13'7 155lb Spirit (well about, atleast stifness, i know there is a 2in difrrence)? Both of them have a max hand hold of about 13', and a weight rating of 155.

2)I guess what im getting at is, is the spirits weight rating of 155 from the max hand hold, or the top of the pole?

3)And in the case that the 155 is from the max hand hold. Why dont they just cut off that 6in of extra pole at the top and call it a 12'7 155, cuz that is all it is really good for!

1) The flex number is the key, the 13' 155 could be anywhere from a 13' 152 to a 13' 158 depending on flex

2) Companies flex their poles differently, so comparing poles from different manufacturers based on flex is difficult

3) I think the grip on the carbon mistic is more like 3 or4" from top.

Also, you know you can hold as high as you want on the spirit right?

I would imagine that the 13'6 155 spirit is softer than a 13'6 carbon equivalent if held at the same place, but stiffer than the 13' 155 carbon, it would probably be a decent pole to move to after the 13' 155 carbon. No promises though . Hope this helps.

-Nick

ah the mystery of flexing poles............. a question i first asked.... I have a 50 lb weight, place the pole on tall saw horses , measure 6 inches from the bottom and 1 foot from the top, place the weight in the middle and come up with a close variable of what the mfg flex is....

most poles made by different companies flex different.... I think Essx is putting all the different flexings of diferent mfg's on his poles now...