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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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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