Flex number question

[amandajane]

I have a 130, 10 ft with a flex of 14.7 and a 130, 12'6 with a flex of 25.3. I am ordering a 11'6, 130 but what flex should I get? I know that I can end up with pretty much the same pole as the ones I already have- any help? Thanks!

[KJax2010]

Call Gill Athlectics and talk to them. They will help you figure out what size pole you need.

[rainbowgirl28]

I have a 130, 10 ft with a flex of 14.7 and a 130, 12'6 with a flex of 25.3. I am ordering a 11'6, 130 but what flex should I get? I know that I can end up with pretty much the same pole as the ones I already have- any help? Thanks!

You can't compare flex numbers between different lengths of poles. I can guarantee that any 11'6 130 you get will be bigger than a 10'130 and smaller than a 12'6 130.

Flex numbers really only matter when measuring small differences between poles (like from a 12'6 130 to a 12'6 135). Check out this chart: http://www.skyjumpers.com/articles/pvpr ... table.html You are dealing with big differences.

[amandajane]

Okay-well we just got back from a meet with our 12'6, 130 and we didn't do very well. My guy is sooo built to be a vaulter and I ordered him a new pole today! It's an 11,6, 130 and there was only one flex- I have figured that as long as its the same weight, he is basically okay on buying new poles. Right now, he is using the 12'6 at about a 148-150 handhold. Tonight was depressing because he saw all those guys bending their poles and he wanted to do the same but I kept trying to tell him it wasn't going to work! He made the mistake of trying to pull the pole to him so he could bend it (which I told him wasn't going to work). He has cleared 8'0 and he has really only been vaulting 2 weeks. Any suggestions as far as drills? This is my first year coaching pole vault and I'm doing the best I can! He needs confidence more than anything!

[rainbowgirl28]

He needs to work on his technique until his grip is high enough to bend the 12'6 pole as a result of doing things right. Tell him not to worry about what the other vaulters are doing and just focus on his own technique first. All of the best vaulters start out on straight poles.

The 11'6 130 will be a great pole for your girls. I don't recommend letting a boy use it, unless he is really small, because he'll be able to bend it too easily with too many bad habits.