To choose a pole vault pole, match two numbers to the vaulter: the pole’s length and its weight rating. The weight rating is the maximum body weight the pole is designed for, and a vaulter should never use a pole rated below their body weight. Length depends on the vaulter’s grip height, speed and experience. Beginners usually start on a shorter pole rated at or slightly above their weight, and move to longer, stiffer poles as their speed, grip and technique improve. The choice should always be made with a qualified coach, because the wrong pole is one of the biggest safety risks in the event.
This guide explains how pole ratings work, how to read the markings, how grip height, speed and stiffness fit together, when to move up, safety rules and common mistakes.
Understanding the numbers
Every pole is labelled with a length, usually in feet and inches or metres, and a weight rating, usually in pounds or kilograms. For example, a pole marked 13 feet, 140 pounds is 13 feet long and designed for vaulters weighing up to 140 pounds. Manufacturers also mark a flex number, which measures how much the pole bends under a standard load. A lower flex number means a stiffer pole. Flex numbers help coaches compare poles, but they are not consistent across brands, so they should be used within a brand’s range rather than between brands.
| Marking | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Total length of the pole | Longer poles allow higher grips and higher potential bars, but need more speed |
| Weight rating | Maximum body weight the pole is designed to carry | Using a pole rated below your weight increases the risk of breakage and injury |
| Flex number | How much the pole bends under a standard test | Helps compare stiffness within a brand |
| Grip band or marking | Upper limit of where you may grip on some poles | Gripping above it may exceed the pole’s safe design |
How to choose the right length
Length is based on how high the vaulter can safely grip. A beginner who can only carry and plant a pole with a low grip does not need a long pole. As speed and technique improve, the vaulter can grip higher, and a longer pole allows that. Coaches usually suggest the vaulter’s top hand should be some distance below the top of the pole, rather than gripping right at the end. A pole that is too long for the vaulter’s speed will be hard to get to vertical and can lead to stalling out or landing short of the pit.
How to choose the right weight rating
The basic rule is that the pole’s weight rating should be at or above the vaulter’s body weight. Many coaches start beginners on a pole rated slightly above their weight for extra safety and stiffness. More experienced vaulters often move to stiffer poles, rated well above their body weight, because their speed and take-off put more force into the pole. The right stiffness is the one the vaulter can bend and ride smoothly without the pole either collapsing too much or refusing to bend.
Signs you need a different pole
| Sign | Possible meaning |
|---|---|
| Pole bends a lot and drives you into the bar or box | Pole is too soft for your speed and take-off |
| Pole does not bend and you cannot get to vertical | Pole is too stiff or too long for your speed |
| You are blowing through the pole consistently | Time to move up in stiffness |
| You have gained body weight | Check the rating still matches your weight |
| You are gripping close to the top | Time to move up in length |
A typical progression
- Start with short run-ups and a short pole rated at or above your body weight.
- Learn the carry, plant and take-off with a straight or slightly bending pole.
- Lengthen the run-up as technique improves.
- Move up in stiffness when you consistently blow through the pole.
- Move up in length when your grip reaches near the top of the pole and your speed supports it.
Many clubs and schools keep a range of poles so vaulters can progress safely. Moving up one step at a time, with a coach watching, is much safer than jumping to a much longer or stiffer pole.
Safety rules
In many competitions, especially high school competition in the United States, rules require that a vaulter’s weight must not exceed the pole’s weight rating and that poles be clearly marked. Officials may check poles and body weight before competition. Poles should be inspected for cracks, chips and damage, and damaged poles should be retired immediately. Poles should be stored properly and never left in the sun or thrown on hard surfaces.
Check the current NFHS, NCAA, World Athletics or national federation rules for pole vault equipment and safety requirements. Pole vaulting carries serious injury risk, so it should only be practised under a qualified coach with proper landing pits and box collars.
Common mistakes
- Using a pole rated below your weight: increases the risk of pole breakage and injury.
- Moving up too fast: longer or stiffer poles before your speed and technique are ready.
- Gripping too high: above the manufacturer’s grip limit or the pole’s safe range.
- Ignoring damage: small chips or cracks can lead to failure.
- Choosing without a coach: pole selection should always be supervised.
Pole markings and what they tell you
Most poles carry a sticker or printed label near the top with the length, weight rating and often a flex number. Some also have a grip band or line showing the highest safe grip. Coaches record each pole’s details in a simple inventory so vaulters can move up in a planned way. Before every practice and meet, check that the markings are still readable, since many competitions require clearly marked poles and officials may inspect them. If a label is missing or damaged, ask the manufacturer or your coach to confirm the rating before using the pole.
Buying a pole: new vs used
New poles come with a known history and manufacturer guidance, but they are expensive. Used poles can save money, but you must inspect them carefully for chips, cracks, deep scratches and delamination, and confirm the markings. Many programmes share a pole bank so vaulters can try different lengths and ratings before buying their own.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a pole rated above my weight?
Yes. It will feel stiffer. Using a pole rated below your weight is the dangerous choice.
What length pole should a beginner use?
Usually a shorter pole that suits a low grip and short run-up. A coach will match it to your height, speed and ability.
How do I know when to move to a stiffer pole?
When you consistently blow through your current pole, bend it too much, or your speed and take-off improve.
