Find the right pole for your vault by entering your body weight, grip height, and vaulting experience level. The Pole Vault Pole Selection Calculator recommends the ideal pole stiffness rating, pole length, and maximum pole weight rating so you vault safely and efficiently.
Recommended Pole Stiffness Rating
--
Recommended Pole Length
--
Maximum Pole Weight Rating
--
Minimum Pole Weight Rating
--
Your Grip Height
--
Safety Check
--
Pole stiffness (or flex rating) is a number measured in pounds that indicates how much force is needed to bend the pole a standardized amount. The rating should generally match or slightly exceed your body weight. Using a pole rated well below your weight is dangerous, while a pole rated far above your weight may be too stiff to bend properly.
Using a pole with a weight rating lower than your body weight is unsafe and against most competition rules. The pole can break or snap under the stress, causing serious injury. Always ensure the pole's maximum weight rating is at or above your body weight.
Stand next to the pole with your bottom hand at your side. Raise your top hand as high as you comfortably can while keeping good posture. Measure from the ground to your top hand — that is your grip height. Coaches often assist with this measurement to ensure accuracy.
Beginners generally benefit from a slightly softer, longer pole that bends more easily, making it forgiving while learning proper technique. As your speed, strength, and technique improve, you can transition to stiffer poles that store and release energy more effectively.
The recommended pole length is typically about 1 to 2 feet longer than your grip height. This ensures you have enough pole below your grip for safe planting and bend. A pole that is too short relative to your grip height reduces control and increases injury risk.
Yes, many vaulters use the same poles for both. However, training poles experience more wear, so inspect them regularly for cracks, delamination, or unusual flex. Replace any pole showing signs of damage immediately regardless of whether it's used in training or competition.
Fiberglass poles are the most common, offering a good balance of flex, durability, and cost — ideal for beginners through advanced vaulters. Carbon fiber poles are stiffer and lighter, typically used by elite vaulters seeking maximum energy return. Beginners should start with fiberglass.
Move to a stiffer pole when you consistently plant the pole straight, run fast enough to fully bend your current pole, and your coach confirms your technique is solid. Rushing to a stiffer pole before your speed and technique are ready will result in poor bends and inefficient vaults.