USING XLOGIC
This is the ESSX concept for ordering and upgrading your vaulter from one size pole to another. And may be used on other brand poles by converting Metric to their Imperial number. Always round up when using our method to use on other brand poles.

This new method complies with National Federation High School rules and works best when the vaulter selects a pole that is rated over their weight. Another requirement is that the vaulter must be holding in the grip area, no higher than 6" from the top of any pole or no lower than 18" from the top of the pole. This is very important for developing proper technique and efficient timing on the pole. Keeping the hand grip closer to the height that the vaulter jumps is important in the development stages for good technique. Most pole manufacturers are producing their poles with 5 lb. increments (light to heavy models with varying flex numbers). You, as the athlete or coach probably do not know what those numbers mean or where they fall in the light, medium, or heavy ranges of the 5 lbs. increment.

SOLUTION XLOGIC: Our proprietary method uses the standard metric measurement of 1-2 kilograms or 2.2 - 4.4 lbs. increments between poles to assure exact measurement and labeling. (No overlapping of crucial stiffness ratios, no rounding up or down. (Example: a 54 kilo pole is not 120 but actually 118.8 lbs.). Use the Kilo number as a POWER number to move from one size to another. This system will eliminate the complication of actual pole size to allow the coach and vaulter to work on the important aspects of the vault - TECHNIQUE!

Click Here to go directly to the XLogic Pole Calculator

HOW TO SELECT A POLE
Here is how to use this pole calculator:

1. Find your handgrip in inches. (Measure from the bottom of the pole to the top of your handgrip). For best results, never select a pole length more than a foot over the height you are vaulting.
2. Enter your best jump (PR) in inches.
3. Find your exact weight in US lbs.
4. Select your jumping style (power or swing)
5. Submit
6. View the results.

(IMPORTANT TIP: If your handgrip is more than a foot and half over the height you are vaulting, the pole will feel stiffer at that low handgrip and the pole may be too long. It may be difficult to get your feet above your head or even make it into the landing pit.)

UPGRADING A POLE
Using the Xlogic Conversion POWER number provides a consistent variable from length to length. (Use this to find the next length of pole in your series).

1. Enter your current pole length in metric.
2. View result - this is the next length pole to go to that is equal with the same grip plus one fist (4 inches).

UPGRADING TO A STIFFER POLE
Depending on how much stiffness you are needing to increase, we recommend you select in units of 1 to 2 POWER numbers, thus giving you approximately 2.2 lbs or 1 kilograms per code number. (see chart)
As a rule of thumb only! You can use a one-fist increase or decrease on your pole as an equal to one Xlogic power number. (2.2lbs. or 1 kilogram rating)

UPGRADING TO A LONGER POLE
(GO TO A STIFFER POLE - BEFORE GOING TO A LONGER POLE results, a more efficient push-off.) Mistakes are magnified as you move to stiffer or longer poles, so make sure you have solid basic mechanics before rushing to the next length pole size. When moving to a longer pole use the POWER number for the pole you are on minus 1. This will give you the next progressive pole in the next length, allowing the athlete a smooth upgrade without losing the timing of the double pendulum. You may move up 1-4 inches or one fist on this pole and still be on a slightly stiffer pole. For optimum performance the vaulter must always use a pole rated at or above the athletes' weight and maintain the handgrip in the grip area.

The biggest mistake in ordering poles is to raise the handgrip more than 1-4 inches or one fist at a time. Moving to a longer pole and moving the handgrip up more than a fist can alter the timing of the vault thus the vaulter must adjust the vault to get the timing down again.

Disclaimer:
Use this program as a guide only. A coach must be present at all times when vaulting or training.
You must follow the rules and use a pole rated at your weight or above your weight (important to proper vaulting).
Never use a pole that has been nicked, spiked or damaged. Do not flex that pole in the box.
Always vault on landing areas bigger than the rules require.
We recommend a landing area two feet longer than the length of pole you use.
Always use standard base protection pads on standards.
Do not use a take-off point more than 6 inches under the top hand at the point of take-off.
Do not bend the pole more than 90 degrees.
Always check to make sure the pole tip will protect the end of the pole.
Never jump on a cut off pole.
Vault Safe / Have Fun!

(This program is the sole property of Bruce Caldwell)

Throughout high school, college, and my professional career, pole vaulting has played an important role in my life. As a competitor, coach, author of articles and books, and technique consultant to world-class athletes, I have devoted my time and developed important relationships that I value highly. Because of these associations in the sport, I share this program free as my GIFT to the vaulting community.

Click Here to go directly to the XLogic Pole Calculator

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