Weight rating: 10-20 lbs over your body weight
Standard rule: pole rating should be 10-20 pounds heavier than your body weight. Lighter, the pole bends too much. Heavier, you can't bend it.
Picking a pole vault pole is the most-asked question in the event. Length, weight rating, flex number, all matter. Here's the framework: pick a pole rated 10-20 pounds heavier than your body weight, length matched to your grip, flex appropriate for your speed.
Standard rule: pole rating should be 10-20 pounds heavier than your body weight. Lighter, the pole bends too much. Heavier, you can't bend it.
Pole length should be tall enough that your top hand grips at the proper height with the pole tip in the box. Most HS jumpers use 12-14 foot poles; college, 14-16.
Each pole has a flex number; lower flex = stiffer. As you progress, you'll move toward stiffer flex within your weight range. Most vaulters work with their coach on flex selection.
AI doesn't pick poles, but it tells you whether the pole is bending the way it should. Under-bending = pole too stiff. Over-bending = pole too soft. The video makes the diagnosis obvious.
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Common questions athletes and coaches ask about this topic.
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