Physical weight: 2-5 lb
An 11 ft beginner pole weighs about 2 lb. A 17 ft elite pole weighs about 4.5-5 lb. The weight is intentionally low so vaulters can carry the pole at sprint speed through the approach.
A pole vault pole physically weighs 2-5 lb (0.9-2.3 kg) depending on length and stiffness. The pole's "weight rating" is different: it is the maximum vaulter body weight the pole is designed to support, typically marked on the pole at the top handhold. NFHS Rule 7-5 requires the rating to be at or above the vaulter's body weight in competition uniform and spikes.
An 11 ft beginner pole weighs about 2 lb. A 17 ft elite pole weighs about 4.5-5 lb. The weight is intentionally low so vaulters can carry the pole at sprint speed through the approach.
The rating is the manufacturer's specification of vaulter body weight (including uniform and spikes) that the pole is designed to support. Ratings are stamped at the top of the grip range in contrasting color, at least 3/4 inch tall per NFHS rules.
Vaulting on a pole rated below your body weight is illegal and unsafe; the pole over-bends and can break catastrophically. Vaulting on a heavier rating is safe but harder to bend, requiring more approach speed.
Use the pole vault pole weight calculator to find the legal floor (NFHS Rule 7-5) plus the recommended rating range for your skill level. Most developing HS vaulters use poles 5-15 lb above body weight.
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