Higher grip = higher push
Bar clearance = grip height + push height. A vaulter who can grip 4.50 m and push 80 cm clears 5.30 m. Moving to a longer pole (allowing 4.70 m grip) with the same push gets them to 5.50 m.
Pole vaulters use longer poles as they grip higher on the pole. Each pole has a 12-inch grip range; outgrowing one length means moving to the next. A higher grip means the vaulter can push above a higher point at the top of the vault, which directly increases bar clearance height. Sprint speed and technique gains drive grip height progression.
Bar clearance = grip height + push height. A vaulter who can grip 4.50 m and push 80 cm clears 5.30 m. Moving to a longer pole (allowing 4.70 m grip) with the same push gets them to 5.50 m.
Higher grip requires more approach speed to bend the pole. Bubka and Duplantis both gripped above 5.10 m, requiring 9.9 m/s approach speed. Beginners with 7 m/s approach speed cannot bend a long pole at high grip.
Poles are manufactured in 6-inch increments (11', 11'6", 12', ...). Each pole's grip range (12 inches) overlaps the next, allowing smooth progression as a vaulter grips up.
Most vaulters move up 1-2 pole lengths per season as approach speed and technique develop. Use the pole vault grip height calculator to estimate when you should consider the next length up.
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