What Are Pole Vault Poles Made Of? (And How Do They Work?)
Summary
The pole vault is one of track & field’s most technical events — perhaps THE most technical event — and the pole itself is the star of the show. Modern poles are made of fiberglass and carbon fiber composites, engineered to bend, store energy, and propel athletes skyward. The science behind them is a blend of material strength, flexibility, and biomechanics.
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The Evolution of Pole Vault Poles
Ancient times: Poles of wood (ash, hickory) used mainly for crossing ditches.
Early 1900s: Solid bamboo poles — lightweight, springy but brittle.
1950s: Fiberglass revolutionized the event, allowing much greater heights.
Today: Composite poles of fiberglass + carbon fiber layers dominate elite competition.
Materials Used in Modern Poles
Fiberglass: Provides flexibility and resilience; layers of glass fibers in resin.
Carbon fiber: Used in premium poles; lighter, stiffer, and more responsive than pure fiberglass.
Resin matrix: Binds fibers together, controlling flex and durability.
Grip surface: Usually wrapped in tape for hand placement and friction so athletes can hold on reliably.
👉 Result: Poles are strong, flexible, and lightweight — typically weighing under 5 lbs.
How Do Poles Work? (The Physics)
Approach Run: Athlete builds maximum horizontal speed.
Plant & Takeoff: Pole tip goes into the plant box; athlete jumps and drives the pole forward.
Bend Phase: Pole bends under load, storing kinetic energy from the run.
Energy Return: The pole straightens, releasing stored energy to launch the vaulter upward.
Clearance: Athlete rotates, extends, and pushes off pole to clear the bar.
| Era | Pole Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1900s | Wood (ash, hickory) | Strong, widely available | Heavy, limited bend |
| Early 1900s | Bamboo | Lightweight, flexible | Brittle, snapped easily |
| 1950s–1970s | Fiberglass | Huge bend, high performance | Heavier than carbon options |
| 1980s–Present | Fiberglass + Carbon Fiber | Lighter, stiffer, elite-level energy return | Expensive, can feel “too stiff” for beginners |
Why Poles Come in Different Flex Ratings
Flex rating = stiffness number. Lower number = stiffer pole.
Athletes choose based on:
Weight rating (must match or exceed athlete’s body weight).
Speed & technique (faster vaulters use stiffer poles).
Manufacturers test by suspending poles and measuring deflection under weight.
FAQs
Q1: How long are pole vault poles?
Commonly 14–17 feet (4.2–5.2 m) for elite athletes. Youth/junior poles are shorter.
Q2: Can a pole snap?
Rare, but yes — usually from overuse, cracks, or exceeding weight rating. Modern composites are very durable.
Q3: Why do poles bend so much?
The bend stores energy like a spring. Without bend, vaulters couldn’t convert horizontal speed into vertical lift.
Q4: Are carbon poles always better?
Not always. They’re lighter and stiffer, but some athletes prefer the feel of pure fiberglass for control.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
Modern poles are made of fiberglass and carbon fiber composites.
They bend to store and release energy, launching athletes upward.
Different flex ratings match athlete speed, weight, and technique.
Pole design has evolved from wood → bamboo → fiberglass → composites.
👉 Related: Learn Why Do High Jumpers Go Over the Bar Backward? or explore our Event Training Guides for technical breakdowns.\
