New pole for an old guy

[Mcleodjw]

Yes, I'm looking to buy my first pole. The problem is this. I'm 49, 190 lbs. and I'm pretty much starting over again.
One thing I see is there's not a lot of 13'6" pole with a 190 weight rating.
Any thoughts on this?

John

[rainbowgirl28]

I would try to find a club to train with and borrow their poles at first. You probably won't be bending the pole right away, and it doesn't matter what pole you use until you start bending.

[Mcleodjw]

Good idea if there was a club within 100 miles from where I live (Saginaw/Bay area of Michigan)

John

[rainbowgirl28]

If you call a pole company and order a pole, they'll make you just about any size. You should be able to get a 13'190 from anyone, you'll just pay full price and possibly wait a bit. It's just not a pole they usually stock, but they exist, I borrowed one for one of my kids this season.

But you don't _have_ to follow the weight rating rule since you're not in HS. Unless you know you're pretty fast and good at jumping, a 13'170 would probably be very safe, I don't think you would bend it for awhile (if ever). When you hold lower on a pole it is stiffer.

[Mcleodjw]

Thanks for the advice. I'm looking forward to jumping again.
I jumped a couple times this spring for my kids. I'm just nervous using a school's pole.
John