
Pole vaulting poles are hollow thin wall tubes of fiberglass and will break if damaged. Make sure someone catches your pole after every vault. Additionally, padding the standards will help prevent damage to the pole. Once a pole receives a disruption to the fiberglass matrix, it's only a matter of time before it breaks.
Why 20 # and 10 # increments in shorter length poles? Stiffness in a pole is a cubic function therefore a small change in grip has a larger effect on the stiffness of a shorter pole.
How to pick the right replacement tip.
INSPECT YOUR SHIPMENT FOR VISIBLE AND CONCEALED DAMAGE BEFORE ACCEPTING DELIVERY. ONCE YOU SIGN FOR IT, YOU OWN IT!
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JEFF HARTWIG CLEARING AN AMERICAN RECORD, AT THAT TIME, OF 19' 9" ON A PACER CARBON 10.8 FLEX POLE. THAT'S A LOT OF GLASS AND IT'S THE BEST PICTURE I'VE EVER TAKEN!

Rodiun Gatullin Second Vaulter to clear 6 meters (19' 8 1/4")
Can this guy plant a pole or what?