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Picking the right vaulting pole is like choosing the right pair of shoes for a marathon — it directly affects performance, comfort, and safety. A pole that matches your weight, speed, and technique lets you convert run-up energy into upward momentum efficiently. Get the wrong pole and you’ll feel sluggish, under-rotated, or worse, unsafe. Whether you’re stepping up from a light fiberglass trainer to a high-tech carbon pole or you’re outfitting a team, understanding the basics makes buying easier and less stressful.
There are solid places to buy poles across the United States, ranging from big online marketplaces to specialty track-and-field suppliers. The right store for you depends on whether you want custom specs, a wide selection, or quick shipping. Below I highlight reputable retailers that commonly stock vaulting poles and offer the mix of inventory, info, and service most vaulters look for.
Amazon is a go-to for many athletes because of broad selection and near-instant access to user reviews. You can find beginner fiberglass poles, mid-level options, and some branded carbon poles listed by third-party sellers. The advantage is easy price comparison and lots of feedback from other buyers; the downside is that sizing guidance can be limited and shop expertise varies by seller.
Dick’s tends to carry entry- and mid-level vaulting poles and some team-oriented options through its Team Sports HQ division. If you want to try equipment at a local store or prefer ordering from a big-chain retailer, Dick’s offers the convenience of familiar checkout and return processes, plus occasional sales that bring higher-end poles into a sensible price range.
Eastbay longtime reputation in school and club athletics makes it a reliable place to find vaulting poles and complementary gear like grips and bags. If you’re ordering for a school team, coaches will often find Eastbay competitive in product range and team-order options. Eastbay listings commonly include manufacturer specs to help you pick the right flex and length.
AAI is a specialist in track and field gear and often supplies meet organizers, schools, and serious athletes. Their poles and accessories are aimed at performance use and tend to come from established manufacturers. If you want staff expertise and access to higher-end competition poles, specialist shops like AAI are worth checking out.
Champion Sports focuses on budget-friendly gear for clubs and schools, so you’ll often find decent starter poles and training options. This is a good place to look if you’re outfitting a youth program or buying a backup pole for practice sessions. Performance-minded athletes may find the higher-end offerings limited, but for fundamentals and durability, Champion is sensible.
Many athletes prefer buying directly from or through authorized dealers of brands like UCS Spirit and Gill Athletics. These manufacturers build a wide range of poles and often publish detailed flex charts and length recommendations. Buying brand-direct or via an authorized dealer can mean better access to technical advice and custom specifications.
Brands differ in materials, manufacturing techniques, and the range of flex patterns they provide. Understanding brand strengths helps you narrow down choices when retailers list dozens of models. Below are the names you’ll see most often and what they generally mean to a vaulter.
UCS Spirit poles are widely used in high school and college competition. They are known for a consistent flex profile and a range of models geared to different skill levels. If you value predictability and lots of sizing options, UCS is a brand to take seriously. Many coaches reference UCS specs when advising athletes on pole selection.
Gill tends to emphasize durability and reliability. Their poles often suit team environments where equipment gets regular use. Gill offers a range of fiberglass and carbon-fiber hybrid poles, so you can scale up as an athlete's technique and strength improve.
There are boutique manufacturers and regional makers that produce high-performance carbon poles and custom options. These can be more expensive but worth exploring for elite vaulters chasing the absolute edge. Brand reputation and return access should guide decisions here, because service and sizing support matter a lot if you’re spending big.
Vaulting poles mainly come in fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a hybrid blend. Think of materials like the difference between a flexible bamboo fishing pole and a stiff graphite racing bike frame — each stores and returns energy differently. Fiberglass is generally more forgiving and less expensive, great for beginners and training. Carbon fiber offers a snappier feel, lighter weight, and higher performance, but it’s pricier and can be less forgiving if technique is inconsistent.
If you’re new to pole vaulting or you’re coaching youth athletes, fiberglass poles are a smart first choice. They’re robust, easier to control at lower approach speeds, and often less costly. You’ll find fiberglass poles in shorter lengths and lower flex ratings that help beginners focus on form without overwhelming spring.
As you gain speed and technique, carbon fiber poles can translate more of your energy into height. They’re lighter, so you can swing faster and get a higher clearance, but they demand precise timing and a good plant. Carbon poles often suit advanced high school, collegiate, and elite vaulters who are ready to upgrade equipment to match their performance goals.
Flex and length are the twin levers of pole selection. Flex describes how much the pole bends under load — a “stiffer” pole bends less and requires more force to bend, while a “softer” pole bends more easily. Length affects how much bend you can achieve and how much energy the pole can store. Work with both, not just one.
Think of flex like a mattress firmness scale — too soft and you’ll bottom out; too firm and you’ll bounce off. Manufacturers typically provide flex charts that pair vaulter weight and ability with suggested flexes. In practice, stronger, faster vaulters use stiffer poles, while lighter, slower vaulters prefer softer poles to get reliable bend and recoil.
Pole length decisions come down to approach speed, plant technique, and safety. Shorter poles are easier to accelerate and control for beginners, while longer poles allow experienced vaulters to generate more bend and potential height. Most athletes progress through lengths as they grow and gain speed — think in terms of a ladder rather than a single perfect length.
Matching pole specs is a combination of numbers and feel. Start with your body weight in pounds and your coach’s sense of your approach speed. Consult manufacturer flex charts, but don’t stop there — if possible, try a pole at a local club, school, or shop. Take it into practice, run, plant, and see how it bends and releases. A well-matched pole should feel like a partner that’s predictable and energetic, not something that fights you.
Coaches and experienced pole vaulters are invaluable. They’ll observe your plant, swing, and clearance, and suggest subtle adjustments in flex or length. If you don’t have a coach, reach out to specialty shops or reputable online sellers who offer technical advice and sizing charts. That guidance can prevent costly wrong purchases.
Used poles can be a bargain, but they carry risk. Unlike training shoes, poles endure high stress, and hidden damage can make a used pole unsafe. If you’re buying used, inspect for cracks, stress lines, or delamination. Ask about the pole’s history — number of vaults, high-impact landings, and whether it’s ever been in a harsh weather environment. When in doubt, buy new for peace of mind, especially if you’re stepping into higher competition levels.
Used poles are reasonable for beginners who need more than an entry-level practice pole but aren’t ready to invest in a top-tier carbon model. Buying from a local club or coach who can vouch for the pole’s condition reduces risk. Avoid used poles with uncertain provenance or those sold without inspection.
Vaulting poles come at a range of price points. Expect basic fiberglass beginner poles to start at a few hundred dollars, while high-performance carbon competition poles can cost well over a thousand dollars. Factor in accessories like pole bags, grips, and shipping. If you’re buying for a school team, bulk or package deals from team suppliers can stretch your budget further.
Don’t chase the highest price as a guarantee of performance. Balance material, your current skill level, and plans for progression. For many athletes, a mid-price hybrid or reliable fiberglass pole provides the best cost-to-benefit ratio until they’re consistently clearing higher heights and can justify a carbon upgrade.
Poles don’t like being abused. Store them in a dry place away from extreme heat or cold, and transport them in a padded pole bag. Regularly inspect for hairline cracks, chips, or soft spots. Before every practice or meet, do a quick visual check and run your hand along the pole to feel for inconsistencies. Treat poles with respect — they repay you with years of reliable performance.
When you travel, secure poles to avoid twisting or abrupt bending. Use roof racks with padded supports or a dedicated pole van if your team has one. Airline travel requires special preparation: pad poles well, follow carrier rules, and consider insurance for high-value carbon poles. Remember, a ruined pole can cost far more than careful packing.
Ready to buy? Here’s a quick checklist: know your weight in pounds, get a flex chart from the manufacturer, decide on fiberglass vs carbon, try before you buy if possible, check the retailer’s reputation, and budget for accessories. Start with trusted retailers like Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Eastbay, and specialist suppliers such as AAI or manufacturer-authorized dealers when you want expert help. Take your time — a well-chosen pole rewards patience with better, safer vaulting.
Remember: gear supports skill, but it doesn’t replace it. Invest in lessons, drills, and consistent practice. The pole is an amplifier of what you already have — pick one that matches your current level and helps you grow.
Buying a vaulting pole is a mix of art and science: material choices, flex ratings, length, and the retailer you choose all play a part. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a forgiving fiberglass trainer or an advanced vaulter chasing gains from carbon fiber, the U.S. market has options across major retailers and specialist suppliers. Use manufacturer flex charts, talk to coaches or specialty shops, try poles when possible, and treat your equipment with care. Do that, and you’ll be vaulting higher — literally and figuratively — in no time.
