How to figure pole length?

[davy87nj]

Not a soon to come thing for me. But just reading a thread and people ordering handle poles asking for a certian length. How would you figure what your optimal length would be? Off rider height or just feel? Thanks. Noob question im sure.

 

[motoman96]

More of a feel thing, an how short of a pole your back can take. Takes some getting used to with a short pole.

 

[zzylstra]

I feel the shorter the pole the more predictable the ski is for the flatwater I do. I run mine -10 inches but it's on a square nose hull which from what I read handles better when weight is distributed to the middle of the tray. Personal preference really

 

[Motoxderek]

on a rn, sn sj most people like -4 in, i cut 5in off my chicks rn sj. rrp and x metal poles have alot of adjustibility.

 

[wydopen]

-2

 

[IS0LD0UT]

Take 2 inches off at a time, and go as short as you can. Your back will adjust. Last year I was at -8, this year I went with a x-metal and will go to -12. We will see how that goes.

 

[davy87nj]

I havnt ridden my SN much, but it feels like with the pole as long as it is to be able to ride it with out hopping out of the water I have to step up in the tray causing the pole to be a little to close to me. But I gotta feel out the ski and get comfortable with it before I go changing things im not sure about. Thanks for the replies. And I wonder why AM companies get so much money for these poles, its kinda crazy. Freaking handlepole cost almost as much as I paid for my ski. lol

 

[zzylstra]

Ya I run a cast rrp pole and the adjustability is amazing. If U have the money I suggest anything adjustable. I see my handle pole as an investment cuz it will carry on when u get a rn sj and an am hull so drop dough in that for sure.

 

[wydopen]

shorter is not better...

shorter pole = less leverage and less weight on the tail...

if u care about being able to turn run it as long as you can get away with..

ive experimented with my RRP and after a point having it too short really hurts my riding..

 

[chasingdaylight]

i'm like a at -8 but i also move my foot holds up a few inches it was the best move i've ever made on the ski..

 

[Motoxderek]

to save some money, i heard alot of sn guys finding a rn pole and shorten it. search around, on here or ebay, ect.... i cut mine 5 in and then probly -3in with short turn plate and true straight bars so maybe -8 total

 

[WAB]

nobody asked what type of riding he'll be doing, surf or flat. I hate short handlepoles.


Flatwater - super short pole is ok
surfriding - only -2 or -3

Get a used Roundnose pole to shorten, they are the lightest and cheapest. The heavy stock pole you have now really stinks!

 

[JamesG]

-2 for rec riding and surf

-4 or less for freestyle

but you can do whatever the f*** you wanna do!​

 

[tipafew]

Yep, this is totally a personal preference thing. Certainly flat water guys run theirs WAY shorter than surf guys. Every year my old man back wants to put a longer pole on. I like rolls way better with shorter poles, but my back just can't handle it. My last RN pole was around -4 I think and that was as short as I can handle.

 

[Matt_E]

nobody asked what type of riding he'll be doing, surf or flat. I hate short handlepoles.

Thread pre-fix is freeriding/surfriding. :clown:

Short poles are great for fw freestyle. For comfortable rec riding or surfriding, not so much.

 

[BruceSki]

My general rule on a superjet is the bars need to be even with the hoodlatch or rear of the hood. This is a comfortable spot in the surf. -however many inches it takes to get there.

 

[davy87nj]

thanks for the replys, Ill keep my eyes open for a RN pole in the future. I dont know how to fiberglass really well, so shortening it would be an issue. Im sure I could figure it out when the time comes. Im just gettin the feeling for riding. rode about 4 or 5 hours sunday, Im feeling it today. But its pretty addicting. I got a broken motor mount and horrible turf I have to get fixed before I do anything else. Thanks again.

 

[jd91t]

I shortened my stock SN pole 3" which is the same as RN pole -2" length.
I ride flat water freestyle, but also love carving/racing with my friends.
-3" from stock SN length is a good shortened pole length you will
notice, and NOT regret. Gets ur cg lower/forward which helps aggressive riding,
as well as making almost all fw tricks easier especially 180's and subs.
Shorten the SN pole. It's somewhat Ez, free, and you can see if you like it
b4 you cut up a nice RN pole. I did. Love it, and gonna do a RN pole as soon as a big brown truck
Delivers it
I'm 6'6" btw

 

[Sparkplug]

I just put -2 steering on my sn. World of difference. Almost perfect but I'm going to go another 1-1.5 inches when I make my pole. IMO 500 bucks for an adjustable pole is rediculous. It doesn't cost anywhere near that for the materials or production. I guess if you dot have the time or capabilities it may be worth it.

 

[motoman96]

The company building these adjustable poles have overheard, and aren't working out of a garage. I'd rather pay for a proven product then chancing it on a backyard shadetree mechanic/fabricator.