RN SJ Pole cutting advice - how much to cut for 5'11 rider?

[menatep]

I've seen different setups with all possibilities up to -5 inches. How many inches do I cut and how does it feel to ride let's say -2" or -5" compared to stock length?

I'm 5'11 and weigh 205 lbs and I find that if i make an aggressive 180 degree turn my weight is all the way at the back and it's easy for me to fall off. Cutting the handle pole should bring me closer to the center and improve the center of gravity, but i heard that a short pole might cause back pains after long riding sessions.

 

[superjetkev]

i too am 5'11'' and i chopped 4'' off my handle pole and im quite happy with it. i felt a bit hunched over until i d cut my rideplate and it brought the nose up, straightening out my back (when i was in the footholds) . those 2 mods went together well IMO and cost very little

 

[SJBrit]

It also depends on what pole bracket and steering setup you are running. About -4" to -6" total feels good, but you can get that in parts: a lowered pole bracket will get you an inch or so, a shorter turn plate will get you up to another 2". I think I ran a -2" stock pole with a lowered bracket and a short turnplate - I'm 5'9".

 

[vjhardcore]

I'm 6'3" 225lbs and I took 3" off my 07SJ - works for me, nice length I could probably go to -4" maybe -5" but I'm not going to take it all apart again for an inch or two. At 5'11" I'd go -3" / -4" no problem I saw no negative affects but a huge difference in control and little to no porpusing.

 

[sjetrider]

-4.5" works well for me and I am 5'11"

 

[SXIPro]

I'd go -3 on the pole, then if you need more get a shortened turnplate.

 

[Peter123]

I just received my RN pole the other day. What is the stock length? I want to make sure it hasn't been chopped before I take off the 4". Of course, I won't be doing this until my FryHazard SN to RN bracket arrives.

 

[kevbo]

Depends on how you normally ride. Footholds and a short pole are great at low speeds but kill my back when going fast. I shortened my pole 3" and made full length slots for my tray. That got the CG forward enough for 5'8-175 and a painless riding position at any speed.

 

[FlightPlanDan]

I cut about 2-1/2" off of the pole. But with the shortened turn plate and 0* bars it's actually -5 or 6. My wifes is bone stock and they sit side by side on the trailer (this is where I come up with -5 or 6....compared to stock)
I have a lot LESS back pain/fatigue with the shorter pole.

 

[SurferSmurf]

i am 6'2" and have a lowered bracket -5 pole and -2.5 steering. it works great for me. i did the -2 and just kept going shorter till i got to my current settup. it will take time to get used to it.

 

[menatep]

It looks like i'll have to get a rideplate then too. right now i have extended worx dominator rideplate.

My normal riding position is with one foot forward on SJ without footholds. I'm rebuilding a SJ with footholds now so i guess i'll have to see how i like riding with footholds.

 

[SurferSmurf]

try a jet dynamics plate.

 

[Waternut]

I'll voice my opinion since mine greatly differs from the norm. When I was still on my SN, I was riding with a stock length pole, shortened turnplate with straights bars, and -3" off the back of the tray. In addition to all these things, I ran my footholds and later frootstraps almost in the middle of the tray. I bet most are wondering how I was eating the pole but I'm 6' tall and 165lbs and this was the most comfortable and controllable position I've ever been in. I have a pretty shotty back and I could ride for hours without any problems with this setup.

Most ski's I see have the footholds way back and the pole cut way short which makes me bend forward at the waist. Not only is this uncomfortable but it makes it harder to get my weight forward since I can't really lean on the pole and it's harder to pull up on the footholds without pushing down on the pole.

 

[Dan Q]

is there a write up on cutting the pole??

 

[sjetrider]

d cut the plate, foot holds and -4.5 pole / - 2" turnplate and straight bars , lower pole bracket and all good except long mid range to high speed rides. Great for freestyle though.

 

[SXIPro]

is there a write up on cutting the pole??

http://www.x-h2o.com/threads/17612-How-To-Shorten-your-stock-pole-PICS