Length: Poles typically range in length from about 13 to 17 feet

Grip: The grip area is usually wrapped with tape to provide a secure hold. Athletes use a specific grip technique, placing one hand near the top of the pole and the other lower down.  

Flexibility: The pole's flexibility is crucial for storing and releasing energy during the vault. 1 As the athlete plants the pole and runs forward, the pole bends, converting the athlete's kinetic energy into potential energy.

The pole is hollow and tapered, with a wider diameter at the bottom (the planting end) and a narrower diameter at the top (the grip end). This design allows the pole to bend and store energy efficiently.