Freestyle how much to shorten rn pole??

[94superjetriverrat]

okay im going to be putting a rn pole on my sn and will be shortening it, so i was wondering how much? i mainly do flat water freestyle. my sn has footholds all the way at the back off the tray and im about 6 foot tall. i was thinking 3 inchs, i want it to be very comfy... plz help

 

[mademan9]

I have 3 on my sn. I love the length.

 

[ryan]

i cut mine 4 wish i went more. 6foot 1. was stearing you running?

 

[tipafew]

This is so hard to answer......everybody likes something different and pole length is not a one size fits all type situation.
-3 would probably be a good place to start. You can always go more later.

 

[Matt_E]

Imho, 2 inches is the required minimum to cut. I ran that plus a short steering plus a/m pole bracket bracket for a total of -6 on my stock length RN. I'm pretty short (5'6") and that was perfect for me.
When I shortened that hull by 2 inches, I went to a -4 pole, same bracket and steering and was very happy with that.

 

[94superjetriverrat]

thank you guys, ima start with minus 3 and go from there. also should i run a pole spring or just tighten the bolt alot??

 

[Matt_E]

That's very much a personal preference thing.

 

[94superjetriverrat]

can it break it though? pretty much what would you say is more reliable?

 

[Matt_E]

I don't think there's a reliability factor to it.
Spring vs stiff pole are VERY different in how they handle.
I suggest you try a stiff pole first. Most people that have ridden with a spring for a long time HATE a stiff pole.
Additionally, if you ride surf most of the time, I would not go with a stiff pole.

 

[Lucaumpits]

I lost the count how many inches I took of, all I know my pole is 30 inches long

 

[wydopen]

if u want to turn still dont go much shorter than -2 on the pole -1 on the bracket and -1 on the steering...

i tried shortening my rrp -4 and u cant get enough weight on the tail to keep the pump loaded at speed...u also have more leverage i feel with a bit longer pole..

 

[94superjetriverrat]

i ride no surf at all, i rode a bob with a stiff pole and liked it so ill try that

 

[swapmeet]

I would go 3", which is a little more than whats in the pole base.

When you go to re-install it, make sure you cut notches on the short sides so it will compress, if you notice when you take it apart the factory did it.
Everyone complains about how hard it is to fit the pole back in the base, thats the trick. Also, if you try to run a stiff pole, make sure to either use pinch bolts or have something to support the lower pole. If you just crank on the pole bolt it will warp and eventually crack the thin aluminum base of the factory pole.

If you think you need it shorter you can pick up a Xmetal -2.5 to -3.5 adjustable turn plate. That way you can try out some different lengths.

My setup is silly short. -3.5 pole, -2.5 steerplate, shortend bracket moved forward 4"... its almost too much.

GL

 

[94superjetriverrat]

thanks man!!

 

[Kny21]

1) Shortened steering plate (-2")
2) Take 1 1/2"-2" off the top first, don't get too greedy on the top as it gets wider closer to the bend. That will take the crappy steering angle out of it and get you closer to where you want to be, with room to take more off the bottom.

Stock RN pole dialed in length-wise is the best pole on the market, hands down!

 

[kevbo]

Best pole length with fixed footholds? for the river -2, the lake -3, surf -6. With full length slots you can use a short pole without hurting your back when going fast..