How short is too short for my pole?

[2lick]

So I placed the pole and bracket on the ski, and put my feet in about where my foot holds would hold them back to.... HOLY CRAP!! uncomfortable, all i wanted to do was stick my one foot up in the front....

Here is what i have:
-4 pole
-2.5 turn plate
xmetal braket (isnt that lowered)
0 degree straight bars
-1,2 (i modified my mounting location on the square nose)

so i figure i am 7-9 inches..... isn't that a littel extreme, or am i gonna love it.....

In that test i had my footholds placed as far back as they go..... I then tried placing them 2inched up and it was a lot more comfortable.... i don't know the whole ratios here, is it bad to move the foot holds up, am i losing what i am gaining by the pole.... im thinking the purpose is to get the weight in the center of the ski...... moving the holds up shouldn't effect that right.... plus with the short pole you can lean up more easily.....

oh yeah Im 150lbs and 5'11" and 90% am on flat water lakes

well if any one has any insight, or can explain the whole short pole, center wight stuff id appreciate it.....

I know the best way would be to ride setups, but I cant wait, nor do i have close people to ride there setups....

Thanks
-NICK

 

[WaveDemon]

put the ski on a 20-30 degree ahgle like it would be in the water and see how you like it.

nothing wrong with putting one foot forward until you need to lock in for a trick either.

 

[Matt_E]

In my experience, standing on your ski on a trailer (anywhere but riding it) it will always seem like it's too short. Get it on the water, you'll be surprised just how different it is.

 

[2lick]

ill try the angle thing.....

at this point it would be impossible to get this any where near water lol....

Question to all:
How short overall are you running and whats your height

 

[Matt_E]

I run a -2 pole, XMW bracket (-1), XMW steering (-2.5), so that puts me at -5.5.
I am 5'5", and I could easily go shorter on the pole.

 

[Rickster]

I run a -4 pole (xmw), -1 bracket (xmw) -2.5 steering (xmw).

I'm 6'-2 and would prefer it -1 shorter.

 

[Speedfreak]

Last year I was -7 and wouldn't mind it to be a bit shorter. And this year I will be at -8 and I am only 5'6"ish

 

[romack991]

another vote that says it'll feel awkward on the trailer but fine in the water. moving your footholds up isnt a bad thing either.

 

[2lick]

ok so hearing some say it wont be to short helps.... i know it wil feel beter on the water....

so any other thoughts on foothold placement..... is there a good, better, best

 

[romack991]

so any other thoughts on foothold placement..... is there a good, better, best

most of the time you will be limited by the exhaust tube, unless are using something other than stock. For most boats, the normal placement is fine, i shortened my hull 2 inches so i'm moving my holds up two inches.

 

[special fx]

What is everyone trying to gain by shortening the pole??

 

[Rickster]

What is everyone trying to gain by shortening the pole??

It helps you get lower on the ski when rotating (or trying to) and allows you to get your weight forward to level out the ski more quickly.

 

[meatball]

A shortened pole should get you closer to the hull, so that your moment of intertia is better for rolling. (think figure skaters), thats one advantage.

 

[Speedfreak]

ok so hearing some say it wont be to short helps.... i know it wil feel beter on the water....

If your ski has enough brap you won't have your palms on the grips at all it will just be finger tips holding on :biggrin:

 

[RiverRat]

Hop on the boat and guage what feels comfortable to you. Keep in mind that what is comforatble on the trailer is not always comfortable when riding. Its all about experimentation and personal preference. Set your boat up to your liking.

 

[oxnard111]

Stock shortened pole -3.75. I'm about 5'8"
Rickter footholds placed as far up as possible just stoping before the exhaust tube.

Still getting use to it, really starting to dig it. Switched a from a standard length pole from last season to now.

 

[thegoldenboy]

I run a -2 pole, XMW bracket (-1), XMW steering (-2.5), so that puts me at -5.5.
I am 5'5", and I could easily go shorter on the pole.

Sweet. I'm 5'8" and was wondering how short would be too short for those people less than the 6' norm (or at least it seems to be the norm on here).

Speedfreak just confirmed it too.

I'm going to chop 2" off the pole and start from there. Work with steering to shorten from there.

Thanks guys.

 

[Idok]

I run a -4 pole (xmw), -1 bracket (xmw) -2.5 steering (xmw).

I'm 6'-2 and would prefer it -1 shorter.

same here @ 5"7" and I could stand another inch or 2 shorter no problem..

 

[2lick]

well thanks for the responses.... I'm gonna mount it how i have it setup and put the holds 2 inches up.... thats what feels the best.....

Thanks!