Pole shortening: How short is too short?

[ksarge91]

My pole is currently cut -3" from the bottom. Standard length steering and 3* bars.

First question is how short is too short? I really like it now but almost feel like I could go shorter. I see some people running like -7 just on the pole. What are you guys running and what would you say is maximum shortness to still have a comfortable, non-back breaking ride?

Second question is.... I know it's possible to shorten the pole from the top. I think this would look good because my chin pad is smaller, leaving a visible bend that's pretty unsightly. Will shortening it from the top affect strength more than from the bottom? I will use stainless rivets on top of the resin. Also, how much can I take of the top without running into any problems?

Thanks

 

[ksarge91]

I'm 5' 10" if that evens matters that much

 

[orangefinger]

-4 Pole -2 Turnplate + straight bars...

6' 2" ....

 

[keegan]

6'2 -4 on pole, x-metal steering set up...Its perfect for me.

 

[orangefinger]

dito ....same here

 

[Lucaumpits]

Im 6'1 I use -4 pole and -3 stering+ strait bars
next pole I will go much shorter

 

[ksarge91]

Thanks guys. I decided to take 1.5" of the top for a total of 4.5". Was gonna go more but back when I cut the bottom I was an idiot and didn't cut it perfectly straight so now it hits my hood. Gonna have to cut that another inch this winter to fix it.

As far as height goes... is it "the taller you are the longer the pole should be" so you can get your weight over the ski and more centered or "the shorter you are the shorter it should be"????

 

[smoofers]

I am 6'2" and I cut 4.5-5" out of my pole, running the stock turnplate and bars.

On a stock length pole it puts me too far back in the tray, I can't keep the ski from porpoising unless my abdomen is leaning against the bars with my head over the hood.

With the short pole it totally makes the ski way easier (for me) to ride and control. I would say the taller (and heavier) you are the more you need a shortened pole.

 

[Frosty]

I'm 6' even...

Wammer modded AC pole - I cut it -6", short XMW turn plate and straight bars.

a little tough on the back for longer rides from the marina to the beach, but love the position it keeps the body in for freeriding.


here's a pic... the second pic is how it looks against a -2" AC pole

 

[junkyardj]

man you guys must have backs of steal! i have -4 is hard on my back....

 

[Frosty]

man you guys must have backs of steal! i have -4 is hard on my back....

LOL - mine is definitely tough on my soon to be 40 year old back. I actually started to just hood ride from the marina to the beach - about 2 miles... :biggrin:

 

[701superjet]

im 5'11' my handlepole if -6 1/2, -2 x-metal turnplate and straight bars.....i could still go shorter

 

[FyrHazard]

I'm 6'3" and I'm at -5 with straight bars on a SN. Kills the back for straight rides, but wonderful in the waves! Made a HUGE difference for me. I think the rule is generally taller=shorter (cause your arms are longer)

You could always play with different turnplates if you want to try out a shorter pole without actually cutting.

 

[orangefinger]

LOL - mine is definitely tough on my soon to be 40 year old back. I actually started to just hood ride from the marina to the beach - about 2 miles... :biggrin:

soon to be same age back....i think the complete sport is tough on the back regardless how short the pole is the hot tub is a blessing for me after riding....

 

[stanton]

i run -2 i like it for surf stance