Over And Over Again

Picking out your next pole does require calculation. At the factory, Isaksson flexes poles and has them tested in a special machine which registers their precise degree of stiffness.

"But the new type pole I am using now has a stronger kind of fiber glass, so it shows softer on the machine," says Isaksson.

"It can't be that way," objects Lagerqvist.

"It is stronger fiber glass," says Isaksson.

"But the machine shows the power it takes to bend is just the same."

"Maybe I am using a softer pole then."

"Why?" Lagerqvist asks.

"I don't know. It must be the new pole shows softer."

"No, it can't be that way. Maybe you are slower now."

"No, I can't be slower than last year."