Wing Chun uses a pole that is 8-9 foot long. This is often cited as evidence of WC's heritage in the Red Junk opera troupe, e.g. that it was originally used for pushing the junks along or that it was part of the props used in the opera.
Leaving aside the historical basis, why does it remain significantly longer than the staffs/poles used in other systems? Does the length really make such a difference other than keeping your opponent at a longer distance?
Before reading up a little about the pole, I always assumed that it had a uniform cross-section, but then I found out that it was actually tapered so that the tip was narrower. I don't think that this would have been necessary if the pole was merely used originally to push the junks along/off.
I imagine that tapering the pole actually "encourages" flexing of the tip. Is this flexing behaviour exploited in the form?
The tapering tip reminds me of the whip, where the tapering is necessary to get the tip moving at supersonic speeds.
Last thought/question .... has anyone tried to perform the pole using a "conventional" (e.g. 6-7 foot) pole. How different is it, and does it completely destroy the dynamics of the form?