Pricing
How much does a high jump pit cost?
High jump pricing depends on the size and options you choose.
Request a quote and we'll send you a detailed breakdown within one business day.
How much does a pole vault pit cost?
Pole vault pricing depends on the size and options you choose. Request a quote and we'll send a full breakdown within one business day.
Is freight included in the price?
Freight is quoted separately because it depends on your delivery location and the size of your pit. We ship to all 50 states and handle freight logistics directly. When you request a quote, we'll include a freight estimate to your specific address. No hidden fees at checkout.
Specifications
Does the height include the top pad?
Yes. Every height we quote is the overall finished height, measured with the 2" reversible top pad on it. High jump pits run 24" to 30" overall. Competition pole vault pits are 28" or 32" overall.
This matters when you're comparing bids. Some manufacturers quote the base unit only and add the pad on top of that number, which makes their pit look shorter on paper than it is — or taller in person than you specified. Ask any manufacturer which one they're giving you.
Does it meet NFHS, NCAA and World Athletics?
Yes. Every pit is built to the standard you compete under — NFHS, NCAA or World Athletics. Tell us your level and we'll spec it.
How much space do I need for a high jump pit?
A standard high jump pit is 16'6" wide and 8' deep, but the pit is only part of the footprint. The uprights sit outside the landing area, so allow clearance on both sides, and leave the space behind the pit clear of fences, benches, and equipment carts.
A full curved approach wants a semicircular runway of roughly 60' in radius. Programs with less room can still compete — it just limits which approach angles your jumpers can use. Send us your usable apron measurements with a quote request and we'll tell you what fits.
How much space do I need for a pole vault pit?
A competition pole vault pit is 19'9" wide and 20'5" deep. A regulation runway is a minimum of 130' long. The plant box needs a padded collar, and the front of the pit needs bumper pads that close the gap between the box and the landing surface.
If the pit lives indoors, measure your ceiling height against the bar heights your athletes are actually clearing.
What comes with the pit?
Every pit ships with the base sections, the 2" reversible top landing pad, a weather cover, and the vinyl casing in the colors you choose — the pad and the cover are included, not add-ons. Plant box collars, front bumper pads, and replacement sections are quoted alongside the pit if you need them, itemized so nothing is missing from the number.
Delivery & Lead Times
How long does it take to receive my order?
Our standard lead time is under 6 weeks from order confirmation to shipping.
If you need your pit for a specific date, tell us in your quote request. We'll confirm whether we can meet your timeline before you commit.
Do you ship to all 50 states?
Yes. We ship to all 50 states. We handle freight logistics directly — you don't need to arrange your own shipping carrier. We've shipped to programs in 40+ states and the process is straightforward.
Warranty
What warranty do Dropzone Pits carry?
All Dropzone Pits landing pits carry a 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects, including fabric failure, seam failure, and hardware defects under normal use.
How do I make a warranty claim?
Call us at 903-574-6414 or email dave@dropzonepits.com. Have your order number and a description of the issue ready. We can diagnose the problem quickly and determine whether parts, a panel replacement, or a full pit repair is the right solution. Most warranty issues are resolved within one season.
Care & Maintenance
How do I make my pit last longer?
The single most impactful thing you can do is use your weather cover every time the pit isn't in use. UV exposure and moisture are the primary life-shorteners for any landing pit. Beyond that:
Keep sharp objects away from the casing. Inspect the pit at the start and end of each season for seam wear, foam compression, and zipper function. Store the pit indoors during the off-season if space allows.
Should I put my pit on pallets to help drain water?
No. Pallets were not designed for landing pits and create significant liability issues. A vaulter who comes down awkwardly and contacts an unpadded pallet edge is an injury and lawsuit waiting to happen. Dropzone Pits are built with marine-grade vinyl that repels water — the pit itself handles moisture far better than a pallet setup ever could. If you have a drainage concern, contact us and we'll advise on ground cover solutions.
How do I know when a pit needs to be replaced?
Key signs it's time to replace, not repair: foam depth below 20" effective cushion; widespread seam failures across multiple panels; casing fabric cracking, tearing, or allowing water intrusion into the foam core; the pit is 12+ years old even if it looks passable (foam loses resilience gradually — it can look okay but fail a proper safety test).
If you're on the fence, send us a photo and we'll give you an honest assessment. We'd rather you repair than replace if repair is the right call.
Ordering
Can I see the pit in my school's colors before I order?
Yes. The high jump and pole vault pages each have a live color builder. Set the top and the base, and you'll see the result on a real pit in about ten seconds. You can download the image to bring to your athletic director, booster club, or school board.
Every pit is made to order, so the top and base are specified separately — the colors you pick are the colors we build.
What colors are available?
Pits are built in your team's colors, with the top and the base chosen separately. The top of a high jump pit is a mesh surface and carries a slightly different range than the solid vinyl base, so each builder only shows the colors actually available for that section.
Anything you can select in the builder is something we can build. Pull your exact colors from your athletics style guide before you build — two schools with "navy and gold" rarely mean the same two colors.
How should I write the spec for a district bid?
A vague specification invites bids that look cheaper because they leave things out. Include exact dimensions and whether the height is the base unit or the overall height with the top pad on — every height we quote is overall — the compliance level you're building to, casing material and weight, foam construction, seam and closure spec, how sections attach, colors, warranty term, freight, and any accessories like a weather cover or box collar.
Our buying guide has the full checklist. Send us your requirements and we'll put a quote together.
How do I request a quote?
Fill out our quote request form or call 903-574-6414. Include: competition level (high school / D3 / D2 / D1), whether you need high jump, pole vault, or replacement parts, your school colors, and your target delivery date. We respond within 24 business hours with a full quote.
Do I need to decide on all options before requesting a quote?
No. Fill out what you know and we'll help you with the rest. Most athletic directors request a base quote first, then we work through color options, cover specs, and any custom requirements in a follow-up call. The quote process is low-pressure and designed to get you the right information, not to push you toward a sale.