Long enough to not make the showman have to bend too far over to get the backlegs, if not walked into position. I hated taking me eyes off stuff, like the judge (missed my pull once!) so I use the extra large or extra long, whatever, and I am 5 ft 91/2 inches tall. I always went taller than myself but that could just be me. And, if they have more stick than they can handle that is never good.