Choose a javelin to help you reach your performance goals. Your javelin selection criteria changes overtime as you advance with their skill. It is not a one size fits all notion. It is not like purchasing a baseball which comes in one size. There are many facets to consider like gender, skill level, budget before making a purchase of a javelin. It is common for athletes to carry approximately 3 or more javelins with them at an event as their performance on the day can vary and certain javelins have slightly different tip weightings to compensate for weather conditions. ThrowsLab has the best adjustable javelin bag to easily carry your javelins to practice or a competition. Visit ThrowsLab’s updated online store, and let us help you select the best javelin for you to get your farthest throw.
How to choose a javelin
The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) sets the standards of what material can be used to construct a javelin.Today’s javelin is constructed of steel, aluminum or aluminum alloy. The price range varies depending on the design style, the athlete’s skill level, and gender. You can find a javelin starting at $145 all the way up to $1134. Athletes tend to purchase different javelins for training versus competition.How to choose a javelin by the design type
Headwind
The headwind design is a streamlined tapered tip designed to help cut through the wind. This javelin tip, because of its small surface area, will have self-correcting characteristics when a thrower misses the point, adding valuable distance to a missed throw. The headwind version is ideal for ‘power’ throwers who lack perfect technique but make up for it with strength and torque. The javelin headwind model is made by OTE.Tailwind
The tailwind design is a thicker, more blunted tip that increases the surface area in front of the javelin. When a thrower hits the point with a tailwind version of an OTE javelin, it will mimic the old rules style javelins, with a beautiful floating flight and greater distances. This tailwind version is ideal for ‘finesse’ throwers who lack high outputs of power, yet throw at a high technical level.Carbon-1
The carbon-1 design provides up to 40% quicker damping rate which results in longer flights with minimal vibration. This javelin will behave similar to old-rules javelins and appear to “float” when thrown clean. The carbon-1 javelin is designed for the advanced thrower.How to choose a javelin by the flex rate scale
The flex is calculated on a scale from 0-20, of which the higher the number, the greater the flex. Javelins with the lowest flex are those that can reach the maximum distances with higher flexes best suited for training and beginners to javelin throwing. The lower flex rates are designed for the advanced thrower. As your skill level increases then you can work your way down the flex rate scale.How to choose a javelin based on gender
The men’s javelin weighs at least 1.76 pounds, whereas the women’s javelin weighs at least 1.3 pounds. The men’s javelin is about 8 feet, 6 inches. The women’s javelin is about 7 feet, 2.5 inches.How to choose a javelin by throwing weight rules
There are different javelin weight guidelines for age groups and gender. See the table below.| Age Group | Weight | Age Group | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U13 Men | 400g | U13 Women | 400g | |
| U15 Men | 600g | U15 Women | 500g | |
| U17 Men | 700g | U17 Women | 500g | |
| Junior Men | 800g | Junior Women | 600g | |
| Senior Men | 800g | Senior Women | 600g | |
| Men 35-49 | 800g | Women 35-49 | 600g | |
| Men 50-59 | 700g | Women 50-74 | 500g | |
| Men 60-69 | 600g | Women 75+ | 400g | |
| Men 70-79 | 500g | |||
| Men 80+ | 400g |
How to choose a javelin by brand names
ThrowsLab offers a variety of different brands to meet every athletic skill level from beginner to Olympic javelin throwers.- Aussie 2000 – this brand is great for all throwers and is the most affordable.
- Cantabrian – this brand has a variety of models to accommodate all skill levels of throwers.
- Denfly – this brand is the middle of the road when it comes to price. Preferred by throwers over other javelins in tests.
- Nemeth – this brand is often recommended for beginners throwers, students, and combined event athletes. They are known for their “rough surface.”
- Nordic Sports – this brand offers javelins for athletes of all skill levels.
- OTE – this brand is the choice for the elite throwers.
The javelin parts
Understanding the javelin parts helps you choose the right javelin. The make-up of a javelin is divided into three parts. The javelin must contain a head, a shaft, and a chord grip. Each part is designed may vary in material or style based on how the javelin will be used.The Javelin Head
You have to decide how you are going to use the javelin. Will it be for training or competition? Some javelins come with a rubber head for training use for the high school level or for beginners. The head is located at the tip of the front of the shaft and can be made of metal only for competition. A training javelin can have a rubber tip. It ends in a sharp point (the tip) that is also made of metal and determines the outcome of the exact measurement once the javelin has landed. The distance between the end tip of the head must be no further than .8m-1.06 m away from the center of gravity.The Javelin Shaft
The javelin athlete will consider the flex scale which refers to how much the shaft will bend. More advanced throwers need a flex rate between 4.8 to 6.6. The shaft is the major component of the javelin to which the grip and the head are affixed which must be made of metal or other suitable material. The shaft may be solid or hollow in construction. The shaft becomes thinner from its widest point that measures out to be approximately 20-30mm in the center to the very tip and tail.The Javelin Chord Grip
The chord grip covers a section of the shaft and it is the part that is held by the thrower. It is located in the same spot where the center of gravity is. Most grips contain a non-slip pattern surface and can be no more than 8mm in diameter. For beginners, the recommendation is for them to use an aluminum javelin because it provides the most flexibility, it is easier to throw, and it is more forgiving when being used for training purposes. As skill is gradually developed, more experienced throwers are recommended to use steel javelins because they are much stiffer, have less vibration when thrown, and allow for a more straightforward flight. Once you have this all figured out, you will want to set performance goals. Training by professional coaches is the best way to help you achieve your goals. ThrowsLab’s coaching and its throwing camps are great ways to discover the science behind the throw, learn proper drill mechanics and improve your throwing technique, and get better results by fixing some common mistakes. Our camps are designed to accelerate your throwing progress.What Makes ThrowsLab’s Javelin Throwing Camp Different?
Our javelin throwing camp features a coach-to-athlete ratio of 7:11, guaranteeing plenty of one-on-one attention for each athlete. The large number of coaches at throws camps enables them to work with every skill level equally. Our coaches are the best in the game, with the record to prove it: you’ll find ThrowsLab athletes in podium spots from USATF, Junior Olympics, and State, Section and League Championships. Our coaches have tremendous qualifications, but their results are what make our camps exceptional.ThowsLab’s javelin throwing coaching and small group training
ThrowsLab offers private coaching for the athlete who benefits from a more individualized training approach. Our one-on-one coaching sessions include many training benefits:- An in-depth analysis and breakdown of your overall technique.
- Video Analysis to get a better understanding of how you can improve
- Adjustments during the session that can help your technique immediately
- Drills and Exercises to work on at home to improve your performance
Frequently asked questions about ThrowsLab Camps
What is a typical day like at a ThrowsLab camp?
A ThrowsLab camp offers a balance of drills and throwing. The order is usually drills, lunch, then throwing. We make adjustments as-needed, depending on the format and time of year.
Can I still come to a ThrowsLab camp if I don’t have throwing shoes or equipment?
Yes. Not having throwing shoes isn’t ideal but still manageable to learn the technique, drills, and movements. We provide other equipment in limited quantities for ThrowsLab camps. You can also buy equipment from ThrowsLab at the camp.
What kind of equipment do I need to bring to a ThrowsLab camp?
Bring a shot put, two discs, throwing shoes, water bottle, and a towel to dry off implements just in case it’s necessary.
Is lunch provided at a ThrowsLab camp?
No. There are usually local places to eat lunch or you can bring food. There is an an hour for lunch each day at ThrowsLab camps.
How many coaches and athletes will be at a ThrowsLab camp?
We are very committed to keeping our coach-to-athlete ratio as small as possible. Our goal is no more than a 7:1 ratio. This means every athlete gets a ton of one-on-one instruction, but we’re also able to attend to a broad range of skill levels.
About your Throws coach
Coach John Fouts is the owner of ThrowsLab. He is certified by USATF as a level 2 coach, completed level 2 of Arete Throws Nation TCR™ system, and holds an NCACE Strength and Conditioning Coach Certification. He was a two-sport athlete in high school (Football & Track) and played his college football at Santa Clara University and UCLA. In 2011 he became a full-time coach and currently coaches Track at Diablo Valley College.
Over the past 7 years his athletes have won 2 Junior Olympic National Titles, achieved two top 5 finishes at the USATF Junior Outdoor Championships, has had 5 podium finishes at state, won 58 discus and shot put titles, broke a 42 year old NCS section record in Discus (205’ 7”), and 9 school records. John currently lives with his wife Carol (Mrs. ThrowsLab) and their children in Clayton.