Selecting the right discus can be complicated. There are many different options and things like discus rim weight and meter rating to consider. Both the rims and side plates are made from different materials. Some discuses have a metal washer in the middle and some don’t. There are a bunch of different name brands out there too. Is one better than the other? How much should you spend? Visit ThrowsLab’s updated online store, and let us help you select the best discus for you to get your farthest throw.
What is discus rim weight?
Rim weight is the most important of the options to consider. Rim weight is the actual percentage of the entire weight of the discus that consists of the rim. So if you have a 1 kilogram discus that is 75% rim weight, that means the rim weighs .75 kilograms and everything else that makes up the discus weighs .25 kilograms. Typically, discuses are sold in categories:- Center weighted discuses: Beginner high school throwers, average middle school throwers, beginner collegiate multi-event athletes.
- Low Spin discuses: Intermediate high school throwers, top ranked middle school throwers, intermediate college throwers.
- High spin: Top level high school and college throwers.
- Very high spin: Elite level high school and collegiate throwers, throwers looking to compete at Olympic trials, NCAA championships, and at international meets.
Discus meter ratings
Meter ratings give a more accurate description of how far the discus can potentially fly under ideal conditions. For example, if a discus is rated at 47 meters (155 feet), it means the discus can be thrown, with great form and technique, potentially 155 feet. This is an ideal discus for someone who is new to the sport and looking to improve their technique. You do not have to be currently throwing at that distance for this to be a good discus for you. Meter ratings are really quite helpful in assisting the athlete in their decision on which discus to purchase. For example, you would not want to purchase a discus with a meter rating that is less than your current throwing distance. A better decision would be to purchase a discus with a meter rating that is greater than your current distance so that you can set goals relative to your throwing distance. As your form and technique improve, you will see better results as your throws get closer to the meter rating distance.Selecting the right discus to get the farthest throw: other considerations
When selecting the best equipment, every discus thrower is going to have the same questions:- Do I want a high rim weight or low rim weight discus?
- Should the discus be high spin or low spin?
- What about rim finish and rim profile?
- Lastly, what about plate finish?
How far are you throwing?
A general rule of thumb is that the higher the rim weight is of the discus, the higher the spin rate. A higher spin rate requires more force to get the discus spinning at an optimum rate. Understanding your distances and what your throw looks like is critical in understanding which discus is best for you.Selecting a discus that “feels right”
Discus throwing is no different than a lot of other sports. You want to select the equipment that is right for you. An experienced discus thrower instinctively knows the feel of a good discus. You want to throw a high-quality and well-made discus where there is comfortable contact between your fingers and the rim in order to effectively transfer energy, break inertia, and get the discus spinning. The profile of the rim, the finish of the rim, and the contrast between the rim and the plate are all crucial factors.Other considerations
- How long have you been throwing?
- What is your level of competition?
- What is your budget?
What Makes ThrowsLab’s Discus Throwing Camps Different?
Our discus throwing camps feature 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 discus 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.