Simply stated, Nelco is the most trusted discus brand on the market today. Founded in 1942, Nelco has been manufacturing discuses used by first time throwers and Olympians alike. You will find a Nelco discus in every throwing competition. One of the things that sets Nelco apart from its competition is its pursuit of discus innovation. Over the last several years, the engineers at Nelco have been exploring the optimum weight distribution to achieve the furthest flight. Visit ThrowsLab’s updated online store and let us help you select the best Nelco discus for you to get your farthest throw at your next event.
The importance of the Nelco discus rim weight
Rim weight is a comfort and skill mechanism that does not necessarily increase the distance of your throw. Rather, it increases your ability to maintain the aerodynamics and airfoil longer through the duration of the throw. Heavier rim weights increase the radius and allow higher-end throwers to apply force. Yet, if the thrower can’t maintain the spin through the duration of the throw, the discus will fall, and your throw will be shortened. As such, a discus with a high rim weight can work against you if it’s not spinning. Because the discus rim weight has a direct impact on your throw, it is among the most important considerations in selecting your next Nelco discus.What is the rim weight of a Nelco discus
Nelco discus 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 discuses: Top level high school and college throwers.
- Very high spin discuses: Elite level high school and collegiate throwers, throwers looking to compete at Olympic trials, NCAA championships, and at international meets.
Nelco discus RimGlide technology
RimGlide technology keeps the discus balanced over a longer duration resulting in farther throws.How Nelco RimGlide technology works
- Nelco RimGlide design is rated to maximize distance by presetting the weight of the rim further in on the discus. As such, when the discus slows its centrifugal force, the discus stays flat and glides to the ground.
- Nelco discus RimGlide technology allows the thrower to keep the discus in their hand longer which prevents premature release and maximizes power retention. The rim weight is positioned more to the edge of the discus which allows it to remain stable even after it stops spinning so that it glides to the ground.
- Nelco RimGlide technology gives you better options to deal with the wind. A strong headwind can cause the discus to dive on the backside. Sidewinds can also cause the discus to dive. Moving down to a shorter distance rating will increase discus throw stability. Having a set of three discuses with proportionate RimGlide distance ratings will allow throwers to cut through the wind for more stability and more consistency at meets and in practice.
Nelco discus meter ratings
Nelco discus meter ratings give a more accurate description of how far the discus can potentially fly under ideal conditions. For example, if a Nelco 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.Nelco discus technology: Helping you get your farthest throw
- Preventative Mechanism against Damage (PMD) Technology
During the RimGlide testing, Nelco developed new PMD side plates to increase durability so you won’t have to replace broken side plates as often. - HRM TECHNOLOGY
Nelco’s High Retention Mechanism (HRM) technology uses optimal engineering balance to keep the Nelco discus in flight for as long as possible. - DISTANCE RATINGS
Nelco applies indicative distance rating (DR) to their discuses to make it easier to choose the right equipment.
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
Testimonial
Maritza Campbell
Coach Fouts has coached me for 4 years. During that time, he has proven himself to be a generous and giving leader who trains his athletes hard and encourages them to do their best. I saw a huge improvement in my technique after my very first training session. He coaches me in a way that I never feel like he is being critical. I look forward to my training sessions and camps. He is always willing to give me advice on the college process which has been extremely helpful. My entire family appreciates, Coach Fouts!!!!
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.