When starting off in the sport of javelin you need to have a basic idea of what Javelin you should be throwing, there are many things to consider: Price, Meter Rating, Flex Rating, Material, Brand, & Javelin Tip.
Meter Rating explained
Not all javelins are the same. Too many times young throwers see elite level athletes throwing high meter rated javelins and want to copy them. Not only are they much more expensive, they are also dangerous and not as effective for young throwers. When you are throwing 40m or 50m, throwing a javelin that is graded at 70m, 80m, or 90m is a bad idea. These javelins are much more stiff, causing elbow and shoulder injuries to younger throwers who do not have the mobility and power to withstand the feedback that is being put on their arm from throwing these stiffer and more advanced javelins. A good rule of thumb is to throw a javelin that is 10m above where you are currently at.
Example: If you are throwing 40m you should be throwing a 50m rated javelin.
Due to the stiffness of the higher rated javelins, if they are not thrown far enough and with enough power, they will not turn over and stick in the ground. This will cause a shorter throw and risk the javelin landing flat, which would result in a "no throw" or "fault".
Same thing goes the other way, if you are an 80m thrower throwing a 50m javelin, it will wobble so much due to the amount of power you put into it, it will not fly as far as it could, that is where you should increase your meter rating.
Flex Rating
The Higher the flex, the more wobble. The lower the flex, the more stiff.
Nordic javelins use a difference system as they categories their javelins by "Soft, Medium, & Hard"
Javelin type | Distance Rating (800g) | Flex Rating | Nordic Rating |
Carbon | 80-90m | 4.5 - 5.5 | 5,5,5,5 |
Steel or Aluminum | 80-90m | 5 - 6.6 | 5,5,4,4 |
60-70m | 6.5 - 8 | 4,4,3,3 | |
50m | 8 - 9 | ||
30-40m | 10-10.5 | ||
20-30m | 10-11 | ||
15-20m | 11+ |
Blunt Tip VS Spear Tip
Spear tip (Head wind / Crosswind)
Blunt tip (Tailwind / Still wind)
If you are just starting off, you likely wont be purchasing two different javelins to have the luxury of switching which javelin you throw in between reps at your competition. So When purchasing, you should determine whether you like a thicker handle and thicker tip vs something that is a bit more sleek and aerodynamic.
Each of these tips of javelin will affect your throwing style. If you are someone who tends to miss the point or throw out to the side, the spear tip is the way to go because it is sleeker, and cuts through the wind better so it is more self correcting when the flight of the javelin is off upon release.
On the contrary, the blunt tip or tailwind javelin does not correct as much because it is thicker and has a bit more wind resistance hitting it, as it is flying through the air. This is great for athletes with a very simple technique that rely on a lot of power, but can throw through the point very well.
Material
Aluminum - Cheapest, typically very thick javelins, great for beginners.
Steel - Stronger than aluminum, weaker than carbon, a good in between for intermediate throwers. These are typically more thin than aluminum and carbon javelins, and can provide a sleeker feel for athletes who prefer it.
Carbon - 14% Stronger than Steel, so it is only made for 70m + javelins due to the stress its caused on the body. Carbon is known to fly further as a result of its lower "damping rate" and can appear to "float" when thrown with a very smooth release.
Brand & Price
When looking at brands I recommend Nordic & Nemeth Javelins because they have a wide variety of beginner to advanced javelins and it is important to stick with a brand you like as you progress throughout the sport.
Beginner javelins can start around $200 and Advanced javelins can be around $2,000. Check out 4throws.com to see their wide variety of different brands and great prices on javelins.
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