Everything Track and Field Discussion Forums

The one thing to remember about the 700gm javelins is that they are designed and "fly" like the "old rules" javelins (pre-1986 rules) so the meter ratings do mean something more than they do on the current 800/600gm javelins. My suggestion would be to get a 700gm javelin at a 50m rating: it will give you a little extra distance if you catch a good throw (over 40m or so for your current ability) but it will still "turn over" and land point first, a requirement for a legal throw in a meet. You can spend a pile of $$$ for a 70, 80 or 90m rated javelin but it won't land point first and you'll get very frustrated. Steel or aluminum- that's a personal choice. I've always liked steel over aluminum spears- don't even consider carbon as they don't make them in ratings under 80m (if they even make carbon 700gm models). More importantly, stick with "traditional" javelin companies: get a Polanik, Nordic, Nemeth or OTE.... the cheaper Chinese spears have very poor quality control and you could get a javelin a few inches shorter than legal or that weighs 725gms or so.