Javelin Types and Javelin Spikes

[Nick]

My son U13 throws a 400g Javelin and I thought about buying him one however looking at the various sites there appears to be Javelins rated at 30m and others at 40m. What is the difference?! It's not just the 400g Javelin's it appears to be across the board.

Coming back from training last night he asked what do Javelin spikes do? i.e. he uses ordinary spikes at the minute.

Thanks for any info

Nick

[JB]

Hi Nick,

In all the weight catagories Javelins are rated as per the distance of the thrower. The javelins can be aerodynamically designed to give specific flight characteristics to help the thrower. For instance in adult javelins you can buy ones specific for headwinds or tailwinds. The ratings of 30m and 40mn means that when a 40m javelin is thrown by a athlete who's abilities are close to that level it will fall to ground point first.

If you buy a javelin that is rated way below the standard of your sons pb it will not help him throw
further as it will begin to stall and fall to the ground. on the flip side if you buy a javelin rated way above his level he will find it hard to land point first and will foul, these javelins often need a harder throw with more height to land legally. Its not an exact science, and i must admit im new to the sport and the other guys on the site may be able to add more, but i would suggest if you are going to buy one to buy one rated a few meters above your sons pb... but be aware they are expensive things and as he gets older they get more expensive !

Javelin spikes are a good idea as they provide extra support for the ankle and help stop the foot moving forward in the spike when the left foot (if your sons a right handed thrower) hits the deck. this is why most javelin spikes are boots with cross straps above the laces. The second and most important difference is in the spikes themselves. Javelins spikes are longer for more grip and safety and also javelin boots always have a set of four spikes on heal. this is very very important and throwing in normal spikes without heal spikes is dangerous because your sons right foot will/may land heal first as he jumps into the throw and it may slip without the spikes.

On the spike front they are also often expensive but a cheaper alternative is a plastic implement called a 'J' heal. this fits over the heal of standard spikes and converts them to javelin spikes giving the extra four spikes in the heal, making them safer. These are very cheap and available from quite a few places. Have a look in our suppliers section of this site and try neuff for the 'j'heal as i know they supply them. with respect to the javelin there are a number of suppliers out there but if you have a look at this company

www.selectsportsequipment.co.uk

they will be able to give you a 5% discount if you quote the offer code JC1 and mention this website. im not sure if all there site is up and running yet but if you cant find what you want give them a call and they will help you out.

i hope this has all helped, any more questions just ask

cheers

John

[Nick]

John,

Thank you!

I guess the answer is to try one out though that is probably easier said than done. He currently throws somewhere in the middle of the two ranges. I had wondered whether the "longer" distance ones were illegal in competition or something. I guess from what you say the balance point must be weighted futher back in the Javelin?

I looked for spikes and found www.sportfitness.co.uk selling Asics at £14.99 (there are some for 9.99) for a size 7 so I'll let you know how we get on.

Thanks again

Nick

[JB]

HI again Nick,

I have just spoke to select sports (07717 847234) as the throws section of there website is not finished yet. They can supply you with 400g javelins no problem. On the spike front they dont supply clothing or footware. But i have just got this mornings copy of athletics weekly and there is a sale on at bourne sports including a few javelin spikes at less than half price (not all sizes left) if you go to the link below it will give you an idea of the spikes around

www.bournesports.com/~sa_webapp/run.asp?page=7510

please note though that the prices here are wrong as they are cheaper on the back of athletics weekly (should be in wh smith from tommorow) for instance the nike spikes in AW are reduced from £139 to £45 and there are also 2 reeboks (one at £30) and a set of addidas javelin (old model). have a good look through the websites in the suppliers section though as depended on your sons shoe size there can be some real bargains out there.... i have seen some £140 assics on one website (sorry forgot which one) for £15 last pair in the past !

also heres the link to the 'j'heal at neuff, there a little more expensive than i remember (£17) but you only need one not a pair, so still cheaper than spikes

www.neuff.co.uk/spikes.html

happy hunting and good luck

[JB]

£15 for asics is excellent i would snap them up... i thinks that actually the site i just mentioned in the last message.

good luck with the javelins and hope your son throws well

cheers

[motherhen]

I recommend the J heel. Not only can it be used for high jump and javelin but it also is one size fits all. Especially useful with growing feet. I used one until I was 16.

I guess it depend how much you want to pay, how often and whether your sure it isnt a passing whim.

[Lovett]

Hi Nick

To be honest its probably best not to buy a 400gram jav unless its really needed for training purposes, depending on how old your son is he will soon be moving to the u15 age group where they throw 600gram javs and it would be better to buy one of those as there many different varitations, the 400gram javs that are sold will be pretty much the same as the ones your son uses in competitions, whereas a good 40/50m rated 600gram could give you a good 4/5 extra metres over a standard 600gram.

Regarding boots its good for anyone keen on javelin to get some boots, especially for when its raining as it can be dangerous throwing in normal spikes or traininers when its wet.

[Nick]

All,

John I have placed an order due for delivery tomorrow so if it works out I'll post an update on the supplier.

ALovett I shall take you advice and wait until he is at the U15 age group what you are saying makes sense.

The Javelin is a real and first sporting passion of my son and being a sad Dad I wanted to encourage the throwing, having only been involved now for under a year he is still enjoying it and unbelieveably cannot wait to get to training! We are lucky in that we have an excellent coach locally.

Nick