Javelin throw is one of the most popular Olympic sports. It is viewed by many people all around the world. It is a sporting event that focuses on the form, technique and strength of the athletes.
It is a great sport that has aspired many young athletes to take part in it. The key piece of equipment needed to practice for this game is – a throwing javelin. So, we need to know how much does a throwing javelin cost?
Practicing javelin throw is essential in order to become a good player. To do so, an athlete will need the same kind of javelin that they would be using in the real event.
So, they need to buy the best javelin for their practice. A good javelin thrower knows the right form and technique. They also know how much force has to be applied and how much momentum needs to be shifted from the body to the javelin.
This can only be learnt by consistent and intense practice sessions. There are different kinds of javelins and each different has different dimensions. Quite naturally, different javelins have different costs, though the range is pretty much the same. So, before getting to know about the price range of the javelins, let us talk about the different kinds of javelins there are, there dimensions and then the cost that they bear.
Types Of Javelins
Javelins for men – The javelins for men are between 8 feet 6 inches to 8 feet 10 inches. The weight is around 28 ounces. This is the standard dimension of the javelin and is followed along all the stages of the competitions and at all levels. There is no different category for children officially. Though some schools use shorter javelins to help young kids learn the form and technique of this amazing game.
When it comes to the different kinds of javelins for women, then the javelins are usually 7 feet 3 inches to 7 feet 7 inches long. They are around 21 ounces and overall smaller than the javelins for men. As is the case with the javelins for men, the javelins for women are also of the same dimensions, whatever be the level of the event organised. These are the 2 main kinds of javelins used in the sport about which, every aspiring athlete should know.
We will now talk about the 2 general types of javelins. These are the headwind and the tailwind. Both these are different in some aspects, with most people opting for the headwind whenever the need arises.
In layman terms, a headwind javelin is great because it is able to “fight the wind.” As you would suspect, a javelin can be susceptible to the wind affecting it and so this type of javelin is popular with athletes because of its ability to not be easily influenced by the wind.
So as an athlete you will be needing a javelin that has a larger shape so that it can counter the effects of wind. To understand this better, let us have a look at the diameter of the 2 types of javelins.
The tailwind javelin has a diameter of 1.5 inches while the headwind javelin has a diameter of 2 inches. Since it has a bigger diameter the headwind javelin can counter the wind more smoothly and with ease.
Tailwind javelins, as you can guess, are smaller in size. Both kinds of javelins have a rubber tip at both ends. This is done as a safety precaution. However whenever I competed, I used steel tipped javelins and this not only made it heavier, it made it easier to stick in the ground.
Another important aspect of a javelin is its rating. Every javelin has a rating and it can help a player decide whether or not to buy a particular javelin for practice. The rating of the javelin is useful in determining how “stiff” the javelin is. When an athlete throws a javelin, it bends in the air. The amount or the degree to which the javelin can bend is measured by the rating of that javelin.
The Rating Of The Javelin
Usually the javelins are rated between 35 to 100. 35 rating javelin is mostly used by women. Even in women’s javelin, this low rating is mostly meant for beginners.
A low rating helps the javelin fly better and reduces the stress put on the elbow drastically. The athlete can make a better effort without wasting much energy. That is the reason low rating javelins are great for people who are new to the game.
As the rating of the javelin starts going up, the javelins starts becoming stiffer. These kinds of javelins are suited more to expert or experienced competitors. Athletes who have had quiet a bit of practice over the years and know how to account for the wind effect. However even the most experienced javelin throwers can be thrown off by a freak wind. Has happened to me more than once!
These javelins should not be used by athletes who are new to the game. There are many difficulties that will be faced by a novice when they use such javelins.
An improper throw of a high rated javelin will do 2 things. The very first thing is that the javelin will go in the wrong direction. It will fly in the direction the tip is going. This will result in lost distance. All the efforts of the player will go in vain. This can lead to foul throws, make sure to read my article on foul throws in competitive javelin to find out more.
Another point to be kept in mind is that the improper throwing of the high rated javelin can result in an elbow injury. If there are such issues, why do players go for high rates javelins?
Well, the answer to that lies in the use of proper techniques and forms. When thrown properly a high rated javelin can travel longer distances as compared to a low rated javelin. It will glide across the air smoothly and allow the player to give their best, without putting too much strain on them. This is the reason the players with more experience tend to go for javelins which have a higher rating.
We have discussed the different kinds of javelins. We have discussed the differences between the javelins for men and those meant for women. The ratings of the different javelins and the way they can affect the choice of the buyers have also been discussed.
We will now talk about the costs of the different javelins. Bear in mind that the cost of the javelins depends up on the brand and the type of the javelin.
Cost Of A Throwing Javelin
There are many factors to take into consideration when it comes to the cost of the javelin. We have already looked at the different types of javelins and their ratings. Below you will find some typical prices of javelins;
- A training javelin with rubber tip will cost you around 80 $ to 100 $.
- A competition javelin with rubber tip will cost around 150 $.
- A competition javelin with steel tip will cost around 20-25 $ more, making the amount to be around 175 $ to 180 $.
- An air flyer competition javelin will cost you around 200 $.
- A sky challenger javelin will cost you around 200 $ to 220 $.
- A carbon fibre javelin will cost around 700 $.
An elite rubber tip javelin will cost around 200 $. An elite javelin will be used by more experienced players. It has a better grip and higher rating as compared to the competition javelins.
Training javelins will cost you less and will have a considerably low rating. They will be starting from around 50 $ and can range as high as 150 $. As an aspiring athlete you should pick the one which offers a better grip.
An elite javelin should be picked up on the basis of its rating. It should be stiff and should offer a nice grip to the player. Some amount of difference also exists due to the colour of the javelin but it is not of much significance.
These are the costs of different kinds of javelins. You should know which level of expertise you belong to and choose the javelins accordingly. Javelin throw is a great sport and starting with the right javelins for practice, is the way to become better at it!