Not every javelin is created equal, nor should it be. If you have been around javelin long enough you might have noticed different numbers on them: 50m, 60m, 70m, 90m, 100m, etc.
“What do the numbers on a javelin mean?”
The meter rating was designed to indicate the optimal distance the javelin had to travel to land point first at about a 5 degree angle.
“If I get a 100m javelin will I throw farther?”
No. If you throw a javelin 40m, you could get by using a 50m jav. However, if you throw an 80m jav anything shy of ~70m, it will most likely land flat or tail first- resulting in a foul.
“The higher the meter rating, the stiffer the shaft”
Generally, yes this is the case. However, cheaper made javelins bend pretty much the same regardless of meter rating. The meter rating has more to do with weight distribution in the javelin. A farther throw comes from a more powerful throw, so a stiffer javelin that can hold up to those forces is needed. Therefore, this is the correlation between the meter rating (for optimal flight/landing) and stiffness (for optimal energy transfer).
“What material is best for my javelin?”
Javelins are made from aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber (as well as a few composites). Aluminum is considered the most common and affordable. This makes it a good starting point for many new jav throwers. Steel javelins tend to be skinnier than aluminum, and some athletes prefer this feel to the thicker aluminum; however, the two are very similar. Carbon fiber is 14% stronger than steel, and as a result, is rarely made in distance ratings under 70m. I feel a stiffer javelin is a bit less forgiving, so it is not optimal for inexperienced throwers.
Final Thoughts:
When I bought my first javelin in college, I still did not really have a clue what I should get. My first javelin was a 60m, aluminum javelin I bought from the “Javelin Man”- Ron Johnson. He has built javelins for a long time and is very knowledgeable. Give him a call or send him an email if you are looking to buy or rebuild/ repaint a javelin. He can answer every question you would have about what you need.
If you have any questions for me, I would be happy to help.
Free Training Guides!
Sign up for the newsletter, get your FREE eBooks, and receive weekly updates on cutting edge training information that will help take your knowledge of athletic performance to a new level.