Javelin Equipment List

Javelin is a sport that often only needs these two pieces of equipment: javelin spears and javelin spikes. These items are the only things necessary to compete on any level. However, other equipment can help compete in javelin. These items are included below, and they help with safety, training, transportation, ease of competition, and setting up the competition.

What Equipment Do You Need for Javelin?

• Javelin Spears
• Javelin Spikes
• Rubber Tips
• Training Balls
• Containers
• Stop Board & Sector Template

Javelins

Javelin spears are the primary equipment needed to compete in javelin. In competition, they are thrown overhand and over the shoulder or upper arm before a line on a runway. After a spear lands, the distance of its flight is measured. There are three parts to a javelin: the shaft, the grip, the metal head, and the tip. The shaft is the bottom section, where the majority of the javelin’s body is. The grip is right above the shaft, and it is what the thrower holds when throwing the javelin. The grip is also where the center of gravity is. The metal head is the end of the javelin that has the tip at the end. The tip is what ends up piercing the ground in the competition. Also, depending on where the javelin pierces the earth, that is the point to where the distance is measured.

Javelin Spikes

Javelin spikes are the shoes you wear when competing in javelin. They are a little different from a regular track shoe in that they have spikes on the heel as well. This is so that you can easily plant your foot without slipping when throwing the javelin. There are track shoes that come with these spikes, such as the Adidas Performance Adizero Javelin Running Shoe and ASICS Javelin Pro Men’s Track and Field Shoe. A regular track shoe can also be transformed into Javelin Spikes with the addition of a J-Heel. A J-Heel is a strap with spikes on it that velcros onto the heel of the shoe, and they are allowed in competition for all states. 

Rubber Tips

For safety, rubber tips are sometimes placed at the end of the spear. These are only required from time to time, so it is essential to check the rules of the competition. There are two types of rubber tips: indoor and outdoor. Indoor tips are softer and are used to protect the walls and floors of the location. Outdoor tips are harder, used on grass, and aren’t always required.

Training Balls

Training Balls are used to improve throwing technique and arm speed. There are regular throwing balls and nocken balls; both are priced by weight. A nocken ball also has a knob that you can grip so that you can throw it more like an actual javelin. Not only that, but nocken balls can be used indoors and outdoors because they will not damage floors.

Containers

To transport sharp javelins, you need something to contain them. The main thing that you will need is a carrying bag. One option for this is a Javelin Carrying Bag With Tube, which includes a PVC tube to protect the javelins from being damaged. Another way to contain javelins is by strapping them to your car in some way. Two options for this include a Jiffy Car Rack or a Quick Strap Roof Rack.

Stop Board

A stop board is what marks the end of the runway. The end of the runway is where the javelin must be thrown for it to count. The stop board is placed here and is kept in by spikes. These are what help the thrower from going farther on the runway than allowed. They are also legal for competition.

Sector Template

The lines on this template extend to show the sector or area in which the javelin must land so that it will count and be scored. This area extends from the arched foul line, which is also the end of the runway. Included with a sector template are instructions on how to lay out the sectors. This isn’t needed to compete, but it makes setting up a meet easier for those who have that responsibility.

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