700g Javelins are changing!

A new design and specification for 700g javelins is being introduced on 1st April 2025.

In a move similar to the redesigns of 800g and 600g javelins in 1986 and 1999 respectively, World Athletics has announced changes to move the Centre of Gravity (CoG) and Centre of Pressure (CoP) of 700g javelins. 

Why are 700g javelins changing?

World Athletic has stated the change in specifications for 700g javelins is being introduced for 2 reasons. 

1. To increase the likelihood of the javelin landing tip down and so reduce no-throws and disputes 
2. To bring the javelins in-line with the 600g and 800g javelin Centre of Gravity and Centre of Pressure.

This may also make the transition between javelin weights smoother when changing age-groups.

When are the 700g javelins changing?

The change is due to take effect from 1st April 2025, which is the start of the 2025 summer competition year. 

Nordic Sport and Nemeth have been involved in designing and testing the new-specification javelins, which have now been completed and signed off.  Both Nemeth and Nordic are awaiting WA certification for their new 700g javelins, which are expected to be available to purchase at the end of 2024 or early 2025.  

Polanik has javelins in manufacture now and are expected to be available in late October 2024.  However, they will not be WA certified for a few months more, so these early javelins will be suitable for training and local competitions.  WA certified javelins should be available in early 2025.

What new 700g javelins will be available?

Nemeth

Nemeth has confirmed they are replacing their 700g Special javelin range with a new Nemeth ACE 700g Javelin range.  The new Nemeth ACE will be available in 90m, 80m, 70m and 60m distance ratings and will all be World Athletics Certified.  Manufacturing is starting in November 2024.

Nordic and Polanik

We will update this blog as we receive more details from the manufacturers. 

Who is impacted by the new 700g javelin specifications?

700g javelins are thrown by men in the U17 and Masters 50-59yr age groups. 

U17 men includes people aged 15 or 16 on 31/08 in the competition yr (1st October to 30th September), so this is normally children in School Years 10 and 11.

As the new rules are expected to commence on 1st April 2025, this will mean the changes come into force for children who are currently in school years 10 or 11.

The rules will change for summer competition season, which is 01/04- 30/09. So whilst javelin is not often included in indoor competitions, if you plan to compete this winter season (01/10/2024-31/03/2025) you will need a current (old) spec javelin.

To complicate matters further, UKA has confirmed they will change the age categories to U12, U14, U16 and U18 from 1st April 2026.  This will also have an effect on who uses 700g javelins and at what age.   

When will the new 700g javelins be available?

Manufacturers have stated that the new spec javelins will be available from late 2024 or early 2025.  The confirmed designs are currently awaiting WA certification and being manufactured.

How can I get a new spec 700g javelin?

We are offering pre-orders for new-spec 700g javelins at a 10% discount on our standard retail price.  Reserve your javelin for a deposit of just £100 before 30th November 2024 to be eligible for the 10% discount.  This will also ensure you are first in line for the new javelins as soon as they become available.

Don't stress about getting a new javelin in time for April 2025 - pre-order now and save!

What if I need a 700g javelin now?

We do not have any old-spec 700g javelins. 

You might consider purchasing a second-hand javelin for 2024 instead. There are a number of Facebook selling groups for javelins which are worth a look. Make sure you check for damage (e.g. dents, bends or loose grip) before purchasing.

Masters athletes looking to upgrade their javelin would probably be advised to delay their purchase until the new javelins are available.

If you have a good 700g javelin that you no longer use, now is your last chance to get it on ebay or Facebook marketplace! 

Can current specification 700g javelins be converted to the new rules?

It is unlikely to be possible to convert current javelins to the new specifications. 

We are in touch with major manufacturers and will be offering refurbishments if possible. This would save a lot of javelins from being thrown away, and save a lot of environmental and financial cost, so we have fingers crossed it will be feasible.  However, we suspect it is unlikely to be the case.

We are investigating recycling options, and will update this page as and when we have more information.

*Source: Competition and Technical Rule Amendments August 2, World Athletics, TR38.10, P54