How to choose a shot

Manufacturing differences between types of shot:

Cast:

• Manufactured by pouring hot metal into a mould, like a cannon ball
• Standard diameter across all shot of a particular weight
• Slightly textured surface
• Usually painted
• Slightly more energy-intensive process than cast implements

Conquest:

• Manufactured by turning a larger ball of iron to the required size by cutting it on the lathe
• Has a small plug point which is where the metal was attached to the lathe
• Slightly smoother surface than cast
• Painted

Classic

• Manufactured by turning a larger ball of iron to the required size by cutting it on the lathe
• Has a small plug point which is where the metal was attached to the lathe
• Variety of diameters within the same weight, from 76mm (1kg) to 128mm (7.26kg)
• Slightly smoother surface than cast
• Painted

Steel

• Manufactured by turning a larger ball of steel to the required size
• Has a small plug point which is where the metal was attached to the lathe
• Variety of diameters within the same weight, from 85mm (3kg) to 129mm (7.26kg)
• Can be manufactured to smaller diameters due to the dense weight of the steel
• Turned steel has a harder shell than turned iron.
• Painted

Stainless Steel

• Manufactured by turning a larger ball of stainless steel to the required size
• Has a small plug point which is where the metal was attached to the lathe
• Variety of diameters within the same weight, from 97mm(3kg) to 129mm (7.26kg)
• Extremely smooth metal surface

Usage differences between types of shot:

Cast:

• Excellent beginner and training implement
• Available in a range of colours exclusive to Neuff
• Consistent diameter makes it ideal for clubs, schools and stadia who want standard implements for all athletes
• Cast iron will chip and then corrode slightly over time, particularly if thrown on stony surfaces. This can leave the surface rougher, although the shot itself is likely to last for many years if correctly cleaned and maintained.

Conquest:

• Excellent beginner and training implement
• Available in a range of colours exclusive to Neuff
• Consistent diameter makes it ideal for clubs, schools and stadia who want standard implements for all athletes
• The slightly smoother painted finish still takes grip product well and is relatively non-slip

Classic

• The different diameter options allow the athlete to choose the right sized shot for their grip. The putting grip is different to holding a ball for throwing, so it is important to get advice on the right size.  Generally a slightly larger shot is more likely to be held correctly, but a too-large shot will slip from the hand and can cause injury.
• The slightly smoother painted finish still takes grip product well and is relatively non-slip

Steel

• The different diameter options allow the athlete to choose the right sized shot for their grip. The putting grip is very different to holding a ball for throwing, so it is important to get advice on the right size.  Generally a slightly larger shot is more likely to be held correctly, but a too-large shot will slip from the hand and can cause injury.
• The shell of a steel shot is harder, so this is a good choice if the shot will be put into a stony area or kept alongside lots of other shot.
• The smaller diameters can be particularly useful for para athletes.
• The slightly smoother painted finish still takes grip product well and is relatively non-slip

Stainless Steel

• The different diameter options allow the athlete to choose the right sized shot for their grip. The putting grip is very different to holding a ball for throwing, so it is important to get advice on the right size.  Generally a slightly larger shot is more likely to be held correctly, but a too-large shot will slip from the hand and can cause injury.
• The extremely smooth surface can make these more prone to slipping in damp hands than painted or turned steel/iron shot, particularly as the lathe-marks wear down over time. This may mean they don’t hold chalk as well, so they may work better with alternative grip products such as Neuff’s secret-recipe Venice Turps.
• Stainless Steel shot are softer and therefore more prone to damage if thrown on stony ground or stored poorly.

Some weights/diameters of the Classic, Steel and Stainless Steel shot are certified by World Athletics (IAAF) for use in international competitions, whereas some are not.  It is important to check your specific implement if you intend to compete internationally.  All the above shot are suitable for national level competition (i.e. UKA rules in the UK)

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