Hammer Throw Buying Guide

There are several options when buying a hammer for competition or training. Choosing the best hammer for sale depends on the athlete's age, experience, competition level, and budget. Whether you need the best hammer for beginners or want to know what weight hammer high school and college throwers use, this guide helps you choose the right hammer for safe training and competitive success. It covers everything from turned iron hammers to Olympic-grade Nishi competition models, with recommendations based on experience level, throwing distance, and performance goals.

Recommendations from Coach Scott Cappos, Big Ten Coach for 25 years at Iowa and Nebraska.

Quick Answer

Most high school athletes start with a turned iron or Polanik steel hammer. Collegiate and competitive-level throwers typically move to Polanik stainless steel. The Nishi is the benchmark for elite and international competition.

Turned Iron Hammer

Ideal for practice and competition for less-experienced athletes.

• Durable turned iron ball, steel wire, and aluminum handle
• Available in various weights for heavy-light training
• Best for developmental-level athletes

Best for: Beginners & developmental athletes

Polanik Steel Hammer Most Popular

Ideal balance between performance and value. The top choice for most competitive high school and collegiate throwers.

• Smallest diameter steel ball available
• Aluminum wire and handle included
• Available in 4 kilo, 12 lb, 6 kilo, and 7.26 kilo

Best for: Mid-to-upper high school & collegiate throwers

Stainless Steel Hammers (Polanik & Thrower X)

Durable stainless steel construction with a small-diameter ball for maximum rotational speed.

• High-quality wire and aluminum handle
• Available in 4 kilo, 12 lb, 6 kilo, and 7.26 kilo
• Best competition use for national-level hammer throwers

Best for: National-level & elite competitors

Nishi Hammer Elite

Considered the best hammer in the world. Trusted by Olympic champions across multiple Games.

• Lightweight aluminum handle
• Galvanized steel wire
• Optimized center of gravity
• Ultra-fast rotating swivel
• Available in 4 kilo and 7.26 kilo

Best for: Olympic & international competition

Coaching Insight from Throws Pro

Heavy-light training at competition diameter is one of the most proven methods for adding distance in the hammer. We carry training hammers in a full range of weights to support this system at every level.

Not sure which hammer fits your athlete?

Contact us: sales@throwspro.com or call (402) 318-1070.