Shot Put Selection Guide
How to Select the Best Shot Put to Buy
Best Shot Put for Youth, High School, and College – Full Guide
Whether you're a beginner thrower, a high school coach, or training for elite competition, choosing the right shot put is critical for technique, development, and meet readiness. This guide breaks down every factor—weight, size, and material to help you pick the best option.
What are the Different Types of Shot Puts
Choosing the right shot put depends on your level, surface type, and diameter preference. Here's a quick guide to the top materials and product descriptions available at Throws Pro.
Shot Put Options
Lathe Turned Iron Shot Put
Description: Precision-machined iron shot put turned on a lathe to ensure exact diameter.
Benefits:
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Excellent for training and competition
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Quality shot at a reasonable price
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Balanced and made to specifications
Carbon Steel Shot Put
Description: Precision-made, durable, and highly balanced. One of the best value shots on the market.
Benefits:
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Durable, solid, and affordable
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Perfectly balanced for clean releases
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Top selection for high school throwers
Nordic Valhalla Shot Put
Description: Machined and balanced with ductile iron, the strongest iron material used in shot construction.
Benefits:
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Amazing grip
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Preferred by elite-level throwers
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Combines performance and longevity
4k (103mm 109mm) | 12 pound 116mm | 16 pound (7.26k) 125mm 129mm
Polanik Steel Shot Put
Description: Solid steel with a painted textured surface for enhanced grip.
Benefits:
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Powder-coated long-lasting paint for grip
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Balanced weight and great feel
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Made from durable steel
4k 95mm 105mm 108mm | 12 pounds 116mm | 16 pound (7.26k) 125mm 128mm
Nishi Steel Shot Put
Description: Handcrafted steel shot put, meticulously balanced. Trusted by some of the top throwers in the world.
Benefits:
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Premium craftsmanship
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Extremely well balanced
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Choice International Champion Throwers
4k 109mm | 16 pound (7.26k) 129mm
Brass (Nordic) Shot Put
Description: Stunning matte sand-blasted finish creates a grippy surface for excellent hand contact.
Benefits:
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Small diameter shot with a beautiful design
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Durable and dense brass
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Textured surface improves grip
View Brass Shot Puts (4k 100mm | 16 pounds (7.26k 115mm)
Cast Iron/Iron
Description: Basic, solid iron construction. Most commonly used for training purposes.
Benefits:
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Affordable price
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Ideal for training
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Complies with federation diameter rules
Shot Put Weights FAQ
Q: What is the standard weight for high school girls' shot put?
A: High school girls in the U.S. throw a 4-kilogram (8.8 pounds) shot put. This is also the standard weight for women’s collegiate competitions. View 4 Kilo Options
Q: What is the standard weight for high school boys' shot put?
A: High school boys use a 12-pound (5.44 kilograms) shot put, following NFHS competition rules. View 12 Pound Options
Q: What is the standard weight for men’s collegiate and professional shot put?
A: Male athletes at the collegiate and professional level throw a 16-pound (7.26 kilograms) shot put. View 16 Pound Options
Q: What weight shot put do middle school athletes use?
A: Shot put weights for middle school/junior high vary by state.
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Most common boys and girls throw a 4-kilogram shot
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In some states, girls throw a 6-pound shot
Q: What weight shot put do youth athletes use?
A: Youth shot put weights vary by age and governing body (e.g., USATF, AAU):
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8 & under: 2 kg (4.4 lbs)
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Ages 9–12: 6 lbs
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Girls 13–14: 6 lbs
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Boys 13–14: 4 kg
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Girls 15–18: 4 kg
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Boys 15–18: 12 lbs
Q: What weight shot put do Masters athletes use?
A: Master's division shot put weights vary by age group:
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Men Ages 35–49: 7.26 kg (16 lbs)
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Men Ages 50–59: 6 kg
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Men Ages 60–69: 5 kg
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Men Ages 70–79: 4 kg
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Men Ages 80+: 3 kg
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Women Ages 35–49: 4 kg
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Women Ages 50–74: 3 kg
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Women Ages 75+: 2 kg
View Shot Put Options
View Most Popular 4 Kilo Options
View Most Popular 12 Pound Options
View Most Popular 16 Pound Options
Indoor Shot Put Options
Indoor Hardshell: plastic mold filled with lead and other material; slightly larger than outdoor shots
Indoor Tungsten: dense tungsten filled inside a thick indoor plastic shell to match the outdoor diameter shot
