Shot Put Selection 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 covers every factor — weight, size, and material — to help you pick the best option.
What Are the Different Types of Shot Puts?
Use this table to compare materials at a glance:
| Material | Construction | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast Iron | Molded iron, basic construction | Training, beginners, JV programs | $ |
| Lathe Turned Iron | Machine-turned for exact diameter | Training & competition, all levels | $$ |
| Carbon Steel | Solid steel alloy, precision balanced | HS competition, best value | $$ |
| Polanik Steel | Powder-coated painted steel surface | HS & collegiate competition | $$ |
| Nordic Valhalla | Ductile iron, imported from Sweden | Varsity, collegiate, elite | $$$ |
| Nishi Steel | Handcrafted, meticulously balanced | Elite & international competition | $$$ |
| Brass (Nordic) | Dense brass, matte sand-blasted finish | Small diameter preference, elite | $$$ |
Shot Put Options
Cast Iron / Iron
Basic solid iron construction. Most commonly used for training and entry-level programs.
- Affordable price, ideal for training
- Complies with federation diameter rules
Lathe Turned Iron
Precision-machined iron turned on a lathe to ensure exact diameter.
- Excellent for training and competition
- Quality shot at a reasonable price
- Balanced and made to specifications
Carbon Steel
Precision-made, durable, and highly balanced. One of the best value shots on the market.
- Durable, solid, and affordable
- Perfectly balanced for clean releases
- Top selection for high school throwers
Polanik Steel
Solid steel with a painted textured surface for enhanced grip.
- Powder-coated long-lasting paint for grip
- Balanced weight and great feel
- Made from durable steel
View Polanik Shot Puts — 4k (95mm, 105mm, 108mm) | 12 lb (116mm) | 16 lb (125mm, 128mm)
Nordic Valhalla (Ductile Iron)
Machined and balanced with ductile iron — the strongest iron material used in shot construction, imported from Sweden.
- Amazing grip preferred by elite-level throwers
- Extremely durable, combines performance and longevity
View Nordic Shot Puts — 4k (103mm, 109mm) | 12 lb (117mm) | 16 lb (125mm, 129mm)
Nishi Steel
Handcrafted steel, meticulously balanced. Trusted by some of the top throwers in the world.
- Premium craftsmanship, extremely well balanced
- Choice of international champion throwers
Brass (Nordic)
Stunning matte sand-blasted finish creates a grippy surface for excellent hand contact. Small diameter, dense brass construction.
- Durable and dense brass, textured surface improves grip
- Beautiful design, small diameter
View Brass Shot Puts — 4k (100mm) | 16 lb (115mm)
Shot Put Weights FAQ
What is the standard weight for high school girls?
4 kilograms (8.8 lb) — also the standard for college women. View 4 Kilo Options
What is the standard weight for high school boys?
12 pounds (5.44 kg) under NFHS rules. View 12 Pound Options
What is the standard weight for collegiate and professional men?
16 pounds (7.26 kg). View 16 Pound Options
What weight do middle school athletes use?
Varies by state. Most common is 4 kilograms for both boys and girls; some states use 6 pounds for girls.
What weight do youth athletes use?
What weight do Masters athletes use?
