Shot Put Selection Guide
Shot Put Selection Guide
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.
What are the Different Types of Shot Puts
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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Highly durable
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Preferred by elite-level throwers
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Combines performance and longevity
Polanik Steel Shot Put
Description: Solid steel construction with a painted textured surface for enhanced grip.
Benefits:
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Powder-coated long long-lasting paint for grip
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Balanced weight and great feel
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Made from super strong steel
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
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 beautiful design
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Durable and dense brass
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Textured surface improves grip
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:
Men
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Ages 35–49: 7.26 kg (16 lbs)
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Ages 50–59: 6 kg
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Ages 60–69: 5 kg
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Ages 70–79: 4 kg
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Ages 80+: 3 kg
Women
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Ages 35–49: 4 kg
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Ages 50–74: 3 kg
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Ages 75+: 2 kg
View Shot Put 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
