700g Javelins are changing!

2025 will bring a new design and specification for 700g javelins.

In a move similar to the redesigns of 800g and 600g javelins in 1986 and 1999 respectively, World Athletics has announced that 700g javelins would be adapted to move the Centre of Gravity (CoG) and Centre of Pressure (CoP) of 700g javelins*. 

Why are 700g javelins changing?

World Athletic has stated the change in specifications for 700g javelins is being introduced for 2 reasons. 

1. To increase the likelihood of the javelin landing tip down and so reduce no-throws and disputes 
2. To bring the javelins in-line with the 600g and 800g javelin Centre of Gravity and Centre of Pressure.

This may also make the transition between javelin weights smoother when changing age-groups.

When are the 700g javelins changing?

The change is due to take effect from 1st April 2025, which is the start of the 2025 summer competition year. 

World Athletics had announced that Nordic Sport would create and test new-specification javelins in Spring 2023, but this was delayed and testing should now begin in Spring 2024.  Nemeth are also expected to be involved in the testing process during 2024.

It is therefore possible that the implementation date will also be delayed, for example to April 2026, to allow plenty of time for the javelins to be fully tested, consultations with throwers, coaches and officials, and designs to be finalised.  The javelins will then have to be manufactured and all 700g javelin stocks replaced.

Who is impacted by the new 700g javelin specifications?

700g javelins are thrown by men in the U17 and Masters 50-59yr age groups. 

U17 men includes people aged 15 or 16 on 31/08 in the competition yr (1st October to 30th September), so this is normally children in School Years 10 and 11.

If the new rules come in on 1st April 2025, this will mean the changes come into force for children who are currently in school years 9 or 10.

But the rules change for summer competition season, which is 01/04- 30/09. So whilst javelin is not often included in indoor competitions, if you plan to compete over the winter season (01/10/2024-31/03/2025) you will need a current (old) spec javelin.

To complicate matters further, UKA has confirmed they will change the age categories to U12, U14, U16 and U18.  This is planned to come into effect from 1st April 2026 and will surely also have an effect on who uses 700g javelins and at what age.   

When will the new 700g javelins be available?

The new specifications for javelins are due come into effect from 1st April 2025, although this may be delayed as testing is currently almost a year behind schedule.

We do not yet know when the new spec javelins will be available for sale. As the prototypes and testing have been delayed to 2024, it is possible that the javelins will not be released until shortly before the change-over if the date doesn't get pushed back. We will update this blog as we find out more.

What if I need a 700g javelin now?

We still have stock of current rules 700g javelins, and these are all available at reduced cost to reflect the upcoming changes. 

Many people invest in a good 700g javelin for their second year U17, thinking they will be able to recoup some of the cost by reselling the javelin second hand once it is outgrown. This is likely to be difficult after April 2025, so bear this in mind when buying a 700g javelin in 2024 for your U17.

You might consider purchasing a second-hand javelin for 2024 instead. There are a number of Facebook selling groups for javelins which are worth a look. Make sure you check for damage (e.g. dents, bends or loose grip) before purchasing. Remember to check second hand prices are below our discounted prices!

Masters athletes looking to upgrade their javelin would probably be advised to delay their purchase until the new javelins are available.

If you have a good 700g javelin that you no longer use, now is probably a good time to get it on ebay or Facebook marketplace! 

Can current specification 700g javelins be converted to the new rules?

As the manufacturers have not yet completed testing, they do not fully understand how the changes will affect the design and manufacturing. Therefore they cannot yet answer that question. 

We are in touch with major manufacturers and will be offering refurbishments if possible. This would save a lot of javelins from being thrown away, and save a lot of environmental and financial cost, so we have fingers crossed it will be feasible.  However, we suspect it is unlikely to be the case.

*Source: Competition and Technical Rule Amendments August 2, World Athletics, TR38.10, P54