Sports
700g Javelin Changes | New specification for 2025 — Neuff Athletic Equipment
A new design and specification for 700g javelins is being introduced on 1st November 2025.
In a move similar to the redesigns of 800g and 600g javelins in 1986 and 1999 respectively, World Athletics has announced changes 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.
- To increase the likelihood of the javelin landing tip down and so reduce no-throws and disputes
- 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 was originally due to take effect from 1st April 2025, which is the start of the 2025 summer competition year.
However, due to several manufacturers currently experiencing stock issues, a seven month grace period was granted by World Athletics to help all involved be fully prepared for the new rule change.
With that being said, both old and new spec javelins can now be used for competitions until November 1st. After this date, the current spec javelins will no longer be accepted by officials and event organisers.
Nordic Sport and Nemeth have been involved in designing and testing the new-specification javelins, which have now been completed and signed off.
WA certification is complete for Polanik and Nemeth, and nearly complete for Nordic javelins. Polanik and Nemeth javelins are now in stock and available to purchase, and Nordic javelins are expected to be available to purchase very soon.
What new 700g javelins are available?
Nemeth
Nemeth has replaced their 700g Special javelin range with a new Nemeth ACE 700g Javelin range. The new Nemeth ACE is available in 90m, 80m, 70m and 60m distance ratings, all World Athletics Certified.
Nordic
Nordic is manufacturing Comet, Viking, Master, Super Elite and Valhalla javelins in 700g. The Valhalla is still pending certification. All other models are in production and will be available soon. All will be World Athletics Certified.
Polanik
Polanik is updating their Air Flyer, Sky Challenger and Space Master javelins in 700g. All are World Athletics Certified.
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.
The rules will change for summer competition season, which is 01/04- 30/09. So whilst javelin is not often included in winter competitions, if you are competing this winter season (01/10/2024-31/03/2025) you will need a current (old) spec javelin.
To complicate matters slightly, UKA has confirmed they will change the age categories to U12, U14, U16 and U18 from 1st April 2026. From this date, 700g javelins will be used by the U18 mens group, i.e. boys who are aged either 16 or 17 on 31st August in that competition year. This is normally children in school years 11 and 12.
(Click here for the technical information about the new age groups, including throwing implement weights)
When will the new 700g javelins be available?
Polanik and Nemeth javelins are now in stock.
Nordic has received WA certification for all their javelins except the Valhalla and is now manufacturing the certified javelins. We hope these will be available in the next few weeks. There will probably be a longer wait for the Valhalla model.
How can I get a new spec 700g javelin?
All 700g javelins are available to order now – simply click this link.
Don’t stress about getting a new javelin in time for April 2025 – order now and we’ll send it as soon as they are available!
What if I need a 700g javelin now?
700g javelins are now in stock for Polanik and Nemeth. We hope to have Nordic in stock soon. So buy one now and start training with the new spec ready for April!
We do not have any old-spec 700g javelins.
If you need a 700g javelin for the 2024/5 winter season, it is best to borrow one from a friend or local club. Or 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.
Masters athletes looking to upgrade their javelin would be advised to delay their purchase until the new javelins are available.
Can current specification 700g javelins be converted to the new rules?
It is unlikely to be possible to convert current javelins to the new specifications.
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.
We are investigating recycling options, and will update this page as and when we have more information.
Old 700g javelins will be able to be used for training purposes.
*Source: Competition and Technical Rule Amendments August 2, World Athletics, TR38.10, P54
