Javelin is a thrilling sport requiring a lot of power generation and technique. For this reason, it’s easy to make mistakes that may lead to risky situations or terrible experiences. But it doesn’t have to be that way for beginners and advanced trainers.
When consumers wear the right gear, they can maximize their techniques and get that super throw—and businesses can make more sales from this demand. This article will explore five javelin throw equipment items businesses can sell in 2024.
Table of Contents
Top 5 javelin throw equipment items businesses can add to their inventories
2 cross-selling strategies to make more profit from javelin throw equipment
The bottom line
Top 5 javelin throw equipment items businesses can add to their inventories
Javelin shoes
Throwing a javelin requires a lot of force and stability, and athletes can’t get that from regular shoes. Instead, they need javelin shoes with unique designs featuring spikes in the front and heel. Why? This design gives them maximum traction and stability during the throwing motion.
Even better, javelin shoes can provide exceptional grip on various surfaces. This design allows for powerful and controlled foot plants, and athletes can transfer all that built-up energy into the throw. Additionally, javelin shoes come with sturdier construction and heavier builds than regular track spikes.
Javelin shoes also have some updates businesses must note when stocking them. For starters, some newer models are experimenting with different spike configurations and placements for better grip and traction. Some brands offer increased customization options, allowing athletes to choose different spike configurations, colors, or even personalized engravings on their shoes.
In addition, javelin shoes will have some impressive future updates. There are ongoing explorations into integrating sensors and smart technology into javelin shoes. This update could provide real-time feedback on an athlete’s technique, foot placement, and force generation, leading to more efficient training and performance optimization.
Javelin throwing ball
Do athletes want to practice their throwing techniques without using javelins? Retailers can offer them javelin-throwing balls (up to 590 searches in 2024). This equipment is the perfect training tool that won’t stress the body as much as a real javelin. Throwing balls come in two types, gripped or plain, ranging from 400g to 1kg.
Gripped javelin balls come in slightly larger sizes and are the go-to for beginners. Why? Because they can hold these balls in the ‘V’ grips (between the index and middle finger), which is the easiest for novices. People also call gripped javelin balls “Nocken or Knocken balls.”
In contrast, plain javelin balls come in cast iron, PVC, or rubber coatings. They also have a smaller diameter, so athletes can hold them in the correct javelin grip. Cast javelin balls are solid iron and have the smallest diameter. For this reason, they are the easiest to hold in the correct javelin position for realistic training—they are also available in weights up to 1.5kg.
PVC javelin balls come packed with loose lead or iron pellets instead of solid iron. They have softer shells and slight softness on impact, making them great for indoor training. Lastly, rubber-coated javelin balls feature solid iron cores encased in rubber—they are also not great for throwing at a wall.
Javelin
Throwing balls may be effective in most situations, but consumers can outgrow them. That’s where they will need actual javelins to train their throwing techniques. However, athletes may either need competition-standard javelins or training options.
Manufacturers design competition javelins (201,000 searches in May 2024) for optimal performance in official competitions. Hence, they meet specific weight and dimension regulations set by governing bodies. These javelins typically feature high-quality materials like aluminum or carbon fiber to maximize aerodynamic properties and flight distance.
While it’s possible to train with competitive javelins, they could damage the throwing area or become dull/damaged from frequent use. Thankfully, training javelins can help athletes refine and build their technique without risking damage to their competition javelins. Manufacturers make them from less expensive materials like steel or fiberglass and rubber or blunt metal tips.
Training javelins (up to 880 searches in May 2024) have become even better, with a growing range of training javelins entering the market and catering to different skill levels/training goals. Some training javelins are more beginner-friendly, with softer tips and more flexible shafts, while others focus on advanced throwers with heavier weights and stiffer constructions.
Athletic clothing
Javelin throwers typically wear lightweight and comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict their movement during the throw. Here’s what athletes usually need based on gender.
Men
Men often wear sleeveless tops made of breathable material, like polyester or mesh. These tops help regulate body temperature and wick away sweat. For the bottoms, men rock lightweight shorts, with many preferring tighter-fitting compression options for additional support.
Women
Women prefer supportive sports bras and lightweight shorts made of breathable materials. Similar to men, some women prefer compression shorts for added support. Ladies may also prefer sleeveless or crop tops in favor of sports bras.
Additional clothing
Men and women may also wear headbands and wristbands to absorb sweat or compression sleeves for muscle warmth and additional support. Some athletes also use thumb tapes and gloves for extra grip and protection for the throwing hand.
Javelin carrying bag
Javelin throw kits can get expensive, so consumers need a way to protect them from harm. That’s where javelin bags come in. They come in soft or hard variants that help keep javelins safe and in top conditions, especially during transit.
However, soft javelin bags may not offer enough protection. Hence, businesses must bundle them with hard tubes to increase protection. Consumers easily slide them into their bags and protect up to three javelins.
Modern javelin carrying bags come with compartments and pockets for better organization. Some bags feature dedicated compartments for javelins, shoes, and other accessories, while others have external pockets for water bottles and personal belongings. Plus, these bags are becoming more ergonomic, making javelin bags more comfortable.
While prioritizing durability, manufacturers use lighter materials to reduce the overall bag weight. This update makes javelin-carrying bags easy to carry and maneuver, especially when traveling long distances. This equipment garnered 320 searches in May 2024, a 20% increase from 260 in April.
2 cross-selling strategies to make more profit from javelin throw equipment
Bundle products strategically
Bundles are a great way to sell javelin throw equipment, especially those that won’t make much sales alone. For instance, businesses can create starter kits with throwing balls (or training javelins), thumb tapes, and shoes—the perfect introductory bundles. For advanced competitive spirits, retailers can bundle competitive or training javelins, carrying cases, and a choice of shoes.
Themed bundles are also effective at drawing more eyes. One great example is a “speed and power” bundle with resistance bands, weighted balls, and javelins. Alternatively, retailers can create “technique training” bundles with smaller practice javelins and technique guides.
Highlighting complementary products
Complementary products can also make the javelin-throwing experience more enjoyable for athletes. Some consumers may be interested in knee sleeves or below braces for support. Businesses can also emphasize how resistance bands, weighted balls, and other technique-focused tools can improve their javelin performance.
The bottom line
Like every other sport, javelin throw requires several pieces of equipment for the best experience. Javelin shoes give athletes the necessary stability, grip, and traction for powerful throws while throwing balls offers a less stressful way to practice. Javelins are the top equipment for competitions and training, and athletic clothing ensures consumers stay comfortable with enough support during throws.
And finally, javelin bags help customers lug their gear around in the safest way possible. These are the necessary javelin throw equipment getting all the attention in 2024. Don’t hesitate to subscribe to Alibaba’s Sports sections for the latest updates and trends.
