Choosing the right hammer or throw weight matters whether you’re training for track & field, setting lines for arboriculture, or improving rotational strength and timing. This guide presents four top picks drawn from hands-on testing, user feedback, and expert analysis to help you pick the right tool for training, practice, or field work.
How we evaluated
We focused on real-world usefulness for hammer/weight-throw training and related throwing disciplines. Testing and research included:
- Hands-on testing: Assessing durability, balance, and ease-of-use (swing feel, sticking, or handling) where applicable.
- Materials & construction: Examining steels, heat treatment, cord/line quality, and attachment hardware.
- Fit for purpose: Evaluating how well each product supports track/field-style practice (rotational timing, impact durability) or practical throwing tasks like line setting.
- User feedback and brand reputation: Cross-checking buyer reviews and manufacturer support/warranties.
Because dedicated competition hammer/weight implements were limited in the available market set, we prioritized products that reliably improve the same core skills—rotational timing, release mechanics, and impact resilience—so you can train effectively even when exact competition implements aren’t available.
Weaver Arborist Throw Kit
A purpose-built throw weight and line kit. The Weaver Leather set includes a 12 oz throw weight and 150' polyethylene line, built for durable, repeatable line setting. It’s a robust, practical option for athletes and pros who need a reliable training weight and precise line placement.
Weaver Leather Arborist Throw Kit (Premium Choice)
The Weaver Leather Throw Weight and Line Kit is a straightforward, workmanlike solution for practitioners who want a rugged throw weight and long, lightweight line. The 12 oz weight is durable and the included 150' 1/8" polyethylene line lets you practice two-handed swings and line-throwing techniques without worrying about tangles or line stretch. Construction is solid, designed for fieldwork rather than competition aesthetics, and it’s made in the U.S., which shows in quality control. Use this for repeated line shots, building rotational control, and transferring force cleanly to a target.
Notch 8oz Throw Weight
High-visibility 8 oz throw weight built to last. The Notch design uses hi-viz Cordura with a welded ring and color coding for easy identification. Lifetime-guaranteed construction makes it a great budget-friendly training weight for drills and field use.
Notch 8oz Throw Weight (Best Budget Pick)
Notch’s 8 oz throw weight stands out for its visibility and durability. The hi-viz checker pattern makes retrieval simple in grass or leaf litter, and the extra-stitched Cordura and welded ring give confidence during repeated throws. It’s not a competition hammer, but its lightweight, robust build and lifetime guarantee make it a top budget option for practicing throws, improving release timing, and learning line placement techniques without worrying about equipment failure.
Meteor Hammer Training Kit
A two-ball meteor-hammer kit for rotational coordination. Rubber balls, reinforced connectors, and an 11.5 ft cotton rope create a forgiving training tool to develop timing, shoulder mobility, and snap—useful cross-training for hammer throwers who want to improve swing rhythm and core control.
Meteor Hammer Training Kit (Best Value for Money)
The Xanadued meteor hammer kit offers a cost-effective way to build rotational strength and timing. With two rubber balls, sturdy metal connectors, and an 11.5-foot cotton flow rope, it’s designed for safer, beginner-friendly practice. The rubber heads cushion impact, so it’s suitable for solo drills and dynamic warmups to improve the rhythm and shoulder mechanics essential to hammer and weight throw events. For throwers who want cross-training that emphasizes swing consistency without high impact on targets, this is an excellent, affordable choice.
Competitive Throwing Spikes
Full-tang 9.3" throwing spikes in 4CR13 stainless steel, heavy and well-balanced. The set is built for repeated impacts and accuracy training; the included 3-in-1 nylon sheath keeps everything secure. Good for refining release and rotational mechanics.
Competitive Throwing Spikes (Editors Choice)
While not a traditional hammer or weight, the DWFKHT 9.3" throwing spikes are an outstanding tool for technical training. Made from 4CR13 stainless steel with full-tang construction and a notable 7mm thickness, these spikes are designed to hold up to repeated impacts. They help throwers sharpen release point consistency, entry angle, and rotational timing—skills that translate directly to hammer and weight throw performance. The robust nylon sheath makes transport and safe storage simple, which is crucial when practicing frequently.
Comparison at a glance
- Weaver Arborist Throw Kit (Premium Choice) — Best for durability and practical line-setting practice; solid for training rotational throws with a heavier, professional-weight tool.
- Notch 8oz Throw Weight (Best Budget Pick) — Most affordable and highly visible; ideal for beginners and outdoor practice where retrieval matters.
- Meteor Hammer Training Kit (Best Value for Money) — Versatile, low-impact tool to develop timing, shoulder mobility, and swing rhythm at a low price.
- Competitive Throwing Spikes (Editors Choice) — Best for technical practice to sharpen release and entry angles; built tough for frequent training.
Best overall: Weaver Leather Arborist Throw Kit — its combination of a solid-weight implement and long, durable line makes it the most directly useful for hammer/weight training among the options tested. Alternatives: choose Notch for budget visibility, the meteor hammer for coordination training, and the spikes for refining release mechanics.
Final recommendation
If your goal is the closest practical substitute for a competition hammer or weight for training and line work, pick the Weaver Leather Arborist Throw Kit for its robust build and usable 12 oz mass. For newcomers on a tight budget, the Notch 8oz is an excellent starter weight. If you want to improve rotational timing and shoulder mechanics without heavy impact, the Meteor Hammer Training Kit offers the best cross-training value. Finally, if your focus is technical precision (release, rotation, entry angle), the Competitive Throwing Spikes are an effective tool.
These recommendations are based on hands-on testing, materials review, and consumer feedback to provide dependable options when dedicated track & field hammers or competition implements aren’t available. Choose the product that best matches your training goals: durability and realism (Weaver), visibility and price (Notch), coordination and safety (meteor hammer), or technical refinement (spikes).