Track and Field Equipment — Buyer's Guide
Starting Blocks
Starting blocks are available across a full range of competition levels, from scholastic models for high school programs to elite and competition-grade blocks used at the collegiate and invitational level. The primary specification variables are pedal adjustability, track spike compatibility, and frame rigidity under load. Scholastic and competition blocks differ primarily in pedal angle range, foot plate material, and overall frame construction — programs competing under NFHS rules should confirm block specifications meet current legal standards before purchasing.
The Starting Block Cart is available for programs managing a large block inventory across multiple lanes and events, providing a mobile storage and transport solution that keeps blocks organized and off the track surface between races.
Hurdles
Training hurdles are available in foam, X-trainer, and junior configurations suitable for introductory and developmental programs. Foam training hurdles eliminate the injury risk associated with rigid hurdle frames during early-stage technique development and are appropriate for middle school and beginning high school hurdlers. The PORTaPIT X-Trainer hurdle provides adjustable height settings for multi-athlete training across different event distances and hurdle heights. Junior training hurdles are sized for youth and middle school competition dimensions.
Programs sourcing hurdles for competition should confirm height and weight specifications against NFHS or NCAA standards for the relevant event and gender division before ordering.
Shot Puts
Shot puts are available in turned iron, steel, and rubber constructions across all standard competition weights — 4K, 5.44K (12 lb), 12 lb, and 16 lb — to cover boys and girls divisions at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels. Scholastic shot puts are an economical option for practice inventory where multiple athletes are training simultaneously and individual implement wear is a consideration. Indoor rubber shot puts are available for programs running indoor track seasons where hard implements would damage gymnasium flooring.
Gym chalk and magnesium carbonate are stocked for programs that require grip enhancement during throws training and competition.
Discus
Discus options include rubber, poplar wood, and lo-spin configurations in standard competition weights for scholastic and collegiate use. Rubber discus are appropriate for introductory and practice use, providing durability on hard surfaces and reduced risk of damage to the implement or the throwing circle. Wood and composite discus are standard for competition use at the high school and collegiate level. Lo-spin models are designed to provide a more stable flight path for developing throwers who have not yet achieved consistent spin technique.
The shot and discus carrier bag is available for programs that need to transport implements between the storage facility and the throwing area without individual handling.
Pole Vault and High Jump Standards
Pole vault standards are available in competition and essentials configurations. Competition pole vault standards are built to meet NFHS and NCAA specifications for official competition, with adjustable box depth settings and uprights rated for full-speed vault loads. Essentials-grade standards are appropriate for programs in the developmental phase of building a pole vault program where competition-grade infrastructure is not yet required.
Competition high jump standards provide adjustable crossbar height settings across the full range of scholastic and collegiate competition heights. Bar rest pins are available separately for facilities replacing worn or bent hardware on existing standard installations. Programs installing new pole vault or high jump pits should confirm pit dimensions and landing zone requirements with their state athletic association before purchasing standards.
Track Protectors
Track protectors prevent surface damage to rubberized synthetic tracks when non-track activities — football, soccer, band, graduation, and other events — take place on or adjacent to the track surface. Cross-over zone protectors cover the track in areas where foot traffic from adjacent field activities regularly crosses the track, which is the highest-wear location for surface degradation. Sideline protectors cover longer sections of the track along the infield edge for events that require spectator or participant access along the full length of the straight.
The Vipol Matrix Mesh cross-over zone protector uses an open mesh construction that allows drainage and airflow beneath the mat, reducing the moisture trapping that can degrade track adhesive and surface bonding over time. Track protectors are sized by width and length — confirm existing track lane width and the coverage area required before selecting a configuration.
Relay Batons and Track Accessories
Aluminum relay batons are available for practice and competition use across all relay events. Programs should maintain a sufficient baton inventory to run full relay squads simultaneously in practice without waiting on implement availability. Needle spikes are available for programs supplying or replacing spike hardware for competition footwear.
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