Preparing for a high school track and field season is a massive logistical undertaking. Between managing 50+ athletes, staying compliant with NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) standards, and trying to stretch a tight budget across multiple events, athletic directors and coaches are often left chasing down sizes and comparing endless spreadsheets.

Choosing the right track gear isn't just about finding the lowest price; it’s about balancing durability, safety, and performance. In this guide, we compare the top brands used in high school athletics today, Gill, Porter, and Blazer, and break down the essential equipment every program needs to succeed from start to finish.

Key takeaways

• The three brands split by use case. Gill Athletics has the deepest catalog and sets the durability benchmark, Porter suits new builds and full-facility integration, and Blazer covers NFHS-compliant gear at a price that works for middle schools and practice.
• High school implement weights are fixed by division. Boys throw a 12 lb shot and an 800g javelin; girls throw a 4 kg shot and a 600g javelin.
• Split a new-program budget 40/30/15/15. 40% to safety (pits and vaulting poles), 30% to infrastructure (hurdles and starting blocks), 15% to implements, 15% to operational gear like timing and measurement.
• NFHS hurdles must adjust to 30, 33, 36, 39 and 42 inches. They also have to meet a pullover force standard, so verify the model is built for high school before ordering.
• A quality pit lasts 8 to 12 years with weather covers and regular inspection. Check the foam for soft spots and compression rather than waiting for a replacement cycle to come around.
• Infrastructure is buy-once gear. A Gill S1 hurdle at $191.00 lasts 10-plus years where a cheap alternative might last two, and competition starting blocks run $174.00.

1. Comparing the Big Three: Gill vs. Porter vs. Blazer

When you’re outfitting a high school program, three names dominate the conversation. Each has its own "sweet spot" in the market.

Gill Athletics: The Gold Standard

Gill is widely considered the leader in track and field equipment for schools through professional levels. Their catalog is the deepest in the industry.

• Best For: Programs that want long-term durability and high-performance standards.
• Standout Products: Their hurdles and pole vault pits are the industry benchmark for safety and longevity.

Porter Athletic: The Facility Specialist

Porter is often the go-to for schools undergoing full-facility renovations. If you are building a new gym and a track simultaneously, Porter’s institutional-grade gear is designed for seamless facility integration.

• Best For: New builds or districts looking for a single vendor for both gymnasium and stadium infrastructure.

Blazer Athletic: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse

Blazer fills the value niche. They offer solid, NFHS-compliant gear at a price point that helps smaller programs or middle schools get off the ground without breaking the bank.

• Best For: Practice gear, replacement hurdles, or programs with very limited initial funding.

2. Field Event Essentials: Throwing Implements

Throwing events, shot put, discus, and javelin, require gear that meets specific weight and dimension requirements for boys' and girls' divisions.

• Shot Puts: For high school, boys typically use a 12lb shot, while girls use 4kg. We recommend Gill Cast Iron Shots for durability or Champro Cast Iron Shots ($24.95–$44.95) as a reliable, budget-friendly alternative for practice.
• Discus: A high-quality wood or rubber discus is essential. Beginners often start with a Champro Rubber Discus ($9.95–$19.95) to master technique before moving to more expensive competition models.
• Javelins: High school javelins are weight-specific (800g for boys, 600g for girls). The Gill Nordic Viking series ($249.00–$399.00) is a proven choice for high school throwers looking for the right flex and flight.

3. High-Risk, High-Reward: Vaulting and Jumping

Pole vault and high jump are the most equipment-intensive events. Safety is the non-negotiable priority here.

Pole Vault

You cannot cut corners on pole vault gear. NFHS rules are strict regarding pit dimensions and the use of ASTM-compliant box collars.

• Vaulting Poles: The Gill PacerFXV series ($587.00–$1,205.00) is a staple in high school programs because of its consistent flex and durability.
• Vault Boxes: A permanent solution like the Gill Vault Box ($1,195.00) ensures a stable plant every time.

High Jump

Look for high-density foam pits that won't "bottom out" over time. Gill and Porter pits are engineered with multi-density foam that holds its shape through years of heavy use and weather exposure.

4. Track Essentials: Starting Blocks and Hurdles

For the sprinters and hurdlers, the quality of the "launchpad" and the "obstacles" can make the difference in a personal best.

• Starting Blocks: For competition, you need a block that doesn't slip. The Gill Competition Starting Blocks ($174.00) offer the weight and grip needed for explosive starts.
• Hurdles: The Gill S1 Hurdle ($191.00) is a favorite among coaches because it is easy to stack, adjust, and survives the inevitable collisions of a junior varsity heat.

5. Individual Gear: Spikes and Custom Apparel

While the school provides the big equipment, athletes need reliable personal gear. This is where many programs struggle with organization, collecting money, sizes, and preferences.

• Spikes: Athletes should look for lightweight, event-specific spikes. Sprinters need a rigid plate for power, while distance runners need more cushion.
• Custom Team Apparel: Managing team uniforms shouldn't be a second job. ST1 Sports streamlines this by launching a Custom Team Store. Coaches pick the Team Gear, and parents order directly online. No more paper forms or chasing down checks.

6. Budgeting for Your Track Program: A Buying Guide

If you are starting a program from scratch or doing a major refresh, here is a proven way to allocate your budget:

1. Prioritize Safety (40%): Pits and vaulting poles should be your biggest investment. This is a liability and safety issue.
2. Infrastructure (30%): High-quality hurdles and starting blocks. These are "buy once, cry once" items. A Gill hurdle will last 10+ years; a cheap alternative might last two.
3. Implements (15%): A mix of practice and competition shots and discs.
4. Operational Gear (15%): Timing systems (like FinishLynx), tape measures, and official gear.

Pro Tip: Request a custom quote for bulk orders. At ST1 Sports, we offer bulk pricing for schools that helps your budget go significantly further than buying individual items at retail.

Why Choose ST1 Sports for Your Track Gear?

At ST1 Sports, we don't just sell equipment; we partner with athletic directors to outfit entire programs. We carry the brands you trust, Gill, Porter, PowerMax, and FinishLynx, while providing a seamless, professional ordering experience.

Whether you need a single replacement shot put or a full stadium setup, our team is dedicated to providing reliable fulfillment and expert advice. We take the logistical pain out of the process, so you can focus on the athletes.

Ready to gear up for the season?

• Browse Track & Field Collection
• Launch Your Custom Team Store
• Request a Bulk Quote

Frequently asked questions

What weight shot put and javelin do high school athletes use?

High school boys throw a 12 lb shot and an 800g javelin. High school girls throw a 4 kg shot and a 600g javelin. Buying implements outside those specs means athletes train on gear they cannot compete with, so confirm the weight stamped on each implement when a shipment arrives rather than assuming the box was picked correctly.

Which brand of track and field equipment is best for a high school program?

It depends on what you are buying. Gill Athletics has the deepest catalog in the industry and its hurdles and pole vault pits are the benchmark for safety and longevity, which makes it the default for competition gear. Porter is the better fit when a district is renovating a gym and a stadium together and wants one vendor for the infrastructure. Blazer is the value option for practice gear, replacement hurdles and programs starting from a small budget.

How much does pole vault equipment cost for a high school?

Vaulting poles in the Gill PacerFXV series run $587.00 to $1,205.00 depending on the pole, and a permanent Gill vault box is $1,195.00. Pits are the larger line item and the one you should not economize on, since NFHS rules are specific about pit dimensions and require ASTM-compliant box collars. For a full setup, request a quote rather than pricing item by item.

How should a school split its track and field equipment budget?

A workable split is 40% to safety, 30% to infrastructure, 15% to implements and 15% to operational gear. Safety means pits and vaulting poles, which carry the real liability. Infrastructure means hurdles and starting blocks, which are buy-once items where quality shows up over a decade. Implements should be a mix of practice and competition shots and discs, and operational gear covers timing, tape measures and officials' equipment.

What are the NFHS requirements for high school hurdles?

NFHS requires hurdles to be adjustable to specific heights of 30, 33, 36, 39 and 42 inches, and to have a pullover force that meets safety standards. Brands like Gill and Blazer design their high school models specifically to meet these rules, so verify the model is built for high school play before ordering.

How often should we replace high jump and pole vault pits?

With proper care and weather covers, a high-quality pit from a brand like Gill can last 8 to 12 years. Inspect the foam regularly for soft spots or significant compression that could compromise safety, rather than waiting for a replacement cycle to come around. A pit that has bottomed out in places is a liability regardless of its age on paper.

Can I get custom colors for my track equipment?

Many items, including hurdles and pit covers, can be customized with your school colors. Contact us for a custom quote to see which options are available for your program and how customization affects the timeline.

Does ST1 Sports sell track spikes?

The footwear ST1 Sports carries comes from Mizuno, New Balance, Marucci and iSlide, and there is no Nike, Adidas or Under Armour footwear in the catalog, only their apparel. For event-specific spikes, contact ST1 Sports and the team will confirm what is available for your program. As a general rule, sprinters want a rigid plate for power transfer and distance runners want more cushion.

Can a track program run a custom team store for uniforms and warm-ups?

Yes. Coaches pick the items, ST1 Sports builds a branded store, and athletes and parents order and pay online, which removes paper forms and check collection from the coach entirely. Program payouts on store sales go out daily by direct Stripe ACH deposit or monthly by check.

Is there a minimum order for track equipment or team apparel?

You can order a single replacement shot put if that is all you need. On the apparel side, most custom items have no minimum, and some fully sublimated items do require one because of how they are produced. Ask before finalizing a uniform design so the minimum does not come as a surprise.

How does large track equipment like pits and vault boxes get delivered?

Large items move by freight rather than parcel. Anything shipping by freight gets a follow-up after the order to confirm the delivery address and gather whatever is needed to set the delivery up, which matters for a stadium delivery where gate access, dock availability and receiving hours are not obvious from a shipping label.