The current distance record for 6 lb shot put is 21.62 meters, set by Jacko Gill of New Zealand in 2011.
The women's shot weighs 8.8 lb (4kg), and the men's shot weighs 16.01 lb (7.260 kg)
Shot put weights are 8, 12, and 16 lbs. The 8 lb shot is typically used by women and junior highers. The 12 lb shot is used by women who want to be challenged and high school men. Skilled high school men and college men use the 16 lb shot.
Boys (up to Age 12) 6 lb. Shot Boys (Age 13-14) 4K (8 lb.) Shot Men (High School) 12 lb. Shot Men (College) 16 lb. Shot Men (up to 49) 16 lb. Shot Men (50-59) 6K (13 lb.) Shot Women (Youth to Junior High) 2.72K (6 lb.) Shot Women (High School +) 4K (8 lb.) Shot Women (50+) 3K (6 lb.) Shot Special Olympics 3 lb. Shot
Wikipedia says that "In open competitions the men's shot weighs 7.260 kilograms (16.01 lb), and the women's shot weighs 4 kilograms (8.8 lb)."
The shot used in the Olympics is 16 lb for men, 8.8 lb for women.High schools generally use a lighter shot, at 12 lb for men (the women's shot is still 8.8 lb, though), and middle schools (if they even have a shot put event) use a variety of still lighter ones.
Shot put weights are 8, 12, and 16 lbs. The 8 lb shot is typically used by women and junior highers. The 12 lb shot is used by women who want to be challenged and high school men. Skilled high school men and college men use the 16 lb shot.
The regulation weight is 8 lbs, but some girls prefer throwing a 12 lb shot.
In open US and international competition, the men's shot weighs 7.260 kilograms (16 lb), and the women's shot weighs 4 kg (8.82 lb).
The weight of the ball Olympians use during the shot put event has a weight of 7.260 kg(16.01 lb) for men and 4 kg(8.8 lb) for women.Shot put competitions have been held at the modern Summer Olympic Games since their inception in 1896.
At what level/age? In many states in the US, girls middle school uses a 6 lb shot put, beginning in the 9th grade, girls us a 4 kilo or 8.8 lb, and that weight goes all the way through to the Olympics.
Both are heavy objects thrown for distance (and accuracy) but the methods are entirely different. Different muscle groups are used by the throwers. The shot put is a heavy metal ball, while the hammer is a ball at the end of a long pole or wire. The shot is thrown with one arm from a position against the body (usually the neck), and is powered by the extension of the thrower's arm and body. The hammer is "whirled" by its handle or wire strap as the thrower spins. It accelerates in a circular path until it is released to allow it to begin its trajectory. An Olympic shot put ball for men weighs about the same as a men's hammer ball (16 lb or 7.26 kg). The world record shot put is 23.12 meters (75.85 ft) and the longest hammer throw is much farther, 86.74 metres (284.58 ft).
The regulation weight is 8 lbs, but some women like the challenge of using a 12 lb. shot. The right weight is 8.8 pounds or 4 quilograms !