Have you ever looked at a disc golf disc and wondered what all of the numbers and letters mean? If so, you’re not alone! In this blog post, we will explain what the numbers on the discs represent in disc golf. We’ll also provide tips on choosing the right disc for your needs.
What are the Numbers on Disc Golf?
The numbers in disc golf that you see on the discs; represent something known as the Flight Rating System. This system was created by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) in order to help players choose the suitable discs for their game. The Flight Rating System consists of four numbers that are meant to give you an idea of how a particular disc will fly.
Below is a breakdown of what each number means:
Speed
The speed rating is the first number you’ll see on the left side of a disc golf disc. This number tells you how fast the disc is and is measured on a scale of 1 to 14. A higher number means the disc is faster and will fly further. Assuming you have the arm for it 😉
The speed rating is often considered the most important number on a disc because it will determine how far the disc will fly, as well as the strength required to throw it.
If you’re a beginner, it is best to learn with a disc that has a speed rating of 9 or below. This is because a slower disk is easier to control when you’re first starting out. You can move up to discs with higher speed ratings as you become more comfortable with the game and develop your throwing technique. I personally stick with 9 and under. The insanity is my go-to driver for distance and tunnel shots.
The Glide
The second number on the disk represents the glide. This is how long the disk will stay in the air. The glide is rated on a scale from 1 to 7, with 1 being the shortest time and 7 being the longest.
While speed is an important factor to throwing the disc, the disc will achieve a longer distance with its glide. Discs with a lower glide rating will need more power from the player to achieve more air time.
If you are new to the sport, it is suggested that you use a disc with a higher glide rating. This will give you more distance during the throw. While discs with lower glide ratings will require more power to achieve the same amount of air time, they can be more challenging to control.
Turn
The turn rating is the third number on a disc golf disc, and it tells you how much the disc will turn to the right when thrown. The scale is ranked from +1 to -5. A +1 disc will have more resistance to turning over, while a -5 disc will turn more easily.
This is important to know when playing in windy conditions, as you’ll want to choose a disc that won’t be affected by the wind as much. When playing with headwinds, a 0 or +1 disc is best because it won’t be blown off course as easily. The same goes for playing with crosswinds – you’ll want a disc that will hold its flight path better. When playing in tailwinds, a disk with a turn of -1 to -5 is best.
In general, higher-speed discs will turn more than lower-speed discs. If you’re looking for a disc that turns less, you’ll want to choose one with a lower speed rating. Similarly, if you want a disc that turns more, you’ll want to choose one with a higher speed rating.
Fade
The final number on the disk represents the fade. The fade is the disc’s chance to curve left at the end of its flight (This is usually only a factor for right-handed backhand throwers). The fade rating is from 0-5, with 0 having the least chance to curve and 5 having the greatest chance of curving.
A disk with a 0 fade will have the best chance to take a straight flight or with only a minimal left fade. A disk with a 5 fade rating will have the best chance to curve left at the end of its flight. The fade rating can also be referred to as the disc’s stability.
Choosing the Right Disc Golf Disc for Your Ability
Now that you know what the numbers on a disc golf disc mean, you can start to narrow down which discs are right for your game.
Beginners
Beginners should start with lower speed and glide discs because they are easier to control. As you become more comfortable with the game, you can begin to fill your disc golf bag with discs with higher speed ratings.
If you’re playing in windy conditions, it’s important to choose a disc that won’t be blown off course easily. For headwinds, choose a disc with a turn rating of +1 or 0. For crosswinds, choose a disc with a turn rating of +1 or higher. And for tailwinds, choose a disc with a turn rating of -1 to -5.
Most beginners will be best served with a putter or mid-range disc. Putters are the slowest discs and are designed for accuracy when throwing from short distances. Mid-range discs are slower than drivers but faster than putters and are designed for a variety of shots from different distances.
As you become more comfortable with the game, you can start to experiment with different discs to find what works best for your throwing style.
Intermediate
Intermediate players can start to experiment with discs of different speeds and glide ratings. If you’re looking for more distance, choose a disc with a higher speed rating. If you want more control over your throws, choose a disc with a lower speed rating.
When choosing a disc for windy conditions, the same rules apply as for beginners. For headwinds, choose a disc with a turn rating of +1 or 0. For crosswinds, choose a disc with a turn rating of +1 or higher. And for tailwinds, choose a disc with a turn rating of -1 to -5.
Advanced
Advanced athletes have more control over their throws and can experiment with a wider range of discs. If you’re looking for more distance, choose a disc with a higher speed rating. If you want more control, choose a disc with a lower speed rating.
When choosing a disc for windy conditions, the same rules apply as for beginners.
Now that you know what the numbers on a disc golf disc mean, you can start to narrow down which discs are right for your game. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to choose the right disc for any situation you encounter on the course.
Disc Golf Terminology You Need to Know
As a beginner, you may not be familiar with all of the terminology associated with disc golf. Here are some key terms that you should know:
- Flight path: the trajectory of the disc through the air
- Turn: the initial movement of the disc to the left or right
- Fade: the final movement of the disc to the left or right
- Hyzer: a curve that is opposite of the thrower’s arm
- Anhyzer: when the disc is thrown, it is released at an upward angle
- Backhand: a throwing motion where the disc is released from behind the back
- Forehand: a throwing motion where the disc is released from in front of the body
- Headwind: a wind that blowing directly into the face of the thrower
- Crosswind: a wind that blows across the path of the thrower
- Tailwind: a wind that blows directly behind the thrower
Other Things to Know About Disc Golf
In addition to the flight rating system, there are also other things that you should know about disc golf in order to improve your game. Here are some tips:
- The type of plastic of the disc can influence the quality of the flight, so keep that in mind when selecting a disc.
- The actual flight pattern may not always be the same as indicated by the flight rating system, so be prepared for some variability.
- Use practice to improve your game and learn how to control your shots.
Disc golf is a sport that is growing in popularity, and it’s important to know what the numbers on disc golf discs mean. The flight rating system is used to rate the discs so that you can choose the right one for your game. Flight ratings include speed, glide, turn, and fade, and each one impacts the flight of the disc. As you become more familiar with the sport, you’ll be able to experiment with discs of different speeds and glide ratings. Use practice to improve your game and learn how to control your shots. With time and practice, you’ll be a disc golf pro in no time!
My Personal Experience
If you are just starting out, I recommend you choose ‘flippy’ discs, which are discs that have a high turn (at least -2) but ideally -3 or higher. That will teach you how to throw best (in my experience). Also, focus on 4-5 molds (including your putter) as you’ll learn how to throw those discs best and how to shape them. My go-to 5 molds are:
- Penrose (putter)
- Envy (approach/putter drives)
- Uplink (tunnel shots and turnovers)
- Zone (approaches and the occasional forehand)
- Insanity (everything lol)
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