how to read innova disc golf numbers

The best way to explain this system is to think back to the 4 number system. If you add the last 2 numbers from the 4 number system (Turn and Fade) together you will approximate the number in the Discraft system. For example, a disc in the Innova system that has a turn of -3 and a fade of 2 would be around a -1 rating on the Discraft scale.

Full Answer

Is the Innova system the same for all discs?

Despite frequently being referred to as The Innova System, many other companies (Latitude 64, Dynamic Discs, Westside, Legacy, etc.) use the same system. Being used by so many different brands provides some great benefits, but also has its drawbacks.

What do the numbers on a disc golf disc mean?

The Disc Golf flight numbers are what determine the disc’s flight path, a crucial component of having an accurate throw and improving as a disc golfer. What Are the Numbers on a Disc Golf Disc?

How to choose a disc golf disc for beginners?

Beginners wanting more distance should choose discs with more glide. Discs with less glide are more accurate in high wind situations. High Speed Turn is the tendency of a disc to turn over or bank to the right (for RHBH throws) during the initial part of the flight.

What are the different types of disc golf flight numbers?

There are multiple types of rating systems, including single number, 3, and 4 number. The 4 number rating system created by Innova Discs is the most commonly used disc golf flight number system in the world today. People are often confused by these mystical numbers and sometimes don’t even pay any attention to them!

How do you read the numbers on a disc golf disc?

The four numbers are: speed, glide, turn, fade. For example, let's take the Discmania FD. The FD has flight ratings of 7, 6, -1, 1. That means this disc has a speed rating of 7, glide rating of 6, turn rating of -1, and a fade rating of 1.

What do the 4 numbers on a Frisbee golf disc mean?

The four numbers on a disc golf disc are a flight ratings system that represent the true characteristics of a disc golf disc as it flies through the air, including the speed, glide, turn, and fade of the disc. Basically, how a disc is supposed to fly.

How do I know which Innova disc I have?

If that's the case, you can still identify the mold based on the writing on the bottom of the disc, usually 2-3 letters written near the center nipple or along the inside of the rim. As far as I know, all Innova discs have some kind of identification on the bottom of the disc...

What is the 5th number on a disc?

We applaud this move! First you'll see the four digits which equate to speed / glide / turn / fade, followed by a fifth number which is the old-school Discraft flight number.

What does the third number on a disc mean?

The third number from the left will be a +1 through -5, and it indicates how much the disc will turn while in flight — it's also sometimes called high-speed stability (HSS). The turn number is the amount the disc will curve immediately after you let go of it.

How do you tell if a disc is over or Understable?

The most effective way to tell if a disc is overstable or understable is to throw it. Try throwing the disc backhand and aiming straight. For right-handed players, an understable disc will turn to the right and an overstable disc will turn to the left. A stable disc will go straight.

What is Innova F2?

A Factory Second disc has cosmetic imperfections which do not affect flight or durability. More on F2's: A Factory Second disc has cosmetic imperfections which do not affect flight or durability. These discs may contain bubbles or flecks in the plastic, other cosmetic imperfections, and/or multiple stamps.

What disc has 7 Glide?

The Latitude 64 River is one of the most popular and highly rated fairway drivers for players of all levels. It has one of the highest numbers for glide, coming in at 7 speed and 7 glide.

How many different discs does Innova make?

We have over 90 disc models to satisfy a wide range of players and throwing techniques. To learn more about what each of these characteristics mean, refer to the descriptions below.

What speed disc should I throw?

Disc golf throws generally fall into three categories and recommended disc speeds: Putts usually use low speed discs to maximize accuracy. Approaches and midrange shots usually use medium speed discs to balance speed and accuracy. Drives usually use higher speed discs to maximize distance.

What is RHBH disc golf?

RHBH – Short for 'right-handed backhand'. A type of throw where a person throws with their right hand with a backhand throw. Other throws are RHFH for 'right-handed forehand', and the equivalent throws for left-handed players, LHBH and LHFH. When discussing disc flight it is important to make this distinction.

What is the most Understable disc?

The Mamba is one of the most understable disc golf discs ever made and sports a ridiculous -5 turn rating (turn ranges from 1 to -5, with -5 being the most turn). The Mamba is the best disc on the market for roller shots.

What Are the Numbers on a Disc Golf Disc?

The four numbers on a disc golf disc were created as a flight rating system which represents the intended path of a disc golf disc as it flies through the air. The four numbers correspond to the following characteristics: speed, glide, turn, and fade.

History of Disc Golf Flight Numbers

Disc golf flight numbers haven’t actually been around as long as people think. The game of disc golf has been around since as far back as the 1970’s (not very long when compared to other sports), but the flight number rating system that is now universally accepted by most companies has only been in place since around 2009.

How Flight Numbers Are Determined

An important note to make is that disc golf manufacturers do not use an industry standardized scale for speed. This means that a 12 speed from one brand, may not necessarily fly the same as a 12 speed from another brand. However, one brands 12 speed disc, will always fly faster than the same brand’s 11 speed disc.

How The Weight of a Disc Affects Flight Path

Theo Pozzy conducted a study in the year 2000 which examined the relationship between many factors and the distance that a disc golf disc will fly. some of the key measurable data included player level, disc mold / brand, disc weight, and release velocity.

Other Flight Rating Systems

Disc Craft has used a single number rating system for years on their discs, and even though they have adopted the widely accepted 4 number rating system, they still include their single number on most of their discs.

Final Thoughts

The flight numbers on a disc golf disc are important to your game, and will influence the flight path of every disc. However, it is important to note that the numbers are only accurate when technique is perfect.

Why is it important to read disc golf numbers?

Learning how to read disc golf numbers is important especially if you are a new disc golfer. It will help in so many ways in improving your skills and also on your disc selection during the game.

What are the four numbers on a disc?

The four numbers on the disc indicate the speed, glide, turn, and fade of the disc in the same order. The flight rating system is often used by players to compare different disc and how they will perform during the flight.

What is the speed rating on a disc?

The Speed. The first number found on the left side of the flight rating system is the speed rating. It is numbered from 1 to 14 and is the measurement of the disc when traveling in the air. The greater the number is on the speed rating, the fastest the disc travels in the air. Usually, the faster discs easily cut in the air with less effort ...

What are the numbers on a Discraft disc?

Those four numbers can be called characters which will determine the different aspects that affect the disc flight. The four numbers on the disc indicate the speed, glide, turn, and fade of the disc in the same order.

Why use a disc with a low glide rating?

If you are just starting, I would suggest using the disc with a higher glide rating because it will give more distance during the throw.

What does 5 fade mean on a disc?

Meanwhile, if the disc has a 5 fade rating, it has the best chance to go to the left at the end portion of the flight. The fade rating of the disc can also be referred to as the stability of the disc when it is losing power at the end of the flight. The fade will come once the end of the flight starts.

Can plastic discs affect flight quality?

You should also remember that the type of plastic of the disc can also influence and affect the quality of the flight regardless of the rating.

What are the numbers on a disc?

For stable discs, look for a set of numbers close to these: 1 Speed 9 2 Glide 4 3 Turn -2 4 Fade 2

How many discs can a disc golf bag hold?

Some serious players will have bags that hold 20 or more discs, meaning they are prepared for absolutely any scenario. There are tons of great choices for disc golf bags (trust us: you want to buy a bag specific to disc golf to stay organized during play).

What is the difference between a disc and a frisbee?

Disc golf dics are smaller and denser than frisbees. Frisbees can be around 12 inches in diameter, whereas a disc will be 8 inches. Another important reason to distinguish between the two is the numbers representing flight patterns.

How does a disc stay aloft?

A disc stays aloft initially when it is thrown. The higher the disc’s glide, the further it will travel. The factor that influences glide more than any other is the shape of the disc. This shape is what air passes over and under when the disc is in flight. In addition to shape, the glide is affected by the player.

What happens if you throw a disc at an angle?

If you choose to throw the disc at an angle where the wind is under the disc, it will achieve more glide. If there is more air across the top of the disc, it will have less glide. Less glide is also inevitably going to mean less distance.

What is a high turn disc?

What to Know About Disc Turn as a Beginner. A high turn disc rating will help a beginner achieve a longer flight. Understable discs, those with a high turn rating, will naturally want to turn over. You have to get the hang of throwing these in different winds, which will affect the turn.

How to tell if a disc is faded?

Disc Fade. An easy way to picture the fade is to think of your disc fading off into maximum distance at the end of its glide. The fade describes the strength of the disc’s left turn once it nears the end of its flight. It is important to note that the fade to the left is based on a right-hand throw.

What is the best number for a roller disc?

When looking for roller discs, -3 to -5 are a perfect number. Less turn-able discs are definitely more accurate in the wind.

What is the fastest disc in golf?

The first category, speed, is the degree in which a Frisbee travels through air, and it ranges from 1 to 14. If a disc reads “14,” this is the fastest disc on the market today. This is also the Professional Disc Golf Association’s (PDGA) most legal option to use. The faster the disc, the more you will see it cut through the air with less exertion. If your disc reads “1,” you can expect the disc to need more power for it to be thrown in the wind.

What are the four categories of Frisbee?

These four categories are: Speed, Glide, Turn, and Fade.

Is a disc more accurate?

However, the slower the disc, the more accurate it will be . Also, if your disc travels with the wind, you can expect it to go further than you thought possible. Beginners should stick with slower discs, while professionals can handle the greater speed options.

Do disc golfers get more glide?

For the newest players, discs with more glide are very favorable for all-out distance. On the other hand, less glided discs have better accuracy, especially in situations where wind is a factor. So, the higher the number, the more glide a disc golf player will get from their Frisbee.

Abbreviations

Most of our discs have the weight (in grams) and the disc mold abbreviation on the bottom center of the disc. This helps to identify discs, especially custom stamped discs. Some discs have a prefix signifying the type of plastic: Star Plastic may have an S or ★ in front of the model letters.

Flight Numbers

The best way to determine how a disc will fly is to have a point of reference. If you’ve thrown one of the discs on the chart, you’ll be able to relate your experience to our disc ratings, and determine how our other discs fly.

What does the speed number mean on a disc?

The speed number is actually the minimum speed at which you have to throw the disc in order for it to fly like it was designed. The higher the number, the faster you have to throw the disc. The speed rating is also what tells you if the disc is a putter, mid range, or driver.

What is the rating system for Discraft?

Discraft uses a single number based on where the disc lands after completing its flight. Discraft’s rating system gives a number from -3 to +3. The best way to explain this system is to think back to the 4 number system.

What is the 4 number system?

The four number rating system is the most commonly used rating system by disc manufacturers. Despite frequently being referred to as The Innova System, many other companies (Latitude 64, Dynamic Discs, Westside, Legacy, etc.) use the same system. Being used by so many different brands provides some great benefits, but also has its drawbacks. One of the main benefits of so many companies using the same system means a lot of people recognize the numbers. One of the biggest drawbacks is that not many people fully understand them. It is also worth noting that while many companies use this four number system, comparing one company’s discs to another company’s disc isn’t always compatible.

What is the lowest impact rating?

Glide. Glide is probably the least impactful, and easiest to understand, of the 4 ratings. Glide is rated from 1 to 7, but the vast majority of discs will fall in the 4-6 range. The glide rating is the easiest to understand because it’s exactly as it sounds; the amount of float the disc has in the air. The higher the number, the more glide it has.

What are the drawbacks of the 4 number system?

It is also worth noting that while many companies use this four number system, comparing one company’s discs to another company’s disc isn’t always compatible. So let’s break the system down.

What is the speed rating of vibram?

The Vibram speed rating is the minimum throw speed, in MPH, to get the desired flight out of the disc. The turn and fade ratings are given on a scale of 0-30.