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. 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.
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What are the numbers on disc golf discs?
So make sure you: • Learn the numbers. • Practice. • Use good technique. • Stay calm, cool, and collected on the course. Don’t get too frustrated with your play. • Finally, play with the right discs. Discs that you like, feel good to you, throw even better, and that have flight ratings somewhere ...
What do the numbers on a disc golf disc mean?
· Ranging from 0 to 5, the low-speed fade is technology that hooks to the left for people who throw right handed. A rating of 0 stays straight as possible, while a 5 hooks hard at the finish of a throw. People who use discs with a high …
How to choose disc golf discs for beginners?
· 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.
Which disc golf brand is best?
· Generally, when you pick up most stock disc golf discs, you'll find a series of 4 numbers printed on them. What do these numbers stand for? Simply enough, these numbers represent that specific disc's flight ratings, or characteristics. In order, these ratings are: Speed Glide Turn, and Fade Okay, but, What are disc golf disc ratings?
What does the numbers on a disc golf mean?
These four numbers represent different characteristics of the flight. 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.
How are disc flight numbers determined?
A measurement of the disc's aerodynamics. Faster discs with higher speed numbers have a larger rim and a sharper nose to allow the disc to move faster and further if you have the arm speed to keep it in the air. This number is generally based on the rim size and scales from 1 to 14.
What does the 5th number on a disc golf disc mean?
school Discraft flight numberFirst 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. So now players who like one system or the other can have both for easy reference.
How are disc golf ratings calculated?
Your rating for each round is based on how well you shoot relative to a hypothetical scratch player defined as someone with a rating of 1000. The automated calculation uses scores from at least 5 players with ratings over 699 whose rating is based on at least 8 rounds of information.
How do you tell if a disc is over or Understable?
A short cut method for determining whether this disc is over or understable is to add the last two numbers in the flight numbers, in this case: -2+2=0. If the resulting number is positive the disc is said to be overstable.
What is a Hyzer Flip?
A Hyzer Flip is very similar to an S-Shot but follows a straighter line. An understable disc is thrown very fast with a hyzer angle of release. The disc turns or “flips” up and brings its nose down in the process. This allows for a long straight glide.
What is a good disc golf rating?
A disc with a +1 rating is most resistant to turning over, while a -5 rating will turn the most. Discs rated -3 to -5 make good roller discs.
What is hyzer and Anhyzer?
The difference between a hyzer and an anhyzer throw is simply the angle that each one is released with. The hyzer throw is when the top of the disc is facing away from the thrower. The anhyzer throw is when the top of the disc is facing the thrower.
What is speed in disc golf?
The speed rating of the disc is on a scale of 1 to 14 indicating how fast a disc should be thrown to achieve its intended flight path. More specifically, disc speed is a measure of the disc's aerodymics and is primarily determined by the width of the disc's rim.
What is a 900 rating disc golf?
700 players play double bogies golf. 800 rated player play bogey golf. 900 rated players limit bogies. 950 players limit bogies and capitalize birdies far more frequently. 1000 players rarely bogey, and can birdie holes that 950 rated players can't.
How many 1000 rated disc golfers are there?
According to the PDGA Player Statistics, in 2021 season, there were a total of 440 players with a rating of 1000 and over. This number includes 370 MPO players and 70 players from MP40, MP50, MA1 and Junior divisions.
What is the highest rated round of disc golf?
The highest-rated round of disc golf by the Professional Disc Golf Association is 1,132, achieved by Paul McBeth (USA) on 2 March 2013 at the Memorial Championship in Fountain Hills, Arizona, USA.
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 is the best turn rating for a golf disc?
If you are dealing with tailwinds, the disc with a -1 to -5 turn rating is the best way to go.
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 do players use the flight rating system?
The flight rating system is often used by players to compare different discs and how they will perform during the flight in the air. Based on my experience, I can say that each disc has a distinct character and flight pattern which makes every disc unique to each other.
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.
What is the glide number in disc golf?
The glide measurement is next, and the array goes from 1 to 7. This numbering system focuses on loft when in flight. 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.
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.
Do glow discs keep their characteristics?
The latter named discs keep their characteristics year after year, while the Champion and Glow Champion may start to breakdown soon rather than later. Other plastic discs, whose flight characteristics could change over time, include the R-Pro, DX, CXT, and KC Pro.
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 less glided discs have better accuracy?
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.
What are the four numbers on a disc golf disc?
The four numbers correspond to the following characteristics: speed, glide, turn, and fade.
What are disc golf flight numbers?
People are often confused by these mystical numbers and sometimes don’t even pay any attention to them! 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.
Why is a high glide disc good?
Discs with high glide tend to stay in the air for much longer, so this disc is a great way to counteract a slow arm speed. When the release velocity of a disc is slower, a disc loses its lift, so a high glide disc will help keep it in the air longer.
Why is there no maximum glide disc in disc golf?
This is because their extremely high exit velocity combined with a high glide disc would likely create too much lift, and wouldn’t give them the intended flight path.
Why are high speed discs so interesting?
High speed discs are incredibly interesting, because although they have the potential to go much farther, if the disc isn’t thrown with proper form it will take a complete different flight than the intended path. This disc is ready for the next record-breaking throw, but it needs the right person to be behind it. If a beginner tries to throw this disc, it will likely fly in an extremely overstable path and land much farther left than intended.
How low can a rhyno disc go?
It is a very slow flying discs, but experienced players can throw the disc up to 250-300 feet. It has a nice thumb groove for an ergonomic grip, and extremely low glide which makes it good for short lay ups that can’t go past the basket.
What is the most common flight number system for disc golf?
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.
How many numbers are on disc golf discs?
Generally, when you pick up most stock disc golf discs, you'll find a series of 4 numbers printed on them.
What does the number on a disc mean?
These numbers refer to the weight of the disc measured in grams.
What happens if you throw a disc too slow?
If a person throws too slow, the disc will perform more overstable - fading out sooner in flight.
What is fade in discs?
Fade is the amount of "hook" that a disc is likely to have at the end of it's flight pattern. Some discs are meant to be great for doglegs and navigating around objects while others require a straighter approach to the basket or landing zone.
What is the best arm speed for a disc?
Speed ratings range from 1-14, with 14 being the highest amount of arm speed necessary for optimum performance of that disc. Slower speed discs are often easier to throw for most people whereas experienced players should be utilizing faster speeds.
How is glide determined?
Glide is determined by the dome or lack of a dome on the disc. Discs with more dome on the top of the flight plate generally have more glide to them thanks to those physics lessons some people enjoy learning about.
What is the first number on a disc?
Speed is typically the first number seen on a disc.
What are the numbers on a disc?
The four numbers on the disc are referred to as the flight rating system . This system was developed by Innova Champion Discs with the purpose of describing each disc’s flight characteristics. The system has since been adopted by most discs manufacturers. The four numbers in the rating system stand for: Speed, Glide, Turn, and Fade.
What is a disc with a rating of 1?
So keeping with the right-handed player throwing a backhand shot, a disc with a + 1 rating is considered overstable and will turn left. A disc with a 0 rating is considered stable and will fly straight. While a disc with a negative rating is considered understable and will turn right. The more turn a disc has the less accurate it is in the wind.
What does a fade rating mean on a disc?
It describes how the disc finishes at the end of it’s flight. A fade rating of zero indicates that the disc won’t fade and will finish straight. A higher fade rating means that as the disc slows down the more likely the disc is to hook.
What is the second number in the sequence?
The second number in the sequence is the glide rating . It shows how well the disc maintains loft while in the air. The higher the rating the easier it is for the disc to remain in the air. The numbers in this rating range from 1 to 7. Discs that have more glide are easier to throw farther distances. Discs that have less glide are easier to throw with accuracy and do better in windy conditions.
What is the third number in a disc sequence?
So for a player who is right-handed and throwing a backhand shot, the more turn the disc has the more likely it is to move to the left or turn over. The turn rating ranges from + 1 to -5.
Why is a disc considered a distance driver?
The disc would be a distance driver because of the speed rating. The disc would have a lot of glide and would stay in the air quite easily. If you are a right-handed player throwing the disc backhanded the disc would fly to right after leaving your hand. We know this because of the -4 turn rating.
Which is more accurate, a disc or a glide rating?
For shots that require more accuracy like putts and approach shots, a lower glide rating may need to be considered as the disc should be more accurate. You don’t want your shots floating past the target. In windy conditions, discs with less glide tend to be more accurate.
When to use a low speed disc in disc golf?
However, for players who are beginning their disc golf career, a low speed disc should be used when learning the proper techniques of throwing.
What does the fade number mean on a disc?
The fade number corresponds with how likely or far the disc is to fade off towards the end of the throw.
Why use a disc with high glide?
Beginners are encouraged to use a disc with high glide to generate a better hang time.
What is the highest glide on a disc?
The second number on the disc determines the glide. This ranking goes from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest glide.
What does the third number in the sequence dictate?
The third number in the sequence dictates the turn of the disc. Immediately after a disc is thrown, it will have a slight tilt or turn.
What is the number that dictates the speed?
The number that dictates the speed is the first number in the series. This number goes from 1 to 14.
Which way does the disc curve in a thrower?
For a typical right hand back hand thrower, the disc will curve towards the right.
What are the numbers on disc golf discs?
For any Discmania disc, you'll find a series of four numbers and each one represents something about that the flight of that disc.
What is a disc golfer's turn rating?
Turn ratings range from +1 to -5. For this example, we will reference a disc golfer who is right handed and throwing backhand (RHBH). Turn can also be described as high speed stability. When a disc gets up to speed, it will want to start to turn to the right. The more it turns to the right, the more it can be considered understable at high speeds.
What happens when you throw a disc at full speed?
Using the Discmania CD3 as an example, when thrown at full power, or more specifically, the speed that the disc wants for it's desired flight, you'll see a good turn begin and the disc will move to the right at the start of the flight. Let's say you aren't able to get the CD3 up to full speed.
Why is a disc with a lower glide rating better?
Discs with a lower glide rating will rely more on the power you can provide during your throw. At times, a lower glide rating is desired. You might be on an approach shot with a limited landing area. Too much glide means more distance than you wanted. On holes with water or other trouble behind the basket, you want to be able to trust that disc and watch it come down to the ground comfortably.
What is the fade rating on a disc?
Fade ratings range from 0 to 5. Fade ratings help describe the end of a disc's flight. The higher the number, the stronger the fade. Continuing to use the comparison of the FD to the FD3, the FD3's fade rating of 3 means that you'll see a stronger fade with that disc than with the FD which has a fade rating of 1.
What happens when you use a disc?
As you use a disc, you might see a change in the flight pattern and a flight that could be different from what the flight ratings say. Some discs will maintain their turn rating (high speed stability) while losing some of their fade rating (low speed stability). Others will see more turn go into the disc over time, but the fade rating might remain the same.
What are the ratings on Discmania?
All Discmania discs carry four ratings. These four numbers represent different characteristics of the flight. The four numbers are: speed, glide, turn, fade.
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.
How to tell if a disc is a fairway driver?
Take a disc with the ratings 8, 4, -2, 3. This disc is going to be a fairway driver, with a fair amount of glide. With a turn rating of -2 and a fade of 3, (when thrown RHBH) that means this disc’s will have what is called an “S curve”. Meaning right after leaving your hand the disc will start turning to the right. As the disc slows down the fade starts to become a factor and the disc will start coming back to the left. Since the fade rating is higher than the turn the disc should land just slightly to the left of where you threw it.
How to rate 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. 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. It’s not a perfect ratio, but because so many people already have knowledge of the Innova system it’s the easiest way to understand it.
What is the fade rating on a disc?
Similar to the HSS, the direction of the LSS is dictated by the way you throw the disc. The fade is how much the disc will come back at the end of its flight. The turn starts right after the disc has been thrown and is curving in one direction. As the disc slows towards the end of its flight the fade begins to kicks in. This is when the disc starts to curve back in the opposite direction of the original turn. The numbers for the fade rating range from 0-6. Zero means that the disc will settle down in a straight path. The higher the number the more severely the disc will hook.
What is the 4 number rating 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.
How to use flight rating?
Most importantly, use the flight rating systems as a way to compare one disc to another for the way you throw it. Say you find that a disc with a -1 for turn on Innova’s scale still flies very straight for you and doesn’t turn at all. A disc with a -2 should show more turn for your arm in comparison to the first disc. The more you can use the systems to figure out how each disc performs for you, the more you’ll be able to get a better idea of what to expect when you pick up a new disc. Just because the disc says it will turn or show minimal fade, doesn’t mean that might translate 100% to you and your style of play. Take it as a benchmark and you’ll be good to go!
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 of a disc?
Speed is the rate at which a disc can travel through the air. Speed 14 Distance Drivers are the fastest, having the PDGA maximum legal wing width. Faster discs cut into the wind with less effort and are best when throwing up wind. Slower discs take more power to throw upwind, but they’re easier to throw more accurately and may actually go farther downwind. High speed discs are not recommended for beginners as they require more power to fly properly.
What are the flight ratings on Innova discs?
The Innova Flight Ratings System was designed as a way to describe a discs intended flight. Flight Ratings are broken into four main categories: Speed, Glide, Turn, & Fade. These characteristics can be used to rate various aspects of each disc’s flight. Each disc has a distinct "personality"; the flight path that makes that disc unique. Flight Ratings can be used to compare Innova golf discs to each other. Other companies have adopted a similar system, but it’s important to note that flight ratings shouldn’t be used to compare discs between brands since each company rates discs differently. 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. Flight Ratings are based on right hand backhand (RHBH) throws.
What is an understable disc?
Understable discs are much more speed sensitive than stable or overstable discs. An understable disc will often fly stable to overstable at low speed. Beginners tend to throw discs at lower speeds. For more information on these terms or others, refer to our Glossary of Terms.
What is glide disc?
Glide describes the discs ability to maintain loft during flight. Discs with more glide are best for new players, and for producing maximum distance. Beginners wanting more distance should choose discs with more glide. Discs with less glide are more accurate in high wind situations.
Which plastic discs have the highest flight?
While the flight ratings should give the thrower a good expectation of a disc’s flight, the exact flight is dependent on many factors like the particular material it is made with and, the throwers style and speed. Champion plastic generally produces the most high speed stable discs, followed by Star, DX, Pro, and R-Pro.
What is the difference between stable and overstable discs?
Stability is a description of the disc’s flight path. Understable means a flight that turns right (RHBH throw). Stable is a flight that doesn’t turn. Over stable refers to a flight that turns left (RHBH throw). Spike/Spike Hyzer is a shot that lands almost vertically and doesn’t skip.
