disc golf discs: 7 big differences
- Size. The first difference you will notice when comparing a frisbee and a disc golf disc is the size of each.
- Shape. If you just look at a golf disc and then at a frisbee, you will quickly be able to tell the difference in shape.
- Drag. The drag of a disc is basically air resistance, kind of like air friction, against an object in flight.
- Aerodynamics. Being aerodynamic means having a shape that reduces the drag of the air moving past an object. ...
- Speed. The speed of frisbees and disc golf discs is exponentially different. Frisbees are slow flyers. ...
- Distance. The distance a disc golf disc can travel differentiates it from a frisbee just that much more. Frisbees are designed more for accuracy, not distance.
- The difference is the difference. The final difference concerns the majority of people (if not everybody) who will start playing disc golf and their ability to throw a frisbee ...
What is the difference between disc golf and golf?
Unlike golf, disc golf is usually free to play in public parks and takes about half as long to complete a round. Disc golf is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, gender identity, and economic status, making it a great lifetime fitness activity.
What should you look for when buying a disc golf disc?
Then check the construction material to make sure it is made from durable plastic that will hold up to many rounds of disc golf. Just make sure to buy more than one disc when you find that perfect one.
How do you score in disc golf?
When you throw the first disc, go to the spot it landed. Your next throw will be from that spot. Continue by throwing another disc then go to that spot. Throw again and again until you’re able to throw the disc into the basket or the basket chains. Take your score and put it on a scorecard. Add up the scores from all of your holes.
Should you use a heavier or lighter disc for disc golf?
Now if you are a beginner, have slow arm speed or a youth, you may prefer to use a lighter disc. The lack of weight may be what you need to make sure you get the distance you are looking for. A heavier disc may be harder to throw and a beginner, etc., may not have developed the control and power needed to handle those weighted models.
How do you tell the difference between disc golf discs?
Higher speed discs have thicker rims and are harder to throw accurately. Glide: Glide is a discs ability to stay in the air. Discs with higher glide numbers will generally fly farther than discs with lower numbers. Glide is good when you're going for distance, but can be a bad thing for putts and approach shots.
What are two differences between disc golf?
Disc Golf, also known as frisbee golf or frolf (a combination of frisbee and golf), is a game that is very similar to traditional ball golf. However, instead of using golf balls and golf clubs, players throw a disc into a basket or at a target. Score is kept the same with the lowest score winning.
What are the 3 different discs used in disc golf?
There is a wide variety of discs used in disc golf and they are generally divided into three categories: putters, all-purpose mid-range discs, and drivers.
Are all disc golfs the same?
The edge of all frisbees are rounded, and while putters do carry that same attribute, most golf discs have a much more aerodynamic design. Even the weight distribution between frisbees and golf discs are different, allowing each to fly in a specific way.
How many discs should a beginner have?
In order to play disc golf, you need at least 3 discs: a driver, a mid-range, and a putter. But you should carry at least 6 discs (2 of each type) with you whenever you go out to play a round.
Which is harder golf or disc golf?
Ball golf is much harder than disc golf. The practice time it takes to shoot par regulary at ball golf vs disc golf is not even close.
What do the 4 numbers mean on a disc golf disc?
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 do I know what disc to throw?
Use a Mid-Range disc for shorter shots and approaching the target. Use a Putt & Approach disc for short upshots and putts. We recommend beginners choose one of the following drivers as these discs are the easiest to throw far; choose lighter weights for better results: Archangel, Roadrunner, Mamba or Leopard.
What is the most popular disc in disc golf?
Top 10 OverallInnova Destroyer.Innova Wraith.Discraft Buzzz.Thought Space Athletics Mantra.Gateway Wizard.Infinite Discs Alpaca.Infinite Discs Pharaoh.Infinite Discs Sphinx.More items...•
Are there different types of disc golf discs?
There are four main types of disc golf discs - distance drivers, fairway drivers, midranges, and putters. Choosing the right type of disc for the right situation can make all the difference in your score!
Are frisbees legal in disc golf?
Yes, you can play disc golf with a frisbee. You cannot play competitively, but you can use regular frisbees to practice on the course to improve your accuracy and your distance.
Are lighter discs easier to throw?
On the most basic level, lighter discs take less effort to throw than heavy discs and as a result are often more accurate. However, light weight discs are also generally affected by wind more than heavy discs so you may find heavier discs can maintain a consistent path more effectively in windy weather.
What is disc golf?
Disc golf generally follows the same rules as ball golf, but instead of hitting a golf ball with a club into a hole, you’re using a golf disc and throwing it into an elevated basket. The entire goal is to make your disc in the basket in the fewest amount of throws possible from the starting point.
How big is a golf disc?
The one requirement of the PDGA is that all golf disc must be 21.2 cm. Other aspects such as the height, weight, and rim depth are subject to some variation to accommodate other flight characteristics.
How far can a disc golfer throw?
Disc golfers are usually throwing golf discs around 350 to 400 feet. The world record for distance with a golf disc is around 1100 feet. A frisbee, on the other hand, is designed to usually only travel 50 to 100 feet when being tossed to another individual. However, advanced Ultimate players are able to throw their frisbees much further.
What is the difference between a golf disc and a frisbee?
As briefly mentioned before, the most obvious difference between a golf disc and frisbee is the size. Both golf discs and catch frisbees come in all different shapes and sizes, but generally speaking golf discs are smaller. Take a look at the below diagram to see a visual of the difference. All golf discs are required to meet ...
What is a frisbee?
Frisbees are designed specifically for throwing and catching, with a tall profile and rounded outer edge. Disc golf discs are designed specifically for only throwing and not catching. Golf discs typically have a thinner profile and a sharper outer edge to increase aerodynamics and distance. I played that day with just a regular catch frisbee ...
How far can you throw a golf disc?
Disc golfers are usually throwing golf discs around 350 to 400 feet.
How much does a golf disc weigh?
However, the density of a golf disc can make it feel much heavier in your hand. Golf discs are measured in grams. Most come between 150 and 180 grams. However, there are discs that go all the way down to 130 grams, such as discs that are designed for kids to throw. Frisbees used in Ultimate are specifically 175 grams.
What Is Disc Golf?
Disc golf is played much like golf except, instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and shares with golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws).
What is the difference between a golf disc and a Frisbee?
When compared to a Frisbee, a golf disc travels faster and farther which may make it more difficult to control.
How popular is disc golf?
Choosing the right disc for a child or beginner makes a big difference in their success and their first impression of disc golf. Disc golf has steadily increased in membership popularity by 15 percent over the last seven years. The game of disc golf has a 72 percent course growth rate, and tournament play has increased by 90 percent. These stats translate to an all-time high for disc selection and courses to play. There is a wide variety of disc manufacturers and no one brand stands above the other when it comes to junior specific discs. Manufacturers provide a variety of styles and weights to allow the player to experiment within their own game.
How many discs are needed for disc golf?
The beauty of disc golf is that it only takes one disc to play. One disc is recommended in the classroom when first introducing disc golf. It makes it easy to teach and for the group or individual to learn. Implementing different discs too soon will work against the group, individual, and instructor.
How many people play disc golf?
The PDGA annually presents four separate world championship: Professional, Professional Masters, Amateur and Juniors. It is been estimated that 8 to 12 million Americans have played disc golf and that over half a million play regularly. The majority of these players participate at the amateur and recreational level.
Why is disc golf so easy?
One disc allows the new player to focus on throwing technique, disc angles, and repetition which accelerates the learning curve. One disc is also easier for kids to keep track of when playing a course or in the classroom. Equipment responsibility is part of the game.
What are the different types of disc golf discs?
Many disc manufacturers offer a starter pack, which usually consists of one each of the three primary types of disc golf discs: a putter, mid-range, and high-speed driver.
How to play disc golf?
When you play disc golf, you will try to throw your disc from a designated tee pad into an upright basket. Each hole has a certain number of throws, or strokes, to get your disc into the basket. If you get your disc into the basket in the correct amount of throws, that’s called par.
What is the first factor in selecting the right discs for golf?
The first factor in selecting the right discs is disc type. During your rounds, you will use three types of discs. The picture below will show you the difference in two types of discs, just so you can see the physical difference. The picture shows the difference between a distance driver (left) and a putter (right).
What is a mid range disc?
2. Mid-range: this disc is used mainly for approach shots close to the basket and for tee shots when the basket isn’t too far away. The main goal of a mid-range is accuracy and glide (a disc’s ability to maintain loft or stay in the air).
What is fade in golf?
Fade: fade is a disc’s tendency, for a right hand backhand (rhbh) thrower, to hook left at the end of the its flight. Fade is judged from 0-5. Beginners want a disc that flies straight, so from 0-2 is best. If you want to improve, the best beginner discs to get will have low speed, high glide, high turn, and low fade.
What is a putter?
Putter: putters are meant to travel short distances as accurately as possible. You will use your putter to either make a very short approach shot or to sink the disc into the basket for hole completion. As you begin to understand what disc types you need, also be aware that all discs are not made the same.
How to get a disc out of a basket?
Make sure you line up with the basket. Next, have a putter ready to go. Stay focused and take your time so that you won’t miss and have to putt again. Now push the disc out and let it fly toward the basket. Hopefully you heard the “ching” and can go grab your disc! Remember: whoever is farthest from the basket putts first.
How many holes does disc golf have?
The player with the least number of strokes in a round, which is 18 holes, wins. But disc golf differs immensely from ball golf and is a fun alternative to the monotony that can be seen in many of ball golf’s rounds of play.
What are the different types of discs in disc golf?
To start, I want to very quickly show you the 4 types of discs in disc golf: distance drivers, control/fairway drivers, mid-range discs, and putters. These 4 types of discs cover the sport of disc golf and are used for different types of shots in different situations. The first picture below shows you the difference between the fastest and the slowest disc in disc golf.
What is the difference between the fastest and slowest discs in disc golf?
The first picture below shows you the difference between the fastest and the slowest disc in disc golf. 1. Distance drivers: these are maximum distance, maximum speed discs designed to fly fast and far. They are not designed for the beginner disc golfer.
How much glide do you need for a disc golfer?
Glide ranges 1 to 7. Glide is very important for beginners. Glide determines how long a disc can stay in the air so beginners want a glide of at least 3 or more. This will guarantee just a little bit of extra distance on your throws which is what you need as a beginner.
How fast should disc golf discs be?
Beginner disc golfers want discs with a speed of 7 or less. I would suggest no more than 5 if you’re brand new. That’s why putters and mid-range discs are usually perfect discs because their speed is normally 6 or less.
What is the slowest disc in golf?
4. Putters: the slowest-flying discs out of the 4 types. Putters are very easy to control, normally fly very straight, but don’t offer as much distance as the other discs. Putters are used for short throws into the basket, what we call putting, and for approach shots just a bit out from the basket.
What is a flight rating disc golf?
Disc golf flight ratings, created by Innova Discs, is a series of four numbers, or a rating system, that represents the true characteristics of a disc golf disc as it flies through the air, including the speed, glide, turn, and fade of a disc.
How much does a disc fade?
Fade: how much the disc turns, or fades, to the left at the end of it’s flight (rhbh thrower). Fade ranges from 0 to 5 and the higher the number, the more the disc will fade.
How to improve disc golf?
1. Master turn and fade: hopefully you’ve begun to understand turn and stability as you’ve gone through this post. But you need to take it a step further in order to improve and master stability. Learn how low-speed fade can affect disc flight.#N#2. Throw the right discs for your skill level: we’ve talked a little bit about discs and skill level in this post, but we stress this important concept all over our site. Make sure that you are throwing discs that pair with the skill level you are currently at. Understable discs are mainly for beginner players, stable discs are for intermediate players, and overstable discs are for really good players. Simple, right?#N#3. Why not learn a little bit more about disc flight?: knowing the physics of disc flight can be helpful and can give you a small advantage on the course. Check out or post, “How Does a Disc Golf Disc Fly Through the Air?”#N#4. Learn about Hyzer and Anhyzer: understanding how the disc flies according to release angle can really affect your disc golf game. Learning this allows you to use stability and angle together to be able to throw any shot on the course. Check out our post, “What’s the Difference Between a Hyzer and an Anhyzer?”#N#5. Practice: this is probably one of the most taken for granted tips for getting better at anything in the world of disc golf. But I still post it as a tip all the time. Want to get better at driving? Go practice. Want to putt better? Go practice. And if you want to master stability and how discs fly, go practice. This tip is simple and easy, too.
What is the unique feature of a disc?
The cool thing is that every single disc has a unique set of personality characteristics called flight ratings. That means each and every disc is unique. Each disc flies based on speed, glide, turn, and fade. See more about flight ratings here. The stability of a disc is affected by the 3rd flight rating, or the high-speed turn of a disc.
What is an overstable disc?
Now overstable discs are those that are not really meant for beginners. These discs, normally in the driver category because of the design of the disc, require a lot of speed in order to fly straight during flight. That means you need to have a lot of arm strength and power behind your throw. Overstable discs usually fade into the opposite direction of the disc’s spin. So for a rhbh thrower, the disc will spin right and turn to the left. But these discs are usually the most predictable for better players, which is why pros love them so much.#N#These discs work well in a variety of situations including: serious headwind, skip shots, and for when you need a disc that finishes hard left.
What is the best understable disc for beginners?
Best understable discs for beginners. The Innova Leopard is definitely one of the best beginner fairway drivers. It literally comes in Innova’s beginner disc golf pack. Check out the Leopard here on InfiniteDiscs.com or you can get it in this beginner pack on Amazon. I also love the Latitude 64 River fairway driver.
What is the difference between an overstable disc and an understable disc?
Whereas understable discs turn over more to the right at the beginning of flight. When first thrown, overstable turns more left and understable turns more right. Check out Ivan Katz’s explanation of overstable and understable.
What factors determine disc flight?
Lastly, stability is one of the key factors for determining disc flight. Are you playing with the right discs for your skill level? Don’t worry if you’re not, because we’ll go over this in detail.
What determines if a disc is going to turn right or left?
The level of stability in a disc will determine if it is going to turn to the right right away, fly straight through the whole flight, or fade to the left early on in the disc’s flight. And this is determined by each individual disc.
What is special disc golf?
Specialty Discs are designed for use in unique Disc Golf situations and for other flying disc sports and games. Several of these discs are classic “Old School” models with a loyal following. Some models are approved by WFDF for use in the Overall events of Accuracy, Discathon and Self-Caught Flight. Our entire line of Specialty discs are PDGA approved for use in Disc Golf.
What is putt approach disc?
Putt and Approach discs are designed specifically for putting and making short controlled upshots. Putt and Approach discs come in a variety of models and plastics to accommodate each player’s unique putting style and grip preference. These discs offer players of all skill levels predictability and performance around the target. Our Putt and Approach discs also provide an exceptional amount of control for professional level players performing short drives and mid-range shots. The Aviar has been used by more World Champions than all other disc models combined.
What is an aviar disc?
The Aviar has been used by more World Champions than all other disc models combined. Designed for dependable, accurate, and confidence inspiring putts. Ideal for executing controlled upshots, short drives and “go for it” shots. Available in a variety of different models to match unique putting styles.
What is a recreational disc?
Recreational Discs are discs made for playing games where throwing and catching are involved. Enjoy these discs for your next game of catch at the beach, the park or in your backyard. The Pulsar is designed for Ultimate, and is also an excellent disc for playing catch and freestyling.
What is a mid range disc?
Mid-Range Discs are designed to provide accuracy and control for a wide variety of shots. These versatile discs are effective in many situations, from drives and mid-range shots, to approaches and even putting. We offer an assortment of Mid-Range Discs to match the needs of a wide range of players using a variety of throwing techniques.
What is distance driver?
Distance Drivers were created to provide players with the maximum distance possible. Some Distance Driver models provide a straight line of flight, while others have the ability to travel to the left or right down the fairway. Some of our distance drivers are designed to cut through the wind, while other discs offer extra glide, providing additional distance for less powerful throwers. All of our Distance Drivers are created to bring maximum range and control in each unique situation. The R-Pro Boss currently holds the world distance record of 1108 feet (338 M) thrown by David Wiggins Jr.
How big is a disc golf ball?
You have slight differences between different manufacturers. Here are the general dimensions of a good golf disc: Diameter - this ranges between 8 to 8 1/2 inches in size.
Why do you need disc golf discs?
The same goes for disc golf. You need the right disc golf discs to navigate a disc golf course successfully.
How much weight can you put on a disc golf frisbee?
The first thing you need to know about disc golf frisbee weight is where are you going to use the disc. If it is for fun, then there is no real weight limit
How important is a disc golf frisbee?
Some Final Words. Getting the right disc golf frisbee is as important as getting the right golf clubs for real golf. Each one influences your game, and where the disc lands. To make sure you are getting the best disc for you, make sure you know your playing level.
What are disc golf discs made of?
Tip #2: most disc golf disc are made out of plastic or plastic blends. The quality of the construction material will influence the flight of the disc. Go with the better construction materials to have better flight time and distance.
Why use a lighter disc?
Now if you are a beginner, have slow arm speed or a youth, you may prefer to use a lighter disc. The lack of weight may be what you need to make sure you get the distance you are looking for.
How high is a driver in golf?
Height - this varies between clubs, A driver measures just under 1 inch high; a fairway club measures almost an inch high.; a mid range club comes in at 1 inch in height; and a putter is just over an inch high
Why is it important to know what disc to use?
There are a bunch of factors that determine a disc’s flight characteristics, but one of the most commonly referred to is a disc’s stability. Knowing a disc’s stability is a huge factor in knowing how the disc will fly.
What Is Disc Stability?
Disc stability describes how a disc’s physical design affects the way that it flies. It is also commonly associated with high-speed turn because it describes how the disc will turn in the air. High speed turn refers to how the disc will behave while it is moving at high speed, but at the end of the flight, the disc slows down. During the slower part of the flight, low speed fade describes how the disc will behave.
What is the turn rating of an understable disc?
This is typically the third number on the disc. Understable discs are rated -5 to -3, stable discs are rated -2 to -1 and Overstable discs are rated 0 to 1. So the closer the turn rating is to -5, the more Understable it will be, and the closer the turn rating is to 1, the more Overstable it will be. Different disc stabilities will come in handy ...
How does disc stability affect weight distribution?
Disc stability is influenced by the shape of the disc and how weight is distributed across it . A lot of these factors can be a result of the plastic choice. The shape of the different parts of the disc can also have a significant impact. Parting line height is thought to be the biggest factor in disc stability.
Why does a disc move when it is slow?
The science behind why a disc moves the way it does is because when the rim of the disc pushes air over its top, which results in less air pressure above the disc than below it.
Which way does an understable disc spin?
An understable disc thrown spinning clockwise will have force pushing down the right side causing the disc to turn to the right . An overstable disc is designed so that there is more air passing under it than over it and the force pushes up the right side causing the disc to turn to the left.
What happens when you throw a disc without spin?
The lift pushes the nose, or the front, of the disc up. If you just threw a disc without any spin, this would cause the front to lift up, flipping the disc backwards.
Why do disc golf drivers have a wide range of speeds?
Disc golf drivers cover a wide range of speeds because there are many different situations when you will be throwing drivers. Midrange drivers usually have more of a blunt nose than distance drivers which causes them to lose speed faster. Midrange drivers balance speed and distance. Distance drivers usually have sharper noses than midrange drivers ...
What is disc golf speed?
Disc golf speed refers to the speed rating of a disc golf disc and is the first number listed on the disc. 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 ...
What Speed Disc Should I Throw?
You should throw a disc speed that matches both the purpose of your throw and your disc golf ability. Disc golf throws generally fall into three categories and recommended disc speeds:
What Speed Is A Disc Golf Putter?
Disc golf putters are usually rated from 1 to 3 speed, but there are some putters rated 4 speed. The reason disc golf putters are slow is because lower speed discs are easier to control than higher speed discs. Putting occurs close enough to the basket that accuracy is more important than distance. Remember that high speed discs will usually tip and drop hard when thrown lightly, whereas a slow speed disc is more likely to hold its line when tossed lightly.
How does disc speed affect flight?
Your disc’s speed significantly affects its flight path, the control you have over it, and the distance it can potentially fly. Disc speed can also affect how it handles the wind and your ability to release consistently. Disc speed will even affect how your disc lands on the ground.
What is the target landing area for a disc?
For example, if you are throwing 150 feet from the basket, your target landing area should probably be Circle 1 (the 33 foot or 10 meter circle around the basket) and you might choose a 2-4 speed disc.
Why are higher speed discs more aerodynamic?
The difference is that higher speed discs are usually more aerodynamic and will maintain their speed longer than low speed discs because they are not slowed as much by the air. Jump over to Mind Body Disc here to learn if your arm speed matches your disc speed.
