innova disc golf how to read the 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?

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!

What is a good turn rating for disc golf discs?

So a disc with a turn rating of -3 will turn a lot more than a disc with a rating of -1. More understable discs are great for beginners. Where an experienced golfer can get an understable disc to turn a lot, the new player, who can’t get the disc to the intended speed, can expect a much straighter flight.

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.

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.

What Are the 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 to improve disc golf?

Approach with control. Make more putts. When you have the right discs, your disc golf game can improve quickly. To make the search easier, we’ve put every Innova disc into one list sortable by Disc Name, Speed, Glide, Turn, Fade, and Abbreviation. Now, go find the best discs for your game!

How to tell if a disc will fly?

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 prefix on a disc mean?

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. Echo Plastic may have ES or E★ in front of the model letters. Star, Pro and R-Pro discs may have a / – or . between the plastic type (S, P or R) and the disc model abbreviation.

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 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 third number on a disc?

The third number is the turn and is usually numbered from +1 to -5. This rating is the indicator of the chances of the disc to curve to the right during the beginning of the flight. This is usually applicable when the disc is being thrown by a right-hand-backhand thrower. The disc with the +1 rating will have more resistance from turning over while the -5 has the more tendency to turn to the right.

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.

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.

How do disc numbers help in disc golf?

Your disc numbers help you strategize and choose the best possible disc for each throw. This is one area where disc golf resembles regular golf. Just as a golfer would make a specific choice to use a wedge for a particular shot, and he would not tee off with his putter, a disc golfer needs to choose specific discs based on the distance to the target and other conditions.

How many numbers are on a disc golf disc?

Discs intended for disc golf will have four numbers on top. These numbers represent the flight pattern when the disc is thrown, and they are identified from left to right as follows:

What factors affect the glide of a disc?

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. The way you throw your disc and the angle you use will have an impact on glide.

How does a disc affect the wind?

The way you throw your disc and the angle you use will have an impact on glide. 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 size are Frisbees compared to discs?

Disc golf dics are smaller and denser than frisbees. Frisbees can be around 12 inches in diameter , whereas a disc will be 8 inches.

Why is a high turn disc rating important?

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. Again, we emphasize the need to practice, practice, and practice some more!

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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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.