What Disc Golf Numbers Mean
- Speed. The first number on a disc is it’s Speed rating. ...
- Glide. The second number found on a disc is going to be the Glide rating. ...
- Turn. Next, we will find the third rating known as Turn. ...
- Fade. Lastly, we come to the 4th rating on a disc known as Fade. ...
- Putting It All Together. ...
What do the numbers on the disc mean?
- "Turn" and "fade" are both measurements of how much a disc will turn left or right in the air. ...
- "Speed" is a commonly misunderstood measurement. Speed is not a measurement of how fast or how far a disc will fly. ...
- "Glide" is pretty much self explanatory. Some discs tend to hang in the air longer than others. ...
What are some good basic starting discs for disc golf?
Let’s check out the three different types of discs:
- Driver: this is the disc you will almost always use first for your tee shot. These discs are meant mostly for speed and distance.
- 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. ...
- Putter: putters are meant to travel short distances as accurately as possible. ...
Is Frolf the same thing as disc golf?
The term “Frolf” is also used to describe disc golf, but Frolf is a game unto its own. What Is Frolf? Frolf is similar to disc golf and is played with a group of friends with a Frisbee, or a flying disc similar to one. Frolf can be played almost anywhere and has even come up with it’s own set of rules, which can change at any minute I might add.
How many holes does a disc golf course have?
The traditional official disc golf course has 18 holes, but smaller courses may only have 9 holes. It would be an oddity to find a disc golf course with a less than 9 holes, but it would be even rarer to find a disc golf course that has more than 36 holes. Disc golf courses are typically filled with maps of holes and layouts of the overall course.
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How are disc golf numbers determined?
Speed Rating 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 mean?
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. So now players who like one system or the other can have both for easy reference.
How do I identify my disc golf disc?
The easiest and most popular way to mark your disc is by writing your name, phone number, and PDGA number (if you have one) on the bottom of the disc with a Sharpie. This helps to distinguish your disc as unique. It also provides contact information so that the disc can be returned to you in case it gets lost.
Is a lighter or heavier disc better?
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 do the 4 numbers on a disc 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.
Why do some discs have 5 numbers?
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. Discs with less turn are more accurate in the wind.
What disc has 7 Glide?
Disc Information The Latitude 64 River is one the highest rated fairway drivers. It has incredible glide and is a great driver for beginners. Latitude gives this disc a glide rating of 7, higher than any other disc golf disc. Intermediate and advanced players will be pleased with the River's accuracy and consistency.
What is the difference in disc golf discs?
Discs that are more overstable generally have lower glide ratings, as they fight to get the ground more quickly in their flights, while understable discs often have higher glide ratings and tend to turn up away from the ground.
What disc has the highest glide?
Highest Glide Discs Comparison TableProductGlidePriceLatitude 64 Retro Burst River7 glideCheck PriceInnova Aero6 glideCheck PriceInnova Tern6 glideCheck PriceInnova Star Shryke6 glideCheck Price1 more row
How many discs should I carry?
But a good rule of thumb: you should always carry at least six discs with you. Two drivers, two mid-range, and two putters.
Do light discs fly farther?
In general, lighter discs fly farther than heavier discs, but heavier discs may fly farther in a headwind due to their greater stability. A safe bet for the average player is to throw discs weighing around 160-165 grams for best distance.
What weight discs do pros use?
Drivers. Drivers start at around 150 grams, but beginners tend to go for something in the range of 165-169 grams because they're easy to get good results with. But it's not so much the case that pros immediately go to the other end of the spectrum and use 175g gram discs because they go further.
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.
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.
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 does a high fade rating mean?
A higher fade rating means that as the disc slows down the more likely the disc is to hook. For a right-handed player throwing backhanded, this means that with a high fade rating the disc will hook to the left. Players wanting to throw a skip shot would use a disc with more fade.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
1. Speed
A disc's speed rating represents how efficiently it cuts through the air and maintains velocity. When a disc leaves the hand it quickly reaches top speed and begins to slow down. Due to the sharpness of the edge and the weight distributed through the mold, some discs will slow down much sooner than others.
2. Glide
The glide rating represents how well a disc will remain in the air as it slows down. If a disc is described as floaty, or having a lot of loft, this means it has a lot of glide. With a few exceptions, discs will have a glide rating of 2-6.
3. Turn
Turn rating is a measure of how much the angle of a disc will rotate during the high speed phase of the flight. The turning action of a disc can be manipulated to find the unique shot shapes that only exist in disc golf. Matching a disc's turn to thread a winding wooded fairway is one of the most satisfying feelings in the game.
4. Fade
The fade rating covers how a disc will behave as it slows down and falls to the ground. Fade ratings come in the 1-5 range. Discs with a high fade number are generally more overstable and have less turn and glide. On the other end, discs with a low fade number often have more turn and a high glide rating.
Now Go Throw
We have only scratched the surface of the physics of disc golf flight. Other factors, like the weight of the disc, the plastic blend, and the amount of damage or "seasoning" a disc has absorbed will further complicate the flight characteristics.
