what disc golf numbers mean

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. ...

Full Answer

What are the numbers on disc golf discs?

So what do the numbers on a disc 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. Speed: how hard the disc must be thrown.

What do you need to know about disc golf?

Sep 01, 2020 · The first number on a disc is it’s Speed rating. This number is usually a value between 1-14, with 1 being the slowest and 14 being the fastest. As a beginner, you’ll find that slower discs are easier to throw as they require less power and are oftentimes more accurate.

What is the best golf disc?

Jun 01, 2020 · If you have a disc with a +1, this is the type of disc that will not turn over. On the other hand, if you have a -5 disc, you can expect this disc to turn over more than any other type on the market nowadays. When looking for roller discs, -3 to -5 are a perfect number. Less turn-able discs are definitely more accurate in the wind.

Which disc golf brand is best?

Jan 26, 2021 · What Do the Numbers on a Disc Golf Disc Mean? 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 does the numbers mean on disc golf?

How are disc flight numbers determined?

What does the 5th number on a disc golf mean?

What does the third number mean on disc golf?

What is a good rating in disc golf?

How do I choose a disc weight?

What are the top three leading disc golf companies?

What is discraft 5th number?

How do I know if my disc is Understable?

What is hyzer and Anhyzer?

What does the turn number mean?

What is an Overstable disc?

How many numbers are on a disc?

Updated: Dec 29, 2020. As you start handling discs or even shopping for them, you may begin to notice that some of them have a series of 4 numbers marked on them. You may ask yourself,

What does a negative number mean on a disc?

In this case, negative numbers indicate more turn and 0 or +1 indicates less turn. A disc rated as +1 will be very resistant to “turning over” whereas a disc rated as -5 will turn over very easily and quickly.

What is the speed rating on a disc?

The first number on a disc is it’s Speed rating. This number is usually a value between 1-14, with 1 being the slowest and 14 being the fastest. As a beginner, you’ll find that slower discs are easier to throw as they require less power and are oftentimes more accurate. Think of throwing a baseball vs a wiffle ball.

What is the second number on a disc?

The second number found on a disc is going to be the Glide rating. Glide will be rated on a scale between 1 and 7 with 7 being the highest. Glide can be described as a disc’s tendency to stay afloat when thrown.

What is the third rating in disc golf?

When a disc is thrown back hand by a right handed thrower, the “Turn” indicates how much a disc will want to “turn over” during its initial flight upon release ( disc golf lingo for a disc going flat and straight before finishing to the right) and will be rated with a scale between +1 and -5.

What does it mean when a disc is thrown as a left handed player?

When you throw a disc as a left handed player or when a right handed player throws forehand, the “ Turn” rules are reversed and will indicate how much a disc wants to initially go to the left, rather than the right.

Why do discs have ratings?

Whether the numbers are stamped on the disc or not, every disc has a rating to give you an idea of what that disc’s tendency will be upon release when thrown a certain way.

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 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 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 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.

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.

Why is understable disc important?

This should be the number rating MOST beneficial to newer players, along with slow speeds as understable discs help to teach newer players how to control release angles and get more distance in their drives.

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.

What is the first number on a disc?

Speed is typically the first number seen on a disc.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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 ...

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 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 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.

What does the number on a disc mean?

The number shows how hard the disc has to be thrown in order to properly fly.

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 mid range disc?

Mid-range discs tend to be in between the two.

What do the numbers mean on Innova discs?

What do the numbers mean? 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.

What makes a disc Overstable?

So for a right-handed player throwing the disc using a backhand technique, if the disc tends to fly straight it would be considered a stable disc. If the disc tends to fly to the left, it is considered overstable. When the disc tends to fly to the right, it's considered understable.

What weight disc should I throw?

The most used weight class, apart from Blizzard discs, in distance throws is 165-169 grams. Players who can throw over 100 meters with drivers also use heavier weight classes, e.g. 170-172 and 173-175, latter being the heaviest weight class in drivers generally. A heavier driver is more reliable in windy conditions.

What are the best disc golf discs for beginners?

Top 15 Disc Golf Discs for Beginners MVP Spin - Speed: 3 Glide: 4 Turn: -1 Fade: 0. Latitude 64 Ruby - Speed: 3 Glide: 4 Turn: -3 Fade: 1. Discraft Magnet - Speed: 2 Glide: 3 Turn: -1 Fade: 2. Mid-Ranges. Innova Mako3 - Speed: 5 Glide: 4 Turn: 0 Fade: 0. Discraft Buzz - Speed: 5 Glide: 4 Turn: -1 Fade: 1.

What is the straightest flying disc golf disc?

ANUBIS by Infinite Discs. MAKO3 by Innova. EVIDENCE by Dynamic Discs. FD by Discmania. RIVER by Latitude 64. LEOPARD3 by Innova. BUZZZ SS by Discraft. AXIS by MVP.

How can I make my CD more Understable?

To make it more understable he presses down all the way around the rim with his thumbs.To make the disc more stable he presses up underneath the rim with his thumbs. He does this a few times going around the rim then he tests his disc to see how it flies after wards.

How do you make a disc golf disc?

For making a golf disc, an ultra-speed procedure known as 'injection molding' is adopted. The main principle of this procedure is taking a liquid plastic ingredient into a sealed mold that is generally of the multi-hollow type. The liquid plastic is refrigerated to a solid form just after being poured into the mold.

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 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.

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 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.

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.