what do the 4 numbers on disc golf discs 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?

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 …

What do you need to know about disc golf?

Jan 26, 2021 · 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 is the best golf disc?

Sep 01, 2020 · These 4 numbers represent the expected flight characteristics of a particular disc and in order, these 4 characteristics or ratings are labeled as: Speed, Glide, Turn, and Fade 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.

Which disc golf brand is best?

Jun 01, 2020 · 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 do the numbers on the front of a disc mean?

What does the turn number mean?

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

How do you tell if a disc is over or Understable?

What are the top three leading disc golf companies?

What are the rules to disc golf?

What does fade mean in disc golf?

What is a good disc golf rating?

Why do disc golf discs fade?

What are Understable discs good for?

How do you know if a disc golf disc is stable?

What is a Hyzer Flip?

What do the numbers on disc golf discs mean?

The 4 numbers on disc golf disc are flight ratings according to the manufacturer. From right to left they stand for – Speed – Glide – Turn – Fade – and each disc is different than the next.

What are the numbers on disc golf?

If you have been playing disc golf for a long time then you probably know that discs didn’t have the 4 numbers stamped on them like a lot of them do today. And if you have been playing for quite some time, you might already know what these numbers are for. These numbers correspond to certain flight characteristics that are designed by the manufacturer to fly certain ways based on said design. Well you came here to find out about those 4 little numbers on your disc, so let’s jump right in.

What is the glide number on a disc?

The second number from the left is glide and it has a numerical value of 1 to 7. Glide is how long your disc can maintain it flight and is what is referred to as flight time or loft. Discs with more glide are usually better for new players because they don’t require as much power or technique to fly for long distances. The higher the glide number, the longer maximum distance you should be able to produce from a throw.

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.

Why are disc golf discs slower?

Slower discs rely on the disc golfer to use more power to throw into the wind so I wouldn’t suggest trying to do so. These slower speed disc golf discs are easier to throw more accurately and tend to fly farther when the wind is at your back.

Why are discs more accurate?

Discs with less glide are more accurate when there are high winds on the course. The more wind there is, the more your disc will want to catch that wind and glide way off course.

What is the best rating for a roller disc?

A disc with a +1 rating is most resistant to turning, while a -5 rating will turn the most. Discs that have a rating of -3 to -5 make good roller discs and are great for dogleg left holes where you really need that right hand turn.

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?

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 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.

Why are long drivers impacted the most?

Different types of plastics can really throw the number system off. Long drivers really are impacted the most because of the thin plastic construction. If you use Champion and Glow Champion brands, they have less of a high-speed turn than other plastics like Driver Pro, Star, and GStar.

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.

What are the different types of discs in golf?

In Disc Golf, we find three different types of discs: Putter, Midrange, and Driver. This last category is then divided into two to make a correct classification. Putters are precision or short shot discs, midrange discs are midrange discs and are more unstable than putters, and drivers are long-range discs and are the most precarious of all.

What is disc golf?

It is played with a classic frisbee but smaller and heavier (different modalities and each one is different). The game’s objective is to cover the course from beginning to end with a minimum of disc throws. This sport is practiced both professionally and by amateurs in the United States, Europe, Japan, and in more than 20 countries worldwide. Disc Golf is played like traditional golf, but instead of clubs and balls, a frisbee is used. No, let’s talk about the discs!

What is medium range disc?

Medium range: these are discs for medium distances, they are more unstable than putters, but they go a little further. They have an intermediate profile between putters and drivers, and their edge ends in a small curve. Medium distance discs have very variable turning, camber, and glide values, being their speed between 4 and 7 approximately.

Why is disc golf important?

The sport of disc golf combines motor skills, fitness, and mental training. Another advantage of disc golf is that its practice does not involve a great expense.

What are the benefits of disc golf?

The golf disc has multiple benefits for your health and quality of life. It exercises the upper and lower body and the coordination between the two. It will offer you an increase in concentration both in the game and in your daily life, and you will develop flexibility. You can find a disc golf disc chart to see each advantage of discs.

How does a disc affect flight?

A disc can affect flight in several ways. It all depends on the characteristics that each one has. To cite an example, a lighter disc spins more easily. Therefore it can have more HSS for longer. This stability is the tendency of the disc to turn left at the beginning of the flight. This is also true as long as the speed and rotation of the disc are high.

How far does the support foot go in golf?

The game starts on each hole; the player always has the support foot within two meters of the front start line. This line can only be crossed when the disc has left the player’s hand.

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 do the numbers mean on the disc golf 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. Each disc has a distinct “personality”; the flight path that makes that disc unique.

What do the 4 numbers on a Frisbee golf disc mean?

These four numbers represent different characteristics of the flight. The four numbers are: speed, glide, turn, fade. 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 you tell if a disc is Overstable?

The most effective way to tell if a disc is overstable or understable is to throw it. Try throwing the disc backhand and aiming straight. For right-handed players, an understable disc will turn to the right and an overstable disc will turn to the left. A stable disc will go straight.

When should you throw an Overstable disc?

When throwing a right hand back hand shot (RHBH) that needs to finish left, or hyzer, the urge is to reach for an overstable disc. We do this because it is reliable and you know that whatever angle you release it on, it is going to hyzer out.

Should I throw max weight discs?

Some players will swear by lightweight discs while others will say that you should always lean toward max weight discs. The truth is, the weight of a disc can make a significant difference depending on the player and their personal preferences.

What are the 2 types of disc golf grips we covered?

In disc golf, there are 7 main grips which include the power grip, for both backhand and forehand, modified power grip, fan grip, modified fan grip, stacked grip, and split Grip. These grips cover every aspect of the game including driving off the tee, fairway drives, midrange shots and putting.

What weight discs do pros throw?

Advanced players will usually max out their mid-range discs to 180 grams. Putters come in light and heavyweights as well. Heavier putters will perform better in the winds and for harder throws. Light putters would be 170-172 grams on average and heavier putter will be about 173-175 grams.

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.