What Do the Numbers on a Disc Golf Disc Mean?
- Speed. Speed is typically the first number seen on a disc. While this can be associated with how fast the disc should fly to get more distance, what ...
- Glide. The second number is in reference to the amount of glide that disc is rated for. Glide is determined by the dome or lack of a dome on the disc.
- Turn. This rating is severely underutilized by beginner players when they are trying to learn how to throw. Many people, myself included, want to try ...
- Fade. 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 ...
Full Answer
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.
What do the numbers on discs Golf 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.
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 are disc flight numbers determined?
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.
How do you read a golf disc?
It contains four numbers that indicate the behavior or the intention of the disc during the flight. Those four numbers can be called characters which will determine the different aspects that affect the disc's flight. The four numbers on the disc indicate the speed, glide, turn, and fade of the disc in the same order.
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 speed disc should I throw?
Disc golf throws generally fall into three categories and recommended disc speeds: Putts usually use low speed discs to maximize accuracy. Approaches and midrange shots usually use medium speed discs to balance speed and accuracy. Drives usually use higher speed discs to maximize distance.
What do disc numbers mean for forehand?
A low number indicates a disc which will not fly far. Higher numbers mean a disc will fly far. Much effort is required to make low glide discs fly far, while minimal effort is required to throw high glide discs far. It is therefore much easier to judge where a low glide disc will land, than a high glide disc.
What is the most stable disc?
A disc rated 0 will finish straightest with the least fade. Discs with a low fade rating are the more understable. A disc rated 5 will fade or hook hardest at the end of the flight. Discs with a high fade rating are predictable even in wind and considered more overstable.
How do you tell if a disc is over or Understable?
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.
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.
What is an Anhyzer in disc golf?
Anhyzer. An angle of release where the outside edge or left edge of the disc is tilted upward for a RHBH thrower.
How do I get more distance in disc golf?
0:545:30How To Get More Distance in Disc Golf - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMore stability more fade which is another predictable factor. So when approaching the basket. YouMoreMore stability more fade which is another predictable factor. So when approaching the basket. You often want to throw with the nose. Up so that you can guarantee a closer proximity to the basket.
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?
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 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 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!
Is disc golf the same as golf?
Disc golf is very similar to golf and presents the same challenges, whether it is making a long putt, being forced to throw from a bush, or around a tree in the middle of the fairway. However, there are some significant differences when it comes to golf. The practice of disc golf is free, and it is not necessary to rent, for example, a golf cart.
Is disc golf a hobby?
The sport of disc golf can be a lifelong hobby. It attracts both young people and adults and is also played with people with disabilities. It is easy to learn and does not exclude any person. Many people who play Discgolf also play Ultimate and vice versa.
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.
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.
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 is a 0 rating disc?
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.
Meaning Of Numbers on The Golf Disk
The number that is available on the golf disk will represent the characteristics of the disk and how it will fly in the air as it will be the flight rating system. It will also represent the speed of the disc in the air, glide, and fade as well.
Purchasing Discs Suitable for Your Style
As in the market, there are a lot of discs available however you need to choose one as per, you’re playing style. If you know about the glide only then you can decide if you want the disc to cover a longer distance in the air.
Comparing Discs
If you see two discs and they have different numbers on them, you will get confused as to what those numbers signify and why they are different. So, if you have an idea about the flight rating, only then you will be able to differentiate between both the discs. Let suppose two discs have different numbers as 12 and 13.
