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what do the numbers on disc golf discs stand for

by Celia Daniel Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Well you came here to find out about those 4 little numbers on your disc, so let’s jump right in. 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.

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.Feb 13, 2018

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 …

What do you need to know about disc golf?

Jan 26, 2021 · 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, …

What is the best golf disc?

Jun 01, 2020 · 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 …

Which disc golf brand is best?

Jun 16, 2018 · 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 …

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What does the 5th number on a disc golf disc 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.Mar 28, 2018

What does the third number mean on disc golf?

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.Nov 30, 2019

Is a heavier or lighter 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.Sep 6, 2019

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.Nov 12, 2020

What does the turn number mean?

turning number (plural turning numbers) (geometry, topology, mathematical analysis) A version of winding number in which the number of rotations is counted with respect to the tangent of the curve rather than a fixed point.

What are the top three leading disc golf companies?

The Top 5 Selling Golf Discs for 2020
  • Innova Destroyer.
  • Discraft Buzzz.
  • Discraft Luna.
  • Innova Wraith.
  • Discraft Zone.
Jan 26, 2021

What discs fly the farthest?

The Best Distance Drivers According to Star Ratings
RankDisc MoldWeighted score
1Innova Destroyer5.44
2Innova Wraith5.01
3Infinite Discs Aztec4.77
4Discraft Zeus4.65
6 more rows
Aug 17, 2020

What disc weight do pros use?

Many of the competing players use under 170 gram drivers, especially when throwing uphill or in moderate wind conditions. The most used weight class, apart from Blizzard discs, in distance throws is 165-169 grams.

Do heavier discs fly farther?

A little easier to get out there, but not as much control and even less control in wind. ALL else being equal, lighter discs will go farther than heavier discs.Oct 3, 2016

What are the rules to disc golf?

What is a Hyzer Flip?

A Hyzer Flip is very similar to an S-Shot but follows a straighter line. An understable disc is thrown very fast with a hyzer angle of release. The disc turns or “flips” up and brings its nose down in the process. This allows for a long straight glide.Mar 7, 2022

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

A short cut method for determining whether this disc is over or understable is to add the last two numbers in the flight numbers, in this case: -2+2=0. If the resulting number is positive the disc is said to be overstable.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

What is a disc golf number?

Disc golf disc number is nothing but the four numbers on discs that have been introduced by the renowned company dealing in disc golf-related premium products, Innova discs. Innova started putting this numbering concept in 2009, though it has spread informally for long.

What are disc numbers used for?

Each disc follows a particular flight path. The numbers are used to identify the characteristics of each disc during their specific flight path. Because each disc has its distinct flight path for reaching the target after being thrown in the air, this characterization also helps in comparing individual models of the disc against the other. This, in turn, helps the beginner golfers to pick discs according to their requirements and understand the way different discs fly. The numbering system includes Speed, Glide, Turn and Fade of the disc, which I will be discussing further in the following paragraphs. To know that, what do disc golf disc numbers mean, it is essential to learn about this numbering system.

What is disc golf?

Disc golf is a flying sport. This sport is being played following the rules of golf, but here players throw disc towards a target, which is usually a type of basket. For primary choosing and learners, it is best to choose lighter discs, having around 166grams of weight. Pro golfers mainly want more massive discs. Disc golf discs have specific disc numbers used for the flight rating system, and this is what I am going to discuss in this article. I will try to apprise you; what do disc golf disc numbers mean.

How many numbers are on a disc golf disc?

As we have already mentioned, there are four numbers on a disc golf disc. What we haven’t mentioned is that these numbers are indicators of a disc golf disc.

Why is speed important in disc golf?

Why? Because it more or less determines how well the rest of the three factors will work when you are in the game.

Why do you need to look for a disk with more glide?

If you are more interested in covering longer distances, you must look for a disk with more glide because when a disk has more glide and speed, it will fly the farthest.

What does speed mean in disc throwing?

Speed: Speed lets you know how fast a disc must be and can be thrown.

Why is it important to have more turn of a disc?

But it is also equally important for beginners as more turn of a disk means it is more understandable, which can be extremely important if you are a newbie to golf disc.

What does "glide" mean in golf?

In golf disk golf, glide means the duration your disk can stay in the flight after the throw. Glide is generally measured between the numbers 1 and 7. Here, the glide of 7 means the disk can stay up in the air for the maximum time, whereas the glide of 1 is the lowest.

Do you need to buy low speed discs?

On the other hand, the lower the disk numbers are, the less force it needs. If you are new to this , it is recommended that you buy low-speed discs and slowly speed up. And do not forget to practice!

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.

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