What Do the Numbers on Disc Golf Discs Mean?
- Speed. What Does It Mean? Speed is generally the rate at which the disc can travel through the air. ...
- Glide. What it refers to? ...
- Turn. If we take the example of a right-hand backhand throw, turn describes the golf disc’s ability to turn over to the right as soon as the disc is thrown.
- Fade. What Does It Mean? ...
What does disc golf disc speed rating mean?
The speed rating of the disc is on a scale of 1 to 14 indicating how fast a disc should be thrown to achieve its intended flight path. More specifically, disc speed is a measure of the disc’s aerodymics and is primarily determined by the width of the disc’s rim.
How fast do disc golf discs fly?
The “faster” a disc is, the more speed, power, and spin has to be behind it for it to fly according to the rest of the disc’s flight ratings. Speed ranges from 1 to 15. There’s a HUGE misconception when it comes to speed in disc golf.
What does speed mean when throwing a disc?
Speed: how hard the disc must be thrown. Glide: how long the disc can stay in the air. Turn: how much the disc turns to the right when first thrown ( rhbh thrower ). Fade: how much the disc turns to the left at the end of it’s flight (rhbh thrower).
What does the speed number on a disc mean?
Speed means two things, one much more important than the other. The less important is a measurement of drag. In other words, the higher the speed number, the more aerodynamic a disc is. That aerodynamic shape means it will maintain it’s speed longer due to less drag on the disc.
Do higher speed discs go farther?
You shouldn't take this to mean that because a disc is a higher speed, it will automatically fly farther. Most players need lots of practice and training to throw a high speed disc correctly. In fact, many beginners will find that slower speed discs fly farther for them than higher speed discs.
How far should a speed 7 disc go?
Speed 6-7 can go much further then 300, 450-500 in top pro power hands.
How can I tell the speed of my disc golf disc?
The first number in the 4 number flight rating system is the speed. It's not how fast/far the disc goes! It's how fast you have to throw it to get it to do what it's supposed to do. A 12 speed doesn't mean 12 mph, it's not in multiples of 5 or 6 like some people have told me.
What is the highest speed disc golf?
He threw his disc as hard as he could. Harder than anyone else ever has. With one throw, clocked at a ridiculous 89.5 miles per hour (or 144 kilometers per hour), Simon set the “Highest Throw Speed (MPH)” record for a player throwing a disc.
What speed disc should I throw beginner?
Beginners often do not have the power to throw a high speed disc properly. In this case it is best to throw low speed discs until your form is developed enough to throw fast discs properly. Beginners risk developing bad habits and poor form by throwing high speed discs without proper training.
How fast do pros throw discs?
The average speed of a disc golf throw is around 50-70 miles per hour or 80-112 kilometers per hour. The fastest disc golf disc thrown was by pro disc golfer Simon Lizotte and was at a speed of 89.5 miles per hour or 144 kilometers per hour.
How can I increase my disc golf speed?
1:582:46What is a good way to increase arm speed in disc golf? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd just whip your arm through fast make sure that you're still using good good form but whip yourMoreAnd just whip your arm through fast make sure that you're still using good good form but whip your arm through real fast don't really worry about where the disc.
How do I know my arm speed?
How to measure arm speedTake the farthest distance you consistently throw and divide by 35.Radar gun.Find a non beat in disc in non premium plastic, that flies the way the numbers say it should. (Ricky W will not be participating in this one).
Can you throw a disc too hard?
Throwing Too Hard is a disease which can infect good players of the game, but it usually attacks beginners and intermediates, as they struggle to properly understand the game, their discs, and themselves, with an ever-improving but inconsistent ability.
How far should a beginner throw a disc golf?
According to the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), you can expect beginners to throw disc golf discs at an average distance of around 175 to 250 feet. This is typically approximately 80% of their ultimate throwing distance, becoming farther as they gain more experience in the sport.
How many calories do you burn playing disc golf?
One single round of disc golf burns approximately 400 to 500 calories and consists of walking around 6000 to 7000 steps or about 3 total miles. With that being said, disc golf is a phenomenal physical activity and one that is awesome for your health and fitness.
What is disc golf speed?
Disc golf speed refers to the speed rating of a disc golf disc and is the first number listed on the disc. The speed rating of the disc is on a scale of 1 to 14 indicating how fast a disc should be thrown to achieve its intended flight path. More specifically, disc speed is a measure of the disc’s aerodymics and is primarily determined by ...
Why do disc golf drivers have a wide range of speeds?
Disc golf drivers cover a wide range of speeds because there are many different situations when you will be throwing drivers. Midrange drivers usually have more of a blunt nose than distance drivers which causes them to lose speed faster. Midrange drivers balance speed and distance. Distance drivers usually have sharper noses than midrange drivers ...
What Speed Disc Should I Throw?
You should throw a disc speed that matches both the purpose of your throw and your disc golf ability. Disc golf throws generally fall into three categories and recommended disc speeds:
What Speed Is A Disc Golf Putter?
Disc golf putters are usually rated from 1 to 3 speed, but there are some putters rated 4 speed. The reason disc golf putters are slow is because lower speed discs are easier to control than higher speed discs. Putting occurs close enough to the basket that accuracy is more important than distance. Remember that high speed discs will usually tip and drop hard when thrown lightly, whereas a slow speed disc is more likely to hold its line when tossed lightly.
How does disc speed affect flight?
Your disc’s speed significantly affects its flight path, the control you have over it, and the distance it can potentially fly. Disc speed can also affect how it handles the wind and your ability to release consistently. Disc speed will even affect how your disc lands on the ground.
What is the target landing area for a disc?
For example, if you are throwing 150 feet from the basket, your target landing area should probably be Circle 1 (the 33 foot or 10 meter circle around the basket) and you might choose a 2-4 speed disc.
Why are higher speed discs more aerodynamic?
The difference is that higher speed discs are usually more aerodynamic and will maintain their speed longer than low speed discs because they are not slowed as much by the air. Jump over to Mind Body Disc here to learn if your arm speed matches your disc speed.
What does speed mean on a disc?
Speed indicates how fast or slow the disc flies and how much power is needed to perform it’s designed flight path. The rating has a lot to do with the width of the rim of the disc. The wider the rim, the faster typically. If you need distance, then you need speed, but it can be harder to control.
What does it mean when a disc is negative?
A disc with a negative number is also referred to as “understable.”. Fade is the finish of the disc after the inertia slows down — most discs will have natural fade to the left (for a right handed backhand throw) and some will have more than others.
What is glide rating?
Glide is the ability to stay afloat in the air — which can affect the flight differently in different winds. Glide is a measure of loft. Discs with high glide rating will maintain more time in the air, maximizing the distance of your throw. Low fading discs will drop faster to the ground.
What is the speed of a disc?
We know already that the speed of the disc is how hard the disc must be thrown to work correctly. The disc has a certain rating on it, represented by the numbers 1 through 15. A high speed disc is up at the top, let’s say around 12, 13, 14, and 15. As you get lower on that scale, the required amount of speed is less. A 1 speed disc requires very little effort and speed to work properly after it’s thrown.
How does speed affect disc flight?
But the speed of the disc is actually the determining factor of whether or not the disc will fly correctly. Speed determines whether the disc will glide, turn, and fade per those ratings on the disc. If a disc has a lot of glide, and is meant to stay in the air, the disc has to be thrown at the speed listed on this disc for the disc to glide like it’s supposed to . The same goes with the other flight ratings.
What is flight rating disc golf?
The flight ratings system is a series of four numbers created by the disc golf company Innova Discs. Innova implemented the system in 2009 on their discs, although the system has been around in an informal fashion for a little while longer. Though most do not know exactly when or for how long it’s been informally used, the company started stamping discs around 2009 or so.
Why are disc golf discs so hard to master?
The physics of disc flight control exactly how a disc will fly. The Australian Flying Disc Association has a good article called, “ The Physics of Disc Flight,” that explains how spinning discs fly .
What does "turn" mean in disc throwing?
Turn: how much the disc turns to the right when first thrown ( rhbh thrower ).
How to get better at disc golf?
1. Buy the right discs: making sure you get discs that match your playing style and your skill level is critically important if you want to improve and get better in disc golf. Nothing is worse than being a beginner and throwing discs that are way too overbearing for your crappy technique. Believe me, I’ve been there and I don’t want you or anyone you know to have to go through that. So make sure you check on the discs you are throwing and make sure they are for beginners.
What do the numbers on a disc mean?
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.
What is the speed rating of a disc?
It’s a measure of how fast you need to throw the disc to make the other flight numbers come true. In other words, the glide, turn, and fade ratings on a disc are only accurate when the disc is thrown at or above its speed rating.
What does speed mean in physics?
Speed means two things, one much more important than the other. The less important is a measurement of drag. In other words, the higher the speed number, the more aerodynamic a disc is. That aerodynamic shape means it will maintain it’s speed longer due to less drag on the disc.
How to find discs that work for you?
The answer lies in large part with your arm speed. The first step in finding discs that work for you lies in figuring out the nexus between arm speed and disc speed. To do that, let’s begin by defining the speed rating of a disc.
Why do some discs fly like they're supposed to and most others don't?
This is what answers our earlier question… Why do some discs fly like they’re supposed to and most others don’t? It’s because a lot of the discs out there don’t match your arm speed. If you have the previous mentioned speed 11 arm, you should be able to make all discs speed 11 and down fly as they’re designed to. You may have to power down on the lower speed discs, but you should be able to make them work. Put a speed 12 or higher in your hands and that’s where they will stop doing what they are “supposed” to do.
How fast is Quagmire's arm?
Quagmire’s been workin’ on his throwin’ arm. Looks like he’s got about a speed 15 there. Unfortunately you can’t go to your doctor and have an arm speed test done. There is no radar gun used to measure arm speed on a scale of 5 to 15. You can’t ask one of your buddies, “Hey, Frank, check out my disc throwin’ arm.
Why does my disc fly differently?
The reason for this is that poor form will always make a disc fly differently than its numbers. Issues with nose angle, release angle, wrist roll, and countless other problems can wreak havoc on a disc’s flight . If you can’t throw with proper form, this arm speed test will be lost on you.
What happens if you throw a speed 14 disc?
Soooo…. If you throw a speed 14 disc at speed 14, it will fly like it’s supposed to. If you only have a speed 11 arm, it will not. If you pick up a speed 11 disc and throw it with your speed 11 arm, that disc should then fly like it’s supposed to.
How to improve disc golf?
1. Master turn and fade: hopefully you’ve begun to understand turn and stability as you’ve gone through this post. But you need to take it a step further in order to improve and master stability. Learn how low-speed fade can affect disc flight.#N#2. Throw the right discs for your skill level: we’ve talked a little bit about discs and skill level in this post, but we stress this important concept all over our site. Make sure that you are throwing discs that pair with the skill level you are currently at. Understable discs are mainly for beginner players, stable discs are for intermediate players, and overstable discs are for really good players. Simple, right?#N#3. Why not learn a little bit more about disc flight?: knowing the physics of disc flight can be helpful and can give you a small advantage on the course. Check out or post, “How Does a Disc Golf Disc Fly Through the Air?”#N#4. Learn about Hyzer and Anhyzer: understanding how the disc flies according to release angle can really affect your disc golf game. Learning this allows you to use stability and angle together to be able to throw any shot on the course. Check out our post, “What’s the Difference Between a Hyzer and an Anhyzer?”#N#5. Practice: this is probably one of the most taken for granted tips for getting better at anything in the world of disc golf. But I still post it as a tip all the time. Want to get better at driving? Go practice. Want to putt better? Go practice. And if you want to master stability and how discs fly, go practice. This tip is simple and easy, too.
How many flight ratings are there on disc golf?
Stability is tricky. The way discs fly is overly complicated, but can be broken down into four simple flight ratings that make up each and every disc. Today, we’re gonna be going over everything to do with stability so that you can get a good understanding of it (and hopefully improve your disc golf game).
What is an overstable disc?
Now overstable discs are those that are not really meant for beginners. These discs, normally in the driver category because of the design of the disc, require a lot of speed in order to fly straight during flight. That means you need to have a lot of arm strength and power behind your throw. Overstable discs usually fade into the opposite direction of the disc’s spin. So for a rhbh thrower, the disc will spin right and turn to the left. But these discs are usually the most predictable for better players, which is why pros love them so much.#N#These discs work well in a variety of situations including: serious headwind, skip shots, and for when you need a disc that finishes hard left.
What is the best understable disc for beginners?
Best understable discs for beginners. The Innova Leopard is definitely one of the best beginner fairway drivers. It literally comes in Innova’s beginner disc golf pack. Check out the Leopard here on InfiniteDiscs.com or you can get it in this beginner pack on Amazon. I also love the Latitude 64 River fairway driver.
What is the difference between an overstable disc and an understable disc?
Whereas understable discs turn over more to the right at the beginning of flight. When first thrown, overstable turns more left and understable turns more right. Check out Ivan Katz’s explanation of overstable and understable.
What is high speed turn?
High speed turn is a flight characteristic of a disc to turn to the right (for RHBH thrower) during the fastest part of its flight (the early flight.) The degree to which a disc resists high speed turn determines the disc’s stability. Discs that have a lot of high speed turn are understable. Discs that have a moderate amount ...
What factors determine disc flight?
Lastly, stability is one of the key factors for determining disc flight. Are you playing with the right discs for your skill level? Don’t worry if you’re not, because we’ll go over this in detail.
What is high speed turn in disc golf?
What is turn in disc golf? High speed turn is a flight characteristic of a disc and is how much a disc turns to the right (for RHBH thrower) during the fastest part of its flight. The degree to which a disc resists high speed turn determines the disc’s stability. It’s also the third flight rating in the flight ratings system and ranges from -5 to 1.
What does it mean when a disc glides?
Glide is how long a disc can fly through the air. So depending on how long the disc stays in the air, the disc could turn more or less.
What is high speed turn?
Turn and fade are pretty much opposites. With a rhbh thrower, high-speed turn is how much a disc turns to the right at the beginning of flight. Low-speed fade then kicks in and is how much the disc fades to the left at the end of flight.
What does fade mean on a disc?
Fade is how much a disc fades to the left at the end of flight. Now fade doesn’t really have a lot of impact on the disc if there’s a decent amount of turn on it. Fade is more or less of what happens at the end of a disc’s flight.
What does it mean when a disc is understable?
The closer the number is to -5, the more turn the disc has. Disc s that have a lot of turn are understable. Discs that have a moderate amount of turn are stable, and discs that resist turning right even at high speeds are overstable.
What is the best fade for a disc?
We’ve got some recommendations below, but looking for discs with -2 to -4 turn and 1 or less fade are ideal. Those will give you the best chance if you’re a newer player. Those discs are “understable,” as stated earlier.
How many pages are in the disc golf player's manual?
Before you go, don’t forget to check out the best beginner disc golf book on the planet, “The Disc Golf Player’s Manual.” This ebook is packed with over 200+ pages of the best tips, tricks, and advice for new players!
What does speed mean in a disc?
Speed is how fast a disc must be thrown to fly correctly. We learned in the flight ratings post about speed that if the disc is not thrown up to speed, it will not fly according to any of the other flight ratings. If the disc is thrown too slow, the disc may fade way too much! This is a huge problem for beginners… see why below in ...
What does "glide" mean in disc golf?
Glide is how long a disc can fly through the air. So depending on how long the disc stays in the air, the disc could fade more or less. Turn is how much a disc turns to the right (rhbh thrower) when first thrown. Turn doesn’t really affect fade.
Why is my disc faded?
If a new person has a disc that requires too much speed and has some fade on the end, that disc will fade way too much. Those discs are probably too overstable and are bad for new players because they won’t be able to throw the disc straight. Too much fade will just immediately pull the disc into that fade.
What is low fade disc golf?
What is Fade in disc golf? Low-speed fade is a natural characteristic of the disc to turn left (with a rhbh thrower) as the disc slows down. This fade will happen at the end of the flight as the disc is losing speed. Fade ranges from 0 to 5 and the higher the number, the more the disc will fade.
Why do discs fade at the end of flight?
It’s a natural part of disc flight. At the end of flight, the disc fades. So, as a beginner, you always want to limit fade as much as possible because discs will fade way too much for you as a beginner.
What is high speed turn?
Turn and fade are pretty much opposites. With a rhbh thrower, high-speed turn is how much a disc turns to the right at the beginning of flight. Low-speed fade then kicks in and is how much the disc fades to the left at the end of flight.
How to get more fade on a disc?
If the disc has more fade, you’ll get more fade. 2. Throw the disc a little bit slower: Normally, you get a lot of fade when the disc starts to slow down – i.e. low-speed fade. So try throwing the disc a little bit slower and you should get more fade on your throw.
The Misconception
- There’s a HUGE misconception when it comes to speed in disc golf. A lot of players believe that the first flight rating, or the speed of the disc, shows you how fast that particular disc will fly. That’s not actually correct. The speed is how fast a disc must be thrown in order to fly the way it’…
Why Disc Speed Matters – The Flight Ratings
- Disc speed matters because each disc is supposed to fly a certain way. Each disc has a series of four numbers called flight ratings that allow the disc to have it’s own “personality.” Speed is the first flight rating. Speed is how hard the disc must be thrown. The second flight rating is glide. Glide represents how long a disc can glide through the air. The third flight rating is called high-sp…
3 Ways to Get Your Discs Up to Speed
- In this section, I’ve put a couple of really simple, yet really effective tips to increase your arm speed and your disc speed. These tips are meant for beginners.
Overall
- Speed is really important in disc golf. And when it comes to disc speed, being able to get some power and spin behind your disc usually means the difference in whether your disc will fly correctly or not. But don’t worry too much about speed. Just practice up, keep learning, and you’ll soon get speed behind all your throws. Hopefully you’ve been able to learn something today. Tha…
OH, Wait! The Book!
- Before you go, grab a copy of the best beginner book on the planet, “The Disc Golf Player’s Manual.”This ebook is packed with 200+ pages of the best info available to new disc golfers. So don’t miss out! Also be sure to smash those share buttons below!