
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 are the numbers on disc golf discs?
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. ...
What do you need to know about disc golf?
What Do You Need to Play Disc Golf?
- First things first: you need some discs. Discs are important in disc golf. ...
- Next up, a bag. After you grab a few discs, you’ll need a good bag to store them in. ...
- Miscellaneous accessories. ...
- Finding a course. ...
- 5 general improvement tips for new disc golfers. ...
- Overall. ...
- Great job! ...
- Related Content. ...
- Don’t forget. ...
What is the best golf disc?
Best Overall: Innova Champion Roc3 Innova is one of the best and most popular disc golf manufacturers on the market. Available in three weight ranges — 165-170, 170-175 and 175-180 grams — this disc is perfect for control shots and called Innova's “go-to mid-range” disc.
Which disc golf brand is best?
Best Golf Deals: Save up to 31% on golf equipment from top brands including Callaway and Titleist at Walmart - including a wide range of golf clubs, balls, bags, apparel, and disc golf products ...

What is the 5th number on a disc?
We applaud this move! 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.
How do you read disc golf?
6:338:04So it starts out on that same anhyzer angle. But it fades out earlier because the overstable discMoreSo it starts out on that same anhyzer angle. But it fades out earlier because the overstable disc has more fade. So it stops holding that anhyzer. And will generally finish to the left.
Is a lighter or heavier 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.
How do you read a disc golf wind?
Crosswind is wind that blows from left to right or right to left. As a general example, we will use a right hand back hand thrower. If the wind is pushing left to right, you need a more overstable disc to balance out the direction of the wind. If the wind is pushing right to left, use a more understable disc.
What do the 4 numbers on a disc 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 is a good disc golf rating?
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.
What weight disc should a beginner use?
Simply put, Beginners should choose disc weights between 150-170 grams, with the sweet spot and good middle ground being in the low 160's. Discs that are this weight will be much easier to handle for new, slower arms, but also heavy enough for you to grow into as your arm strength inevitably increases.
Is disc golf good for weight loss?
Playing disc golf regularly is an amazing way to lose weight. Since you will be burning a tremendous amount of calories performing this activity, you will notice your body slimming down. What's most impressive about disc golf is that you don't need to play it every day to lose weight.
What are the 3 types of discs?
There are four main types of disc golf discs - distance drivers, fairway drivers, midranges, and putters. Choosing the right type of disc for the right situation can make all the difference in your score!
What is too windy for disc golf?
Any steady winds above 20 mph makes disc golf more a comedy than a sport. Discs start blowing back into your face, then rolling miles away. It's a blast to watch, like goofy golf, but its no fun to play. Discs are meant to fly, its hard to prevent that.
Which discs are best for wind?
11 best disc golf discs for windInnova Firebird – Control Driver.Dynamic Discs Justice – Mid-range.Westside Discs Harp – Mid-range putter.Innova Destroyer- Distance Driver. ... Discmania PD “Freak” – Power/Distance Driver.Innova Roc3 – Mid-range.Discraft Zone – Putt and Approach.Dynamic Discs Sheriff – Distance Driver.More items...
Why are Overstable discs better in wind?
Throwing an overstable disc with anhyzer allows a straighter and higher flight path to be taken. This is because the anhyzer tilt of the disc at release will prevent the crosswind from lifting it.
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.
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 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.
What size are Frisbees compared to discs?
Disc golf dics are smaller and denser than frisbees. Frisbees can be around 12 inches in diameter , whereas a disc will be 8 inches.
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
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.
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 number that dictates the speed?
The number that dictates the speed is the first number in the series. This number goes from 1 to 14.
Which way does the disc curve in a thrower?
For a typical right hand back hand thrower, the disc will curve towards the right.
What are the four numbers on a disc golf disc?
The four numbers correspond to the following characteristics: speed, glide, turn, and fade.
What are disc golf flight numbers?
People are often confused by these mystical numbers and sometimes don’t even pay any attention to them! The Disc Golf flight numbers are what determine the disc’s flight path, a crucial component of having an accurate throw and improving as a disc golfer.
Why is a high glide disc good?
Discs with high glide tend to stay in the air for much longer, so this disc is a great way to counteract a slow arm speed. When the release velocity of a disc is slower, a disc loses its lift, so a high glide disc will help keep it in the air longer.
Why is there no maximum glide disc in disc golf?
This is because their extremely high exit velocity combined with a high glide disc would likely create too much lift, and wouldn’t give them the intended flight path.
Why are high speed discs so interesting?
High speed discs are incredibly interesting, because although they have the potential to go much farther, if the disc isn’t thrown with proper form it will take a complete different flight than the intended path. This disc is ready for the next record-breaking throw, but it needs the right person to be behind it. If a beginner tries to throw this disc, it will likely fly in an extremely overstable path and land much farther left than intended.
How low can a rhyno disc go?
It is a very slow flying discs, but experienced players can throw the disc up to 250-300 feet. It has a nice thumb groove for an ergonomic grip, and extremely low glide which makes it good for short lay ups that can’t go past the basket.
What is the most common flight number system for disc golf?
There are multiple types of rating systems, including single number, 3, and 4 number. The 4 number rating system created by Innova Discs is the most commonly used disc golf flight number system in the world today.
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.
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.
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!
