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what is the difference in frisbee golf disc weights

by Alberto Mraz Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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

Full Answer

How much does a disc golf disc Frisbee weigh?

The first thing you need to know about disc golf frisbee weight is where are you going to use the disc. If it is for fun, then there is no real weight limit But if it is for a Professional Disc Golf Association sanctioned event, then you are limited to their weight regulation. The PDGA approves disc golf disc weight up to 6.2 ounces.

Can you use a Frisbee for disc golf?

Can you use a frisbee for disc golf? Yes, you can play disc golf with a frisbee. You cannot play competitively, but you can use regular frisbees to practice on the course to improve your accuracy and your distance. I used to not know the difference between a golf disc and a frisbee.

Do weighted disc golf discs fly better in the wind?

There’s a huge impact on the flight path when looking at different weighted discs. Heavier discs like most distance drivers are more stable and will perform better when thrown in the wind. Lighter disc golf discs are more likely to turn over completely, and will usually get less distance when it’s windy.

How to choose disc golf discs?

How to Choose Disc Golf Weight: One of the key ways in choosing the right disc golf disc for you is to know your level of play. Different discs are designed for beginners, intermediates and for advanced players.

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What is a good weight for a disc golf disc?

Golf discs can vary in weight from 120 to 180 grams. While some models come in this wide array of weights, a more common selection for most discs is 165 – 175g. Many new players to the sport assume that the best weight to start with is 175g, as this is the weight of most traditional Frisbees ® (ultimate discs).

How much difference does weight make in disc golf?

A 20-gram difference between a 175-gram disc (max weight) and a 155-gram disc (lightweight) isn't massive when you consider what a gram actually weighs. However, it can make a significant difference in flight characteristics in a disc that's designed for disc golf.

What does a heavier disc do?

Heavy discs usually have more stability and are perfect for throwing into the wind. The wind wants to flip your disc over and the heavier discs will resist that flip with a stronger fade at end of its flight than lighter discs.

How does disc weight affect distance?

There have been studies done that lighter discs have higher speed at release than heavier discs and each 1 mph adds about 7 feet in distance. But of course really light discs are tough to control in any wind. If you throw a 175 boss 375 feet, than try a 170 boss.

Do heavier discs fly farther?

In general, lighter discs fly farther than heavier discs, but heavier discs may fly farther in a headwind due to their greater stability. A safe bet for the average player is to throw discs weighing around 160-165 grams for best distance.

Are heavier or lighter discs 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.

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.

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!

How can I improve my disc golf distance?

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 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 weight disc does Paul Mcbeth use?

Please note: Disc colors and stamp will vary, weight range 160-175.1g.

How important is a disc golf frisbee?

Some Final Words. Getting the right disc golf frisbee is as important as getting the right golf clubs for real golf. Each one influences your game, and where the disc lands. To make sure you are getting the best disc for you, make sure you know your playing level.

How to choose disc golf discs?

You need the right disc golf discs to navigate a disc golf course successfully. How to Choose Disc Golf Weight: One of the key ways in choosing the right disc golf disc for you is to know your level of play . Different discs are designed for beginners, intermediates and for advanced players. You need to find the right disc to match your level ...

What are disc golf discs made of?

Tip #2: most disc golf disc are made out of plastic or plastic blends. The quality of the construction material will influence the flight of the disc. Go with the better construction materials to have better flight time and distance.

How big is a disc golf ball?

You have slight differences between different manufacturers. Here are the general dimensions of a good golf disc: Diameter - this ranges between 8 to 8 1/2 inches in size.

Why use a lighter disc?

Now if you are a beginner, have slow arm speed or a youth, you may prefer to use a lighter disc. The lack of weight may be what you need to make sure you get the distance you are looking for.

Do lightweight discs turn over?

The second piece of information you should know is that lightweight discs are not as stable as you may want them to be. They have a habit of turning over and possibly shortening your distance. A heavier disc is a lot more stable and does not turn over like the lighter models.

Is it harder to throw a heavier disc?

A heavier disc may be harder to throw and a beginner, etc., may not have developed the control and power needed to handle those weighted models. In the end the disc you use may be the one you are most comfortable with and that can be either a lightweight one or a heavier model.

How does disc golf differ from frisbee?

The distance a disc golf disc can travel differentiates it from a frisbee just that much more. Frisbees are designed more for accuracy, not distance. As we saw with the first two bullets, “size” and “shape,” disc golf discs are much smaller in size and are designed to cut through the wind.

How to tell the difference between a golf disc and a frisbee?

The first difference you will notice when comparing a frisbee and a disc golf disc is the size of each. Golf discs are small and dense, often about 8 inches long. Frisbees are much bigger, measuring around 12 inches long and are a much lighter plastic. 2.

How to tell if a disc golf putter is better than a driver?

But you can tell by just looking at the frisbee and the disc golf putter that the putter is still more aerodynamically sound and will fly much better. 5. Speed.

What is disc golf?

Disc golf discs are small and dense, can fly fast, and are designed to travel long distances in order to get to a target basket. Disc golf discs and frisbees are completely different from one another.

Why do disc golf discs have less drag than frisbees?

Drag acts against a flying object causing it to slow down. Frisbees and disc golf discs fly in a similar fashion, but because of size, shape, and aerodynamics, disc golf discs usually have less drag than frisbees. This helps them fly farther. 4.

When was disc golf invented?

The invention of the disc golf disc in 1964 really changed the game for frisbees and discs. These discs were intended to fly far, from a teepad to a basket. The speed of disc golf discs is a big part of what sets it apart from a recreational frisbee. 6.

Is disc golf hard?

Disc golf discs are really tough. If you can master the throw of a disc golf disc, you can absolutely kill it on the course . For a great resource on this, check out our article, “Disc Golf is Hard (But Here’s How You Master it).”.

How much does a disc golf disc weigh?

There are a few other weight specifications for approved golf discs, but those details are beyond the scope of this article. Most discs weigh between 160 and 180 grams ...

What are the factors to consider when selecting a disc golf driver?

When selecting the best weight for a disc golf driver, the most common factors to consider are distance and wind resistance. As mentioned above, light weight golf discs have the potential to fly further. However, wind is often a larger factor to consider for drivers because drivers are usually in the air for a longer length ...

Why use a light weight putter?

There is certainly an advantage of using a light weight putter to reduce the power required to reach the basket, but this advantage is usually outweighed by potential impact of the wind. Beginning disc golfers usually see the largest benefit from light weight putters, or occaisionally disc golfers using a putter for approach shots.

Does disc golf disc matter?

Simply put, yes, the weight of your disc golf disc matters and can significantly affect the flight of your golf disc. 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 ...

Do lighter discs turn faster?

Although not always guaranteed, lighter discs often have a tenda ncy to turn more at high speeds than heavier discs.

Is it easier to put a midrange disc on a line?

Here, the balance between effort to throw the disc and consistency is crucial. Lower weight midrange discs are easier to put on a specific line since more attention can go into proper form. However, midrange drivers are slower than distance drivers and often have more rounded noses so the wind can have more amplified effects on the flight path ...

How much does a disc golf disc weigh?

Legal Disc Golf Weight – According to the PDGA Guidelines, a legal disc golf disc must not exceed a maximum weight of 200 grams. Besides the legal weight, there are common weights that each type of disc will be. For putters, mid-ranges, and drivers, the majority of discs will fall between 165-175 grams. Most disc golf brands offer ...

Where is the weight on a disc?

For most discs, the weight is located and written on the bottom of the disc. Sometimes we have discs with no given weight or it’s been worn down from use and time. If that’s the case it can be slightly frustrating not knowing the weight of the disc you’re throwing.

How many grams should a disc be for a golf putter?

Newer players may prefer a disc in the 170-172 gram range since it can be thrown farther, but it is more sensitive to windy conditions. For throwing putters, I would go with one that comes in around 172 grams to get the best control and distance possible.

Why are drivers at least 165 grams?

Most drivers are at least 165 grams because of their ability to be thrown accurately in most conditions on a course. Discs that are lighter than 165 grams might struggle with headwinds or tailwinds and won’t get the maximum distance that you’re aiming for.

Can you throw a lighter disc farther?

A lighter disc can often be thrown farther especially for newer players, but it comes at the cost of stability and control. Throwing max weight discs required more technical form and overall strength to shape your shot and control the disc.

Comparison between Disc Golf and Frisbee

A Frisbee normally may be a larger disc that is lighter in weight than a golf disc. If you see a Frisbee, its edges are rounded, and while putters do carry that very same attribute, most golf discs have more of an aerodynamic design. Even the load distribution between the 2 is different making them fly in a particular way.

Density, Weight, and Plastic

Golf discs are being thrown much harder and further, hence the plastic accustomed makes them are gummier and easier to grip. On the opposite hand, Frisbees are typically manufactured from stiffer plastic with their weight distributed across a bigger area.

Dimensions

Size is that the most evident difference between a golf disc and Frisbee.

Drag

Drag is essentially air resistance, or reasonably like air friction against an object on the wing. It acts against the motion of a flying object causing it to bog down. Frisbees and golf discs fly in a similar fashion, but thanks to their shape, size, and aerodynamics, discs golf discs usually have fewer drags than Frisbees.

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics means having a shape that reduces the drag of the air moving past an object. Higher the aerodynamic, faster and farther it can fly. This can be probably the explanation why drivers, mid-range discs, and putters differ in disc golf.

The Greatest Difference

The greatest difference between Frisbees and Golf discs is that the kind of golf disc and their flight path. Different forms of disc golf discs are designed for various purposes. Some are heavier and more stable than others. They are meant to be putters, which are thrown at a cage from close range.

Can You Use a Frisbee for Disc Golf?

Yes, you’ll be able to use Frisbees to practice on the course to improve your accuracy and your distance. But you cannot play competitively with a Frisbee.

Frisbee vs Golf Discs: The Origins

Have you ever wondered where the name Frisbee came from? It actually comes from the Frisbie Pie Company and their pie tins that people used to throw around for fun in the early 1900s. A few decades later Wham-O developed what we now know today as the Frisbee.

How Far Can You Throw A Golf Disc vs How Far Can You Throw A Frisbee

We’ll make another golf analogy here. Playing with a Frisbee is like playing mini golf while playing with a golf disc is like playing traditional golf. Why is that?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi, everyone! My name is James, and I love sharing what I’ve learned about disc golf. It struck me as odd that such an amazing sport could be overlooked by so many people. To help spread the joys of disc golf and to provide some useful tips for improvement, I created the Disc Golf Mentor website. Thanks for stopping by!

What is the difference between a disc golf disc and a frisbee?

There are quite a few differences between disc golf discs and Frisbees so let’s take a look. Frisbees have much bigger diameter and wider than disc golf discs but are lighter in weight with proportion to their diameter. Frisbees have rounded edges while most disc golf discs have fairly sharp edges for aerodynamics.

Why do people use frisbee discs in disc golf?

I have even heard of some people using frisbee style discs to to better their game with regular disc golf discs because they are actually harder to throw and get the distance necessary to make the disc golf holes in the needed amount of strokes.

Why are disc golf holes only par 3?

There are, of course, many disc golf courses out there that offer only par 3s due to their constrained sizes but this does mean that all disc golf holes are par 3. Having holes of different pars also allows you to diversify your game and become a better player overall and also enhances the fun.

What is disc golf?

Disc golf discs are designed with aerodynamic properties that allow the disc golfer to better control the disc than with a traditional Frisbee style disc. Disc golf discs are smaller in diameter, heavier, and made from specialized plastics that help their durability and flying characteristics a great deal.

What is the name of the game of disc golf?

Many people play disc golf with approved disc golf discs and still call it frisbee golf . While Frisbee is a trademarked name, it is used all the time to describe the game of disc golf, which does not use frisbees.

How far can a disc golf disc fly?

Disc golf discs can fly much farther than Frisbees and the world record was set by David Wiggins, Jr. at 1,108 feet.

Why are disc golf putters rounded?

Disc golf putters are rounded similar to Frisbees to increase accuracy at shorter range. Most Frisbees are thin throughout their body and are not very durable and disc golf discs have most of their weight and material constructed into the rim.

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Size

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The first difference you will notice when comparing a frisbee and a disc golf disc is the size of each. Golf discs are small and dense, often about 8 inches long. Frisbees are much bigger, measuring around 12 inches long and are a much lighter plastic.
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Shape

  • If you just look at a golf disc and then at a frisbee, you will quickly be able to tell the difference in shape. Frisbees are really rounded on the lip around the disc. It’s very pronounced and makes the disc fly much differently than a disc golf disc. Disc golf discs are way more sleek and some discs (drivers) almost come to a point at the outside lip. As you get more toward mid-range discs and …
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Drag

  • The drag of a disc is basically air resistance, kind of like air friction, against an object in flight. Drag acts against a flying object causing it to slow down.Frisbees and disc golf discs fly in a similar fashion, but because of size, shape, and aerodynamics, disc golf discs usually have less drag than frisbees. This helps them fly farther.
See more on discgolfnow.com

Aerodynamics

  • Being aerodynamic means having a shape that reduces the drag of the air moving past an object. The more aerodynamic something is, the faster and farther it can fly. This is why drivers, mid-range discs, and putters differ in disc golf. They all have different shapes, which help them or hurt them according to the principle of aerodynamics. Disc golf putters are very slow compared to dri…
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Speed

  • The speed of frisbees and disc golf discs is exponentially different. Frisbees are slow flyers. And while frisbees can be cranked up to fly somewhat fast, they still don’t come close to comparing to disc golf discs. Golf discs are designed to fly very fast and very far. It’s just the nature of them. Until Ultimate frisbee, the frisbee was made for recreational entertainment purposeslike tossing …
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Distance

  • The distance a disc golf disc can travel differentiates it from a frisbee just that much more. Frisbees are designed more for accuracy, not distance. As we saw with the first two bullets, “size” and “shape,” disc golf discs are much smaller in size and are designed to cut through the wind. They are designed to fly as far as possible because of the tremendous amount of distance betw…
See more on discgolfnow.com

The Difference Is The Difference

  • The final difference concerns the majority of people (if not everybody) who will start playing disc golf and their ability to throw a frisbee versus that of a disc golf disc. When picking up a frisbee for the first time, they are generally easy to toss around and throw. Frisbees are accurate. That is probably why they’ve been chosen for Ultimate Frisbee. It’s light, the plastic is less tough makin…
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