Fairway Driver vs. Distance Driver

For disc golfers who are just starting the sport, it is highly recommended to try slower discs, particularly the putters and midranges. This step is to get you acquainted with using and throwing the disc properly and establish a throwing technique that fits your style. But, if you think that you already gained some experience, it will be best to take your throwing technique to another level by knowing the difference between a fairway driver vs. distance driver.

Both of these drivers are built to achieve distance in your throws. But what is the difference between a fairway driver and distance driver? The answer to this question will be known in this article as we go into detail about the comparison between these two drivers in terms of their physical features, flight patterns, distance, and other related information.

What’s the Difference Between Fairway Driver and Distance Driver?

Fairway drivers are built for drives that require shorter distances. Its physical features include rims that are smaller and are easy to handle. This particular disc is an excellent option for players of all skill levels and specific game situations. Meanwhile, distance drivers are designed to cover the optimum distance. It is built with a sharper nose, and a wider rim as this disc will soar to a longer distance on the course.

The downside of distance drivers is that they are difficult to control, which means they reach maximum distance but sometimes will go in the opposite direction. Failing to control the disc will not give you an advantage during the game. This situation is the reason why many beginners tend to use the fairway drivers at first since they are much easier to control and manage.

However, if you are looking for a maximum distance, the distance driver can be an excellent choice. In game situations where you are playing on a very long course, this driver offers a lot of upsides and benefits if you know how to control it. If you are looking for a disc that covers a lot of ground, the distance driver is an excellent choice for you.

Fairway Driver: More Control and Consistency

If you are a beginner disc golfer wanting to add some distance into your game, using the fairway driver is an excellent option. This disc can cover long distances without sacrificing the control and consistency of your throw. Please check below on the notable characteristics of fairway discs:

The Shape

Comparing it to the much lower discs, the fairway drivers offer more aerodynamics but a lower profile. This character trait makes the disc more capable of reaching maximum distance while still maintaining high speeds than putters and midranges. Meanwhile, compared with the distance driver, this disc has a more pointed edge and a smaller rim, allowing a more comfortable grip.

The Flight Pattern

In terms of speed, the fairway driver comes with a rating of 6 to 10 to offer different types of flight patterns. Some fairway drivers are overstable, which should be perfect for hard-turning fairways and skipping when a midrange disc cannot get it done. There are also fairway drivers that are understable and are ideal for holes that require left-to-right shots and rollers.

The Distance

Fairway drivers can generally cover from 250 to 350 feet. But the distance is just an estimate subject to the power of the disc golfer and the other factors on the course. However, if a player needs a more controlled distance and not the optimum distance, then the fairway driver is an excellent disc to use.

Distance Driver: Achieving Maximum Distance

Of all the types of discs in the sport, the distance driver is the best option if you are looking to achieved maximum distance. The distance drivers are the farthest-flying discs in disc golf if a player knows how to handle its character and flight pattern. However, many players claim that distance drivers are not always the choice when it comes to achieving distance on the course. The reason? Please continue reading below to know.

The Shape

In terms of its physical features, distance drivers are built with a sharp, flat, and aerodynamic edge. These physical features enable the discs to cut through the air while holding high speeds for a more extended time which means they can cover a good amount of distance on the course. The distance driver also comes with a wider rim, which is one of the differences between the fairway driver and the sharp edge.

The Flight Pattern

The obvious flight rating for distance drivers is the speed which is from 9 to 15. The most important thing is to throw the disc at the correct hand speed to copy the flight characteristics of the other slower discs and show stability. But, when a player underthrows the disc, they become overstable and will fade out quickly.

Skipping is also one of the primary flight characteristics of a distance driver once they hit the ground. Because of fits speed, sharper edge, and wider rim, the distance driver is always prone to skipping once hitting the ground. This situation is the reason why distance driver is not always the option if you want to achieve maximum distance.

Distance

Three hundred feet is the shortest distance that a player can aim when using a distance driver. If you throw lesser than that distance, expect the disc to skip, which can eventually harm your game. An experienced disc golfer with just an average power can probably achieve a distance of 400 meters when using the distance driver.

Conclusion

Learning the difference between fairway driver vs. distance driver is an excellent step towards upgrading your throwing technique as a disc golfer. If you happen to look for accuracy more than the distance, then a fairway driver is an excellent choice. However, if you want to achieve optimum distance, the distance driver is a good choice, provided that you have the power to handle it.

We are hoping that this article gives you the information needed in comparing distance drivers and fairway drivers. Actually, you can use the two discs on the course simultaneously and the slower discs, but it all depends on game situations. The most important thing is to work on your throwing technique to maximize whatever disc you will use in achieving maximum distance.