Fairway Driver vs. Distance Driver

Last updated on September 23rd, 2023 at 03:52 am

Last updated by Maredith Damasco

New disc golfers should begin with slower discs like putters and midranges to develop proper throwing techniques. As you gain experience, you can explore the differences between fairway driver and distance driver to enhance your throwing technique.

Both of these drivers are built to achieve distance in your throws. But what is the difference between a fairway driver and distance driver? This article will provide the answer to this question as we compare these two drivers in terms of their physical features, flight patterns, distance, and more.

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.

Distance drivers, while offering maximum distance, can be tough to control, leading to unintended directions, disadvantaging you in the game. That’s why beginners often prefer more manageable fairway drivers.

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

Fairway drivers have speeds rated from 6 to 10, providing various flight patterns. Some are overstable, suitable for sharp turns and skips on challenging fairways. Others are understable, ideal for left-to-right shots and rollers.

The Distance

Fairway drivers typically cover distances ranging from 250 to 350 feet, though this estimate can vary depending on factors like the player’s power and course conditions. If controlled distance is your priority rather than maximum distance, fairway drivers are an excellent choice.

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

Distance drivers have distinct physical characteristics, featuring a sharp, flat, and aerodynamic edge. These design elements allow them to maintain high speeds for extended periods, resulting in significant distance coverage. The wider rim sets them apart from fairway drivers.

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

Understanding fairway drivers vs. distance drivers is crucial for improving your disc golf technique. If accuracy is your priority over distance, opt for a fairway driver. However, if you’re looking for maximum distance and have the power to control it, go for a distance driver.

We hope this article helps you compare distance drivers and fairway drivers. You can use both discs on the course depending on the game situation. The key is to work on your throwing technique to maximize your disc’s distance potential.