Disc golf is similar to ball golf, but the equipment isn’t standardized. In traditional golf, the angles of club heads are consistent across brands. For instance, a Callaway 9 iron is similar to a Taylormade 9 iron. In contrast, a Discraft 9-speed fairway driver in disc golf might be very different from an Innova 9-speed fairway driver, even if they seem similar. This lack of standardization can make selecting the right disc overwhelming and potentially discouraging.
The purpose of this article is to clarify the classification and intended uses of disc golf discs, with a specific focus on fairway drivers versus midranges.
Disc Golf Disc Classifications
There are four types of disc golf discs: Distance Drivers, Fairway Drivers, Midranges, and Putt & Approach. For a good comparison we’ll look at golf. A distance driver disc is like your Woods, a fairway driver disc can be like your lower number irons, a midrange disc can be like your upper number irons, and and putt & approach disc can be like your utility wedges and putter.
With this in mind, let’s focus on the Fairway Drivers and Midranges. The “irons” of disc golf, if you will.
Fairway/Control Drivers
There are four main types of disc golf discs: Distance Drivers, Fairway Drivers, Midranges, and Putt & Approach discs. Comparing these to golf clubs:
- Distance drivers are like Woods.
- Fairway drivers are like lower-numbered irons.
- Midranges are comparable to higher-numbered irons.
- Putt & Approach discs resemble utility wedges and putters.
Fairway or Control Drivers are faster than midranges and require more spin to fly correctly. They are akin to the 2-6 irons in golf, with speeds ranging from 6 to 9. These discs come in various brands, flight paths, and purposes.
Uses of Fairway Drivers
- Distance: Many players find fairway drivers more consistent and easier to throw than distance drivers, leading to more consistent throws.
- Control: Fairway drivers offer excellent control and are easier to throw for many players. They are great for shaping shots like turnovers, flex shots, or straight throws.
- Utility: Some fairway drivers are used for specific purposes, often very overstable or understable discs, useful in tricky situations due to their reliable flight patterns.
Midrange Discs
Midrange discs are slower and easier to control, similar to the 7-9 irons in golf. They are typically used for approach shots and can provide decent distance, though control is their primary purpose.
Uses of Midrange Discs
- Control: Midrange discs are designed for high control and accuracy, ideal for landing within specific areas and limiting mistakes.
- Utility: Some midrange discs are used for specific flight patterns, helpful in varying conditions.
Fairway Driver vs Midrange – When to Use
Choosing between a fairway driver and a midrange depends on the distance to your target and the terrain. A rangefinder can help determine the distance, but experience and practice also play a significant role. Uphill shots might require “discing up” to a fairway driver, while downhill shots might need “discing down” to a midrange.
Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you need more distance (fairway driver) or more control and accuracy (midrange).
Points of Concern
When choosing between a fairway driver or a midrange make note of the possible errors. The errors to make note of, is that with a control driver it is easier to go long of your target. While with a midrange it is easy to come up short.
Control drivers like to go for a good distance. As such these discs, if you give them a little too much power, they can glide for longer than you’ve anticipated and fly past your target. Because of their aerodynamics and desire to glide, they can easily overshoot your intended target.
Midranges are designed to fly for a shorter distance than a fairway driver. In a misjudgment of distance, you may end up shorter than you would have hoped for. I’ve done this so many times, its a little frustrating.
So as you step up to throw, keep these errors in mind. It is possible to still end up short with a control driver, or go long with a midrange. But, I’d wager that the former happens more frequently than the latter. The more you practice the more your sense of what your discs can do will become more accurate. Which will help to limit these errors.
Fairway Driver vs Midrange – Physical Differences
There are notable physical differences between fairway drivers and midrange discs. In the accompanying image, the pink disc on top is a P-Blend Glow Centurion (a fairway driver), and the blue disc on the bottom is a C-Blend Glow Chariot (a midrange).
From this comparison, it’s easy to see the size difference. The midrange disc has a significantly wider diameter compared to the fairway driver. This larger diameter often makes midrange discs heavier, sometimes reaching up to 181 grams, though most cap at 180 grams. On the other hand, fairway drivers typically weigh up to 175 grams. For detailed specifications, you can refer to the PDGA manufacturing guidelines.
Another distinguishing feature is their aerodynamic design. The fairway driver (pink disc) is shorter and has a more pointed shape than the midrange (blue disc). Fairway drivers are designed to have better aerodynamics, allowing them to fly further with less drag and maintaining glide effectively.
Fairway Driver vs Midrange Discs – Conclusion
All in all there are many discs out there. I hope that this blog has helped you to understand the difference of fairway driver vs midrange discs. The most significant difference is that of distance that they’re capable of flying. A control driver will fly further than a midrange more easily. While the midrange is easier to throw shorter distances. They are both easy to control, and both can have a very unique and specific use. As you familiarize yourself with disc golf and how your discs fly, you’ll more easily be able to tell when to use what disc.
Thanks for reading!
