Fairway Driver vs. Midrange: What’s the Difference in Disc Golf?
Disc golf shares a lot with traditional golf. But when it comes to gear, the two sports are miles apart. In ball golf, clubs are standardized. A 9-iron from Titleist will be pretty similar to a 9-iron from Ping. Not so in disc golf. A 9-speed fairway driver from Discraft could fly completely differently than a 9-speed from Innova. That lack of uniformity can make choosing the right disc a bit tricky, especially for new players.
This blog is here to help sort through the confusion. We’re zooming in on two specific types of discs: fairway drivers and midranges. Think of them as the “irons” of your disc golf bag. They are useful in tons of situations, but with subtle differences that matter.
Breaking Down the Types of Discs
Disc golf discs come in four basic types:
- Distance Drivers – Like the “woods” in ball golf: fast, far-flying, and a bit harder to control.
- Fairway (or Control) Drivers – Think of these like your 2-6 irons: still long, but easier to manage.
- Midranges – Comparable to your 7-9 irons: slower and built for control.
- Putt & Approach Discs – Your wedges and putter: made for precision around the basket.
Let’s focus on the middle two, fairway drivers and midranges, and where each one shines.
Fairway Drivers And Distance
Fairway drivers typically have speed ratings between 6 and 9. They’re designed to go farther than midranges while still offering good control. These are your go-to discs for when you need reliable distance without the unpredictability of a high-speed driver.
Why Use a Fairway Driver?
- Distance Without the Drama
Many players find fairway drivers easier to throw consistently than big distance drivers. You can get solid distance without maxing out your arm speed. - Great for Shaping Shots
Need a smooth turnover, a flex line, or a laser-straight flight? Fairway drivers are versatile and controllable, making them ideal for shaping your way through wooded fairways or open holes alike. - Specialty Utility
Overstable and understable options give you tools for tricky situations. Whether you’re fighting a headwind or navigating a sharp dogleg, there’s likely a fairway driver that fits the job.
Midrange Discs And Accuracy
Midranges are all about control. With slower speed ratings (usually between 3 and 5) they’re designed for precise placement, especially in the 150–250 foot range. These discs are like a well-balanced 8-iron: reliable, straight-flying, and easier to keep on track.
Why Use a Midrange?
- Accuracy
Midranges are perfect when you need to hit a landing zone or avoid hazards. They’re forgiving and great for touch shots. - Utility
Some midranges have specific flight paths (e.g. very straight or very overstable), making them handy tools for technical approaches.
When to Throw What?
Deciding between a fairway driver and a midrange usually comes down to two things: distance and terrain.
- Longer shots where you still want accuracy? Grab a fairway driver.
- Shorter approaches or tight control? Go with a midrange.
You might even “disc up” or “disc down” based on elevation, like using a fairway driver for an uphill shot or a midrange on a downhill throw.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
Each disc type has its own margin for error:
- Fairway drivers can go too far if you put a little too much behind them. Their natural glide means they might overshoot your target if you’re not careful.
- Midranges often come up short if you underestimate how much power you need. They aren’t built for max distance, so you’ve got to commit.
Personally, I’ve come up short with a midrange more times than I’d like to admit. But I’ve also watched fairway drivers fly right past the pin because I didn’t throttle down enough.
The more you practice, the more intuitive these choices become. You’ll start to feel what each disc wants to do and adjust accordingly.
Physical Differences Between Fairway Drivers and Midranges
Beyond flight behavior, there are some clear physical differences between the two:
- Diameter: Midranges are often wider than fairway drivers. They can weigh up to 180–181 grams, while most fairway drivers top out around 175g.
- Profile: Fairway drivers are typically thinner and more aerodynamic. Their sharper edge helps them cut through the air and carry farther.
- Feel in Hand: Some players prefer the shallow rim of a midrange for touch shots. Others like the grip of a driver for full-power throws.
If you’re holding a Centurion (fairway driver) and a Chariot (midrange) side-by-side, the difference in shape and profile becomes instantly clear.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of discs out there, and figuring out the difference between a fairway driver and a midrange can help simplify your game. In short:
- Fairway drivers = More distance, a little less control.
- Midranges = More control, but not as much reach.
Both are essential tools in your bag, and each shines in different scenarios. The key is to get familiar with how they fly for you. Over time, your choices will become instinctual, and those frustrating short or long shots will happen a lot less.
Happy hucking!
