Have You Found Yourself Completely Baffled by the Numbers on Your Disc Golf Disc? Here’s How to Read Them (And Not Lose Your Mind)
So, you’re standing there, disc in hand, staring at those mysterious numbers, wondering if you’ve been handed some kind of secret code. Trust me, I’ve been there. At first, those numbers look like they were invented by someone who really, REALLY liked math. But understanding them is like unlocking a whole new level of disc golf. Seriously, once you get the hang of it, your game will actually make sense (shocking, right?).
Why should you care? Well, let’s break it down: understanding these numbers can make you a better player, help you try new shots, and yes, even guide you in making smarter purchasing decisions. After all, who doesn’t want to feel like they know what they’re doing when picking out a new disc? Let’s dive in and figure out how to read Disc Golf Numbers without needing a PhD in advanced math.
So, What’s the Deal with Flight Ratings?
Alright, here’s the deal. Those four (or five, if you’re into Discraft discs) numbers you see are the flight ratings. They’re your key to understanding how the disc is going to behave in the air. Each number represents a different characteristic of the flight. They are:
- Speed – How fast the disc needs to go to reach its full potential.
- Glide – How long the disc stays in the air.
- Turn – The disc’s tendency to curve right (for right-handed backhand throwers, that is).
- Fade – The disc’s tendency to curve left at the end of its flight.
If you’re still with me, let’s see an example. If you’ve got a disc that reads “5 | 4 | 0 | 2”, it means:
- Speed: 5 – Not a speed demon, but it’s not slacking off either.
- Glide: 4 – It hangs in the air for a while, but it’s not going to be mistaken for a hang glider.
- Turn: 0 – It’s pretty neutral, won’t curve right unless you mess up.
- Fade: 2 – It’s going to finish with a little turn to the left. No crazy last-minute drama, just a smooth left turn.
Why Should You Care About These Flight Ratings?
Here’s why it matters: these flight ratings are your best friend when picking discs. They give you a quick idea of how a disc is going to behave when you throw it. It’s like a cheat sheet for predicting the future of your throw. They help you avoid buying a disc that’s going to disappoint you (looking at you, high-speed discs that just end up in the trees). And it’s not just about buying either; once you understand how these numbers affect the flight, your game will improve because you can select the right disc for every situation.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you’ll definitely want to get familiar with these numbers. It’s like knowing the difference between a distance driver and a fairway driver—it’ll save you from some major headaches (and maybe some broken trees). Flight rating system comparisons make it all easier!
Note: For the sake of simplicity (and because we’re not here to get too technical), we’ll be talking about how these ratings apply to right-hand backhand (RHBH) throws. If you’re left-handed, you’ll just need to reverse the turn and fade. Forehand throwers, you’re on your own. Sorry.
The First Number: Speed – AKA How Fast Do You Have to Throw This Thing?
The first number in the flight rating is speed, which is rated from 1 to 14. It tells you how fast the disc needs to travel in the air to behave like it’s supposed to. If it’s a high-speed number, like 11-14, you’re looking at distance drivers—the kind of discs that demand a powerful arm to really shine. If it’s a low-speed number (1-3), you’re dealing with putters and midranges—the discs that don’t need to be thrown super fast to work their magic. A faster disc means more potential distance, but also more unpredictability. So, try to work your way up to the high-speed discs—unless you want to take a trip into the woods every time you throw.
The Second Number: Glide – How Long Does This Thing Stay in the Air?
The second number is glide, which is rated from 1 to 7. It tells you how long the disc will stay in the air. The higher the number, the longer the disc flies. A low glide rating means you’ll need a bit more power to keep the disc in the air. Glide doesn’t always matter, but on windy days, it’s a big deal. Discs with high glide ratings (like fairway and distance drivers) are more likely to get carried away by the wind. So, if you’re just starting out, go for the higher glide—it’ll give you more hang time and distance. But if the wind’s up, lower glide discs are your friend.
The Third Number: Turn – AKA Does It Curve Right on You?
The third number is turn, which is rated from +1 to -5. This one’s all about how the disc behaves during the beginning of the flight. A higher number means more resistance to turning right (for right-hand backhand throwers). A negative number means the disc will turn right during the first part of the flight, especially if you throw it at high speed. Headwinds? You want a disc with a high resistance to turn (0 or +1). Tailwinds? A disc with a negative turn rating (-1 to -5) is perfect. And if you’re struggling to get the disc to turn, aim for one with a negative number. You’ll flip it up like a pro (hopefully).
The Fourth Number: Fade – AKA How Does It Finish?
The last number is fade, rated from 0 to 5. It tells you how much the disc will curve left at the end of the flight (for right-hand backhand throwers, remember). A 0 fade means the disc will fly straight through the end (boring). A 5 fade means it’ll finish hard to the left. It’s all about stability at the end. Discs with high fade ratings are more predictable, even when the wind kicks up. So, if you’re looking for a smooth finish, go for a lower fade number. But if you want something with a dramatic finish, aim for a higher fade.
Tradeoffs: It’s Not All Sunshine and Rainbows
As with anything in life, there’s always a tradeoff:
- Higher speed = more distance AND more unpredictability (welcome to the wild side).
- Higher glide = more airtime AND more influence of the wind (brace yourself).
- Higher turn = (at high speed) earlier direction change (no, it’s not you, it’s the disc).
- Higher fade = (at low speed) hard finish (like a boss).
If you want some top picks for various scenarios, click here to check out our suggestions. Whether you’re new to the game or just looking to fill in the gaps, we’ve got you covered.
Important Reminder: Don’t Believe Everything You Read (Seriously)
Alright, here’s the truth bomb: flight numbers are helpful, but they’re based on ideal, controlled conditions—like a lab where nothing’s moving except the disc. In the real world, things like wind, torque, and how much coffee you had that morning affect your throws. So, use these numbers as a guideline, but don’t be surprised if your disc doesn’t behave like it does in the lab. You’ll have to experiment and find the discs that work best for you. Everyone has a unique throwing style, so embrace the trial and error.
The Fifth Number (Discraft Only, Because Tradition!)
Originally, Discraft had just one number: their stability rating. Why? Well, they didn’t want to be that company copying Innova—their number one competitor. But then, like every brand eventually does, Discraft decided to play catch-up. A few years ago, just as they were starting to get cool again, they gave in and followed the herd. Yep, they finally decided to jump on the bandwagon and adopt the Innova flight number system—just like every other disc manufacturer. Welcome to the party, Discraft!
Discraft’s fifth number, basically combines the turn and fade ratings into one. It’s their original system, and while they’ve since adopted the standard four-number flight rating, they’re still sticking with their fifth number. If you’re a Discraft fan, just know that extra number tells you a little more about how the disc will behave overall. But, honestly, we’re all just trying to fully comprehend the four-number system.
Conclusion: The Disc Golf Numbers Are Your Friend (Sort Of)
Understanding how to read disc golf numbers is one of those things that can make or break your game, especially if you’re a beginner or just trying to fill in the gaps on your throws. Once you’ve got a handle on these, you’ll be able to select the right discs and improve your skills. And hey, if you’re still lost, we’ve got Infinite Discs and a great selection at Discount Disc Golf to make your life easier (and less confusing).
Getting the Right Disc for the Right Situation
Here’s a quick rundown on some different situations and which discs are best for them. And, of course, we’ve got links to our top picks because we know you’re not here to read more words.
Getting Distance
Typical Beginner
Let’s be real here—most beginners don’t exactly have the arm strength to launch discs to the moon. We’re talking about throws that barely make it past the tee box, definitely not in the realm of advanced players who hit 400+ feet on the regular. And let’s be honest, some of us will never move beyond “Typical Beginner” status, and that’s okay. But, if you’re starting out, you’ve got low arm speed, so you need an understable driver to get any kind of decent distance. Otherwise, it’ll just curve off to the left like it’s avoiding responsibility. Check out a few of our picks to help you get the distance you’re looking for.
Young or Really Old
For really young kids, many women, and, let’s be real, some really old folks (seriously, it’s awesome seeing an 80-year-old out there on the course!), arm speed can be even more of a struggle than for your typical beginner. No shame, just facts. For these players, you’ll want discs that are even more understable to help them get some actual distance. Otherwise, they’ll be stuck watching their disc take a nosedive to the left. Here are a few of our picks for the Young and the Really Old—because everyone deserves to get out there and crush it (even if it’s a short, glorious throw).
Headwinds
Throwing into a headwind can feel like you’re throwing against a brick wall. Your disc suddenly behaves like it’s fighting you, and if it’s too understable, it’ll just turn over and dive into the ground instead of flying. To avoid this disaster, you’ll need a disc with a bit more stability to handle the wind and keep it on track. It won’t make you a windbreaker, but it’ll definitely help you stay in the game. Here are a few of our top picks for handling headwinds like a pro.
Doglegs (Going Around Obstacles)
Ah, the classic dogleg—a tree, rock, or some other random obstacle that’s just chilling in the way of your perfectly straight shot. But fear not! That’s where the magic of overstable discs comes into play. These bad boys curve like they’re in a race to make a sharp turn. Think of it like a disc taking an L-shaped flight path—backhand it, and it’s a J-shape; forehand it, and it’s an L in the opposite direction. It’s basically your cheat code for dodging obstacles. Plus, they’re a lifesaver when headwinds get even nastier. So, next time you’re up against a tree, just throw one of these and watch the magic happen.
Tunnels
A tunnel shot is when you’re faced with a narrow gap of trees and there’s no room to go left, right, or even over the top—because the tree line forms a nice, tight tunnel. (And, let’s be honest, we all wish courses had actual tunnels, but alas, that’s a rare treat.) When you’re throwing through a tunnel, you need a disc that’ll fly dead straight, with no turn or fade throwing off your line. It’s all about precision and keeping that disc on track. Here are a few of our favorite discs that are perfect for slicing through tunnels like a pro.
Putting
Lastly, let’s talk about the most important disc in your bag when it comes to lowering your scores and reducing those pesky strokes: your putting putter. This is the disc that will actually finish the hole and get it in the basket (a little bit of a big deal, right?). No matter how far you can drive, if you’re not sinking putts, your scores are going to stay high. So, here are a few of our favorite affordable putting putters—because you don’t need to break the bank to make those clutch shots.
