Last updated on March 11th, 2024 at 11:10 pm
Last updated by Maredith Damasco
I always felt that midrange discs are the most boring of all types of disc golf discs. These discs are not as flashy and exciting compared to the putter and drivers.
This disc is essential for beginners, aiding in learning game form and techniques. In connection with this, some midranges that come to mind regarding popularity and usage are Innova’s Roc and Roc3.
Roc is a midrange disc where many disc golf players considered it as the top professional midrange discs. Professional players often rely on this disc for its reliability. Meanwhile, the Roc3 is a retooled version of the original Roc midrange disc, designed to be faster and straighter than its predecessor. This disc excels in controlled shots as well as midrange drives.
It is usual for these two discs to be compared because of the same use and origin. In this article, we delve into a detailed comparison of the two discs, exploring their features and practical applications in a disc golf round. Our goal is to highlight the benefits of using these discs and when they are most advantageous in a game.
Roc: The Top Professional Midrange Disc
The Roc is said to be the top professional midrange disc in the sport. It is one of the most popular discs globally, with many players claiming that they own more than one of these discs in their disc golf bag. If you prefer a beaded disc and need to throw consistent lines, this disc can help you achieve that. This disc is one of the most reliable midrange discs you can use in the game, which is why it is so well-known and loved by many disc golf players.
Based on my experience, this disc will fly wherever you want it to go.This disc serves as an indicator of your form, technique, and skill level in the game. As you progress, you’ll find it increasingly valuable, gaining insights into its flight characteristics and tendencies. Besides matching your flight path reference, it also delivers a dependable fade toward the end of its flight.
More than the reliability of the disc, it’s all about the disc’s value when it ages or beats in. As it gets old, this disc will loosen up and will become your workhorse on the field. This disc can withstand punishments when hitting obstacles, rocks, and trees. Almost every disc golf players need an overstable disc, a straight flyer, and the one that turns over, which is exactly what this disc can give you in every game.
Roc3: A Faster and Straighter Roc
The Roc3 is a retooled version of the original rock and is much faster and quicker than the original midrange disc. This disc is best used on controlled shots, midrange drives, and can be your go-to midrange disc. Based on my experience using this disc, its versatility is impressive, and its ability to perform well in windy conditions is one of the best I’ve ever seen.
If you are looking for a go-to straight midrange disc, the Roc3 is an excellent option to consider. This disc can give you around 300 ft. of straight flight with a bit of fade towards the end of the flight. For beginners, I feel that this disc is a little bit more overstable but can help in so many ways to develop the form and techniques in the game. I always believe that the Roc3 is one of the few discs where experienced and new players can both use it and maximize their game.
More than its versatility, I like the flight path, which the Roc3 can give to a player. You can put any amount of power in your throw, and this disc will still stay true to its flight ratings. This midrange disc hole some turnover lines while also holding the hyzers perfectly. You will also love the added speed and the extra distance, which means this disc is also useful from the tee box.
Roc3 vs. Roc: Similarities and Comparisons
There had been many similarities and differences between these two discs from Innova regarding their usage and physical features. Physically, Roc3 is flatter compared to Roc and comes with more speed. Roc3 also gives you more distance and stability compared to the original Roc. Although these two discs share the same float and glide, the Roc3 comes with a faster speed, in my experience. After all, the Roc3 is a quicker and straighter version of the Roc.
Throwing these two discs in various situations yields different outcomes. When I threw the Roc in windy conditions, it didn’t handle the wind well, tending to turn into a headwind. On the other hand, different Roc3s in the same conditions gave me the desired straight or slightly left finish.
Of course, both Roc and Roc3 come in different plastics, and depending on the plastics, the stability of these discs will differ from one another. For example, I have a champion plastic Roc which is more stable than the other plastics. Also, I find the Star plastic mold to be more understable compared to the KC Roc. This situation is also similar to the Roc3 and its different types of plastic molds.
I can never tell you which midrange disc is better compared to the other. I can assure you that these discs are in the same line and offer the same quality. The only difference is how these two discs will serve when it comes to your form and skill level. Another interesting comparison is the Roc3 vs. RocX3. Remember, there are also other excellent midrange discs coming from different brands, such as Discraft’s Buzzz.
Roc3 vs. Buzzz: Which is Better?
I have used both the Roc3 and the Buzzz, and I like both of these discs. I hate the comparison between the two because both of the discs complement each other. The Buzzz is stable to slightly understandable, while the Roc3 is overstable. In terms of speed, the Roc3 has a slight edge while the Buzzz comes with more glide.
The Buzzz is the top beadless midrange due to its physical characteristics and feel, while the Roc3 excels with a bead. The difference lies in how they fit the player’s hands and their release preferences. Some players are more comfortable using the Roc3, while others feel the same using the Buzzz.
