What do the numbers on disc golf discs mean?

Hey there! Great question. The numbers on disc golf discs are actually really important and can give you a lot of information about how the disc will fly. Let me break it down for you.

When you look at a disc golf disc, you'll notice four numbers on it. These numbers represent the disc's flight ratings. Each number corresponds to a different aspect of the disc's flight characteristics: speed, glide, turn, and fade.

1. Speed: The first number represents the disc's speed. It ranges from 1 to 14, with higher numbers indicating a faster disc. Speed is a measure of how fast the disc needs to be thrown in order to achieve its optimal flight. Discs with lower speed ratings are easier to throw for beginners, while higher speed discs require more arm speed and technique.

2. Glide: The second number represents the disc's glide. It ranges from 1 to 7, with higher numbers indicating more glide. Glide is a measure of how long the disc stays in the air. Discs with higher glide ratings tend to stay in the air longer, which can be beneficial for distance shots or when you need extra carry.

3. Turn: The third number represents the disc's turn. It ranges from -5 to +1, with negative numbers indicating a disc that has a tendency to turn to the right (for right-handed backhand throws) and positive numbers indicating a disc that has a tendency to turn to the left. Turn is a measure of a disc's natural flight path when thrown with average power. Discs with more turn are great for beginners or for shots that require a right-to-left (for right-handed backhand throws) flight.

4. Fade: The fourth number represents the disc's fade. It ranges from 0 to 5, with higher numbers indicating more fade. Fade is a measure of a disc's tendency to hook left (for right-handed backhand throws) at the end of its flight. Discs with more fade are great for shots that require a left-to-right (for right-handed backhand throws) flight or for shots that need a strong finish.

Now, let's put it all together. Let's say you have a disc with flight ratings of 9, 5, -1, 2. This means the disc has a high speed (9), good glide (5), a slight tendency to turn to the right (for right-handed backhand throws) (-1), and a moderate fade to the left (for right-handed backhand throws) (2).

Understanding these flight ratings can help you choose the right disc for your throwing style and the shot you want to make. It's important to note that these ratings are not set in stone and can vary slightly between manufacturers. So, it's always a good idea to test out different discs and see how they fly for you.

I hope this explanation helps you understand the numbers on disc golf discs better. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Happy disc golfing!

Michael Johnson

Michael enjoys playing other sports such as basketball and football. He is also an avid gamer and enjoys playing video games in his free time.

Michael is a skilled Ultimate Frisbee player who has been playing for over 8 years. He has played at both the collegiate and club level, and has won multiple championships. He is also a certified coach and enjoys teaching new players the sport.