Often we look at golf discs and wonder what those combinations of separately placed digits mean. These are the four magic numbers that carry the key to the secret of people being good at throwing those discs. Although the numbers may seem tricky at first, they are fairly easy to understand.
In this article, we have discussed what these numbers mean and what they represent. We’ve also tried giving you a helicopter view of the kind of role the numbers play for the players and their importance in throwing.
What Do the Numbers on Disc Golf Discs Mean?
The number on disc golf disc is not like the number on a golf ball. The four numbers that are seen on a disc golf disc characterize the disc’s flight nature.
The ratings can be categorized into four true and basic characteristics. These are speed, glide, turn, and fade. These four characteristics are used to get an estimated idea of how the flight of a disc will be when thrown.
It should be noted that the flight rating for one brand should not be compared to other brands as manufacturers do not follow the standardized ratings. So the comparison should be done within the same brand. So now let’s dive into the explanation of these four categories.
Speed
What Does It Mean?
Speed is generally the rate at which the disc can travel through the air. It can also be interpreted as how hard the disc must be thrown to perform at its maximum. The first of the four numbers you see represents the speed count.
The speed rating is represented on a scale of 1 to 14. The lowest speed rating is 1 and the highest one is 14. Lower speed-rated discs are relatively easy to throw and control. These discs are referred to as putters.
High-speed discs work as drivers. They are hard to throw and require more power to work properly. This type of discs is only recommended to throwers with excellent throwing skills.
Why Is It Worth?
Speed is the single most important factor to determine other related characteristics that are glide, turn, and fade. It determines whether or not the golf disc will fly correctly and cover the optimum distance. Taking an example of glide, if you want to promote gliding, you’ll have to throw the disc at a speed rating inscribed on the surface. This applies to other ratings as well.
The harder you throw your disc, the more speed it will gain. Going on, you have to make sure the speed reaches the correct stage. If you fail to reach the optimum speed, other flight traits may not work so well. That’s why beginners are recommended to use golf discs with moderate speed levels.
As you get used to producing more speed, you can jump to mastering the advanced golf discs. If you intend to become a professional or elite, you’ll eventually have to play with one of them. So subjugating the lower speed discs is a priority.
Glide
What it refers to?
Glide refers to the golf disc’s ability to sustain loft during flight. In other words, it is the measure of how long the disc can stay up in the air. The glide count is measured in a range of 1 to 7. Palpably, 7 describes the longest glide while 1 means the shortest glide.
Why Is It Important?
As you can already assume, the glide is important because it keeps the golf disc in the air. If you’re among the players who’d want more distance when throwing a disc, then opting for a higher glide disc is the most evident choice. The same advice is given to the beginners and amateurs as well.
While all players may benefit from a larger glide count, high power players drive with moderately high glide discs as they combine speed with glide to derive the optimum loft. Professionals rarely use a maximized glide disc. Also in case of high wind situations, discs with a lesser count of the glide can prove to be more useful.
Turn
What Is It?
If we take the example of a right-hand backhand throw, turn describes the golf disc’s ability to turn over to the right as soon as the disc is thrown. This particular flight trait is measured by a count of 1 to -5. A +1 turn rated disc is the most resistant to turning while a -5 rated disc will have more turn and often termed as a roller disc.
Why Is It Important?
Turn is often a measure of the stability of a golf disc. More turn means more under-stability. In an actual case, beginners take benefits from under-stability. These discs are easier to throw and beginners can easily get the most out of their throw combined with low speed and a high glide count.
Also as a professional, if you’re looking to stage anhyzer throws or roller throws, then a higher turn can prove to be beneficial. On the other hand, discs with lesser turn are apt for windy conditions.
Fade
What Does It Mean?
Low-speed fade generally refers to the disc’s ability to hook left at the end stage of the throw. Fade is rated from1 to 5. It usually kicks in after a disc has traveled its majority of the flight. A 1 rated fade disc will hardly have any fade effect and finish straight. On the other hand, a 5 rated fade disc will sharply hook at the left in the case of a right-hand backhand throw.
Why Is It Important?
Fade matters a lot for a couple of reasons. You can easily control the distance given a specific amount of loft. Moreover, you can carry out flex shots with a high fade. Not to mention, if you have to overcome windy rounds, a high fade disc with a little technique will do just that.
Epilogue
Although it’s already known to the professionals and players well versed with the game, studying flight ratings is essential for newbies and amateurs. But for an actual game, these numbers don’t mean much. It all comes down to your mentality and in-game performance.
We won’t deny that studying the flight ratings is important to an extent, but the crux of the matter is practicing. Learn the basics of the ratings, practice, and stay cool on the course with the right disc.
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