What do the 4 numbers on disc golf mean?
Are you a disc golf enthusiast? You might be familiar with the numbers stamped onto discs, but do you understand what they mean and how to use them? If you don’t have a Ph.D. in disc golf physics, the four numbers on your discs probably seem as confusing as quantum mechanics. Don’t worry though – with my handy guide, you’ll be an expert on disc golf numbers in no time!
I remember when I started my way in disc golf, I was completely baffled by the numbers stamped into my discs. I had no idea what they meant or how to use them, but only after I went to a professional store, I learned that it’s actually quite simple.
How to read the 4 numbers on a Disc Golf?
The four numbers stamped on each disc are the speed, glide, turn and fade ratings. These ratings are used to describe the various characteristics of the disc. Each rating is based on a scale from 1 to 14, with higher numbers indicating greater performance levels.
Let’s take a look at what each rating means:
Speed: This rating indicates the disc’s speed. Higher speed numbers allow for more distance, while lower numbers are good for accuracy and control. For beginners, discs with speed ratings between 7 and 9 are usually a good starting point. These discs are easier to control and require less throwing power. As you progress and gain more arm speed and technique, you can gradually move up to discs with higher speed ratings.
Glide: This rating describes how much the disc will stay aloft during its flight. The higher the number, the more time it will remain in the air. Higher glide ratings (4 to 6) are generally beneficial for beginners, as they help the disc stay in the air and carry further. This can be useful for maximizing distance and allowing more margin for error in your throws. However, balancing glide with stability is important to maintain control over the disc.
Turn: This rating describes a disc’s tendency to turn or curve to the right. Higher numbers indicate more turning potential, while lower numbers are good for straight flights and distance control. For beginners, discs with low or negative turn ratings (-1 to -3) are recommended. These discs tend to fly straighter or have a slight left turn (for right-handed backhand throws). They are more forgiving and easier to control, allowing you to focus on developing proper throwing techniques.
Fade: This rating describes how much the disc will fade or curve to the left at the end of its flight. Discs with low fade ratings (0 to 2) are suitable for beginners. These discs will have a less dramatic left hook at the end of their flight (for right-handed backhand throws), providing a more predictable and controllable finish. This helps prevent the disc from hyzering out too early or veering off target.
Remember, these recommendations are not set in stone, and individual preferences may vary. It’s important to try out different discs, seek advice from experienced players, and adjust your disc selection based on your own throwing style, comfort, and desired flight characteristics. As you gain more experience and improve your skills, you can explore discs with different flight ratings to expand your options and fine-tune your disc selection.
What are good numbers on disc golf discs?
It all depends on your playing style, but this breakdown should give you a good starting point. A disc’s speed, turn, and fade ratings are the key numbers to look for when choosing discs — they will help you find the right combination of glide, stability, and control that best suits your throwing style. And with practice and experience, you can adjust these numbers to customize your disc selection even further. Speed ratings from 6 to 9, turn ratings from -3 to 0, and fade ratings from 0 to 2 are recommended. With the right combination of these numbers, you can find discs that fly straight and stay on target — just perfect for a great round of disc golf!
conclusion
Remember, these recommendations are not set in stone, and individual preferences may vary. It’s important to try out different discs, seek advice from experienced players, and adjust your disc selection based on your own throwing style, comfort, and desired flight characteristics. As you gain more experience and improve your skills, you can explore discs with different flight ratings to expand your options and fine-tune your disc selection.
I think that the best way to figure out which discs are right for you is to try them out. You can either rent discs from a local course or buy used discs to experiment with. Once you get used to the different characteristics of each disc, you’ll be able to pick the ones that suit your game the best. Good luck!
Anna.
