The numbers on a frisbee golf disc are known as the flight ratings or flight numbers. These numbers are used to describe the disc’s flight characteristics and can give players an idea of how the disc will perform when thrown. The flight ratings consist of four numbers: speed, glide, turn, and fade.
1. Speed: The first number in the flight ratings represents the disc’s speed. This number indicates how fast the disc needs to be thrown to achieve its intended flight path. The higher the speed number, the faster the disc needs to be thrown. Discs with lower speed ratings are generally easier to control and are suitable for beginners, while higher speed discs require more arm speed and power to achieve maximum distance.
2. Glide: The second number represents the disc’s glide. Glide refers to the disc’s ability to maintain lift and stay in the air. A higher glide number means the disc will stay in the air longer and cover more distance. Discs with high glide are great for distance shots, while discs with lower glide may be more suitable for controlled shots or windy conditions.
3. Turn: The third number indicates the disc’s turn or high-speed stability. Turn is the tendency of the disc to curve to the right (for right-handed backhand throws) during the initial part of its flight. A positive turn rating means the disc has a natural tendency to turn right, while a negative turn rating indicates the disc is more stable and will resist turning. Discs with turn ratings closer to 0 will generally fly straighter, making them more accurate in the wind and suitable for controlled shots.
4. Fade: The fourth number represents the disc’s fade or low-speed stability. Fade is the tendency of the disc to curve to the left (for right-handed backhand throws) at the end of its flight when it loses speed. A positive fade rating means the disc will have a strong left curve, while a negative fade rating indicates the disc will finish with less fade. Discs with high fade ratings are useful for making sharp turns and hyzer shots, while discs with low fade are more likely to finish straight or with a slight right curve.
Understanding the flight ratings can help players choose the right disc for their throwing style, skill level, and course conditions. Discs with more turn and fade can be useful for specific shot shapes like rollers or big distance drives that require a lot of turn before fading back. On the other hand, discs with less turn and fade are generally more accurate in the wind and can be easier to control for beginners. It’s important to consider these flight ratings along with other factors like disc weight, plastic type, and personal preference when selecting discs for your frisbee golf bag.
In my personal experience, I have found that understanding the flight ratings has significantly improved my disc selection and ultimately my performance on the course. By paying attention to the numbers and how they relate to my throwing style, I have been able to choose discs that suit my needs and help me achieve the desired flight paths. For example, when faced with a tight fairway, I often opt for discs with lower turn ratings to ensure a straighter flight and more accuracy. On the other hand, when I need maximum distance, I select discs with higher speed and glide ratings to maximize the disc’s potential. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect disc for each situation, but understanding the flight ratings is a great starting point.