Understanding Disc Golf

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your game, we have you covered. Learn how flight numbers and disc weights affect your throws, explore the different types of discs and their unique characteristics, and get a clear understanding of the game as a whole. Dive in to master the fundamentals, improve your skills, and take your disc golf knowledge to the next level.

Flight Numbers

Speed

Speed is the first number in a disc’s flight rating (for example, the “10” in 10/6/-1/3). It measures how fast the disc needs to be thrown to fly as intended.

The scale runs from 1 to 14 — with lower numbers representing slower, easier to control discs and higher numbers representing faster discs that can cover more distance when thrown with enough power.

  • 1 to 3: Putters (Putt and Approach) - (Slow, precise, easy to control)
  • 4 to 6: Midrange - (Moderate speed, balanced control)
  • 7 to 9: Fairway Drivers - (Faster, for longer controlled drives)
  • 10 to 14+: Distance Drivers - (Fastest and farthest, but require a lot more power)

Glide

Glide is the second number in a disc’s flight rating (for example, the “6” in 10/6/-1/3). It measures how well a disc stays in the air or how much lift it has during flight.

The scale typically runs from 1 to 7 — with higher numbers meaning the disc will float longer and carry farther, especially on bigger throws.

  • 1 to 3: Low glide - More control, less carry (Great in wind)
  • 4 to 5: Average glide - A balance of distance and accuracy
  • 6 to 7: High glide - Maximum lift and hang time (Ideal for long, effortless shots)

Turn

Turn is the third number in a disc’s flight rating (for example, the “-1” in 10/6/-1/3). It describes how much a disc curves to the right for a Right-Hand Backhand (RHBH) during the high-speed part of its flight. Turn is less effective the slower the disc is thrown or the more it slows down in flight.

Turn ranges from +1 to -5 — with "higher" negative numbers meaning the disc will turn right more easily.

  • +1 to 0: Very stable - (able to resist "turning")
  • -1 to -2: Moderate turn - (Longer, straighter flights)
  • -3 to -5: High turn - (Super understable: easy turnover flights, great for beginners or hyzer flips)

Fade

Fade is the fourth and final number in a disc’s flight rating (for example, the “3” in 10/6/-1/3). It describes how sharply the disc finishes left (for a Right-Hand Backhand throw) as it slows down at the end of its flight.

Fade ranges from 0 to 5 — with higher numbers meaning a stronger, earlier left finish.

  • 0 to 1: Gentle fade - (Stays straight longer)
  • 2 to 3: Noticeable fade - (Consistent fade)
  • 4 to 5: Strong fade - (Very overstable and reliable in wind)

Understanding Disc Stability: How Discs Fly

A disc’s stability describes how it naturally flies when thrown flat
whether it turns right, flies straight, or fades

Stable

In disc golf, a stable disc is one that flies straight for most of its flight when thrown with a normal amount of power and spin.

Here’s what that means for a Right-Hand Backhand (RHBH) thrower:

  • When you release the disc flat, a stable disc will go straight for the majority of its flight.
  • As it slows down near the end, it will gently fade left (this fade happens with almost all discs at the end of their flight).

Best for:

  • Straight shots
  • Approach throws
  • Tight fairways
  • Learning good form


In short:
A stable disc is your go-to for control and consistency — perfect when you just want the disc to fly true and finish slightly left (for a RHBH throw).

Understable

An understable disc is one that naturally wants to turn to the right when thrown with a (RHBH) throw.

Here’s how it flies:

  • When you throw it flat, it will turn right during the middle of the flight instead of going straight.
  • It usually finishes with a gentle fade left at the end (but less than a stable or overstable disc).

Best for:

  • Beginner players
  • Long distance throws
  • Hyzer flips
  • Tailwind throws


In short:
An understable disc is great for distance, right-turning lines, and easier control especially for newer players or lower power throws.

Overstable

An overstable disc is one that naturally wants to turn left (RHBH) and it does so sooner and stronger than a stable disc.

Here’s how it flies:

  • When you throw it flat, it will resist turning right and instead start fading left early in the flight.
  • Even in strong wind or with a lot of power, it stays reliable and won’t flip over.

Best for:

  • Headwinds
  • Power throws
  • Hyzer shots
  • Approach and Skip shots


In short:
An overstable disc is best for control, consistency, and wind resistance perfect when you need a disc you can trust to fade left every time (RHBH).

Disc Stability: How Flight is Affected

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