Disc Flight Numbers in Disc Golf - Explained...

Off-Season update in 1 sentence…

Today we get into a special topic that Melissa and I had wished we learned when we first started playing more seriously - flight numbers of the disc.

BIG OUTCOME FOR YOU FROM TODAY’S EDITION: 
Once you understand flight numbers, it becomes EASY to determine which shot shape is missing from your game.

From there, picking a disc with the appropriate flight numbers allows you to dial in your game at a level the pros don’t want you to know about.

So let’s get into it!

Estimated read time: 4 minutes 57 seconds

THIS WEEK’S SCOOP: 

Disc Flight Numbers In Disc Golf - Explained…

🌟 Unlock the Secrets of Disc Golf Flight Numbers! 🥏

To understand how flight numbers work, we need to start with a simple reference point.

Since most people play disc golf right handed and mostly throw backhand, this will be our reference point.

Imagine you are copying exactly what’s in the picture above - a Right Handed Backhand throw.

All flight numbers (specifically the Turn and Fade) will be referenced based on throwing a disc as a right handed backhand thrower.

NOTE: If you throw right handed forehand shots, or you are a left handed and throw backhand shots, the flight characteristics will be opposite.

Now we have a solid reference point, let’s talk about those little numbers on your disc golf discs and what they mean?

They're not just random - they're the key to unlocking how your disc will soar through the air! 🤩 

Let's explore these mysterious numbers and turn you into a disc golf wizard.

What Exactly Are Flight Numbers? 🌈

Every disc golf disc is marked with four special numbers.

Think of them as your disc's DNA.

They tell a story about how your disc behaves in flight, specifically its speed, glide, turn, and fade.

If you are just starting in disc golf, it’s recommended to start with a disc that has a speed between 5 and 7.

In fact, the disc I’d suggest for the newest person to start with is the Westside Tursas between 165 - 175 grams.

This disc has a speed 5. This disc can be thrown harder and harder as your arm gets stronger and will allow you to grow with the flight numbers as you learn.

It’s easy to control, flies nicely in the wind.

But, be sure to read every word and learn this next part…

Let's decode flight numbers of a disc golf disc using the Discmania FD, which sports numbers 7, 6, 0, 1.

1. Speed (First Number: 7) 🚀

• Speed ratings range from 1 to 14.

• Low-speed discs (1-5) are your gentle friends, perfect for newbies or when you need precision over power.

• High-speed discs (9-14) are the superheroes of distance, but require a mighty arm to harness their full potential.

• Mid-range speeds (6-8) are like the versatile Swiss Army knives of your bag, good for many situations.

🌟 Speed is all about how much oomph you need to give.

Anything with a speed of 9 and above typically falls in the distance driver category and I’ve noticed that newer players struggle with them.

This is why it’s recommended to start with that Tursas (speed 5) and get good with it, learn how flight numbers work, then invest in something hire speed.

2. Glide (Second Number: 6) 💨

• Glide is rated from 1 to 7.

• It's all about how long your disc can stay airborne. Higher the number, longer it floats.

• High-glide discs are great for maxing out distance on open fairways.

🌟 Glide is your disc's best friend in the sky.

For newer players, finding discs that have higher glide will allow you to throw the disc further.

This gives you more time to learn the angles to master flight numbers while you still throw it far.

The Westside Tursas is a PERFECT fit and glides for days. I compete in MA2 at the moment and can tell you I can out throw all the people I compete against with this disc.

Why?

Because my arm speed manages the speed and glide of this disc.

I’m certain you’d have similar results.

3. Turn (Third Number: 0) ↔️

• Turn ratings span from +1 (very stable) to -5 (super flippy).

• It indicates if your disc tends to veer right (for RHBH throwers) during the initial part of the flight.

• Negative turn numbers mean more rightward drift, perfect for shaping those creative flight paths.

🌟 Turn is like your disc's playful dance in the wind.

Usually for newer players, finding discs that have higher turn allow scores to be lower.

Why?

Because you won’t fade your discs to the left every time, and will find yourself throwing straight and far so you can score!

Again, I can’t recommend the Westside Tursas highly enough. This disc helped me a LOT when learning, but has also helped Monster start to throw turn overs and getting the disc to flip.

4. Fade (Fourth Number: 1) ↩️

• Fade ratings vary from 0 (straight finishers) to 5 (hard left turners at the end).

• It's about the disc's tendency to hook left as it slows down (again for RHBH throwers).

• Higher numbers mean a stronger, more predictable leftward finish – great for battling the wind or when you want that reliable end-of-flight curve.

🌟 Fade is the disc's final bow on stage.

It’s the trusty and reliable “move to the left” at the end of your shot.

I used to get really frustrated when I first started because all the shots I threw always faded out too far.

It wasn’t until I was given a disc that allowed me to throw straight, long shots where I really started having the next level of competitive fun every time I played.

So if you’re into long straight shots, and you’re just starting, I’d recommend you pickup a Westside Tursas! 🙂 

The Symphony of Flight Numbers 🤹

• Imagine these numbers like musicians in an orchestra, each playing a role to create the overall flight pattern.

• Our friend, the Discmania FD (7, 6, 0, 1), promises a flight that's like a gentle river – the slightest drift to the right, then easing back left, offering a beautifully straight path with a reliable left soft bend.

Other Fascinating Facts 🌟

• These numbers are a guide, not a strict rule. They can change based on the disc material.

• As you and your discs grow old together, their flight might evolve, akin to a fine wine maturing. In most cases, discs become “unstable”, or they turn more and fade less toward the end of the flight.

• Wind conditions, altitude, and even temperature can nudge these numbers a bit during your play.

So, next time you grab a disc, give those flight numbers a thoughtful look.

They're your secret weapon to mastering the course!

Remember, understanding your disc’s flight numbers is a step towards disc golf greatness! 🌟

And if you’re wondering what is possibly the single best disc golf disc you should start with…

Get yourself a Westside Tursas!

Enjoy Your Flight into Disc Golf Mastery!

THIS WEEK’s PRO TIP: 

The Rubber Band Effect and How To Get It…

Timing.

My man, Coach T is back with another gem…

How to MASTER Backhand throw timing. Watch it by clicking here now!

Get ready to unlock a game-changing perspective and a drill that'll take your play to the next level!

🚀 Understanding Timing in Disc Golf 

Timing is more than just a duration; it's about the sequence of events.

In this video, Coach T simplifis it by focusing on the relationship between your arm and hips.

He says there are three ways to time your throw:

1. Arm First, Then Hips: Easy but limits your distance.

2. Hips and Arm Together: Challenging to master and less repeatable.

3. Hips First, Then Arm (Slingshot Method): The golden ticket to effortless distance, repeatability, and safety.

🌟 Why Hips-First Matters 

As Coach T explains, the hips-first approach, or the Slingshot Method, isn't just the most effective way to gain distance effortlessly; it's also incredibly repeatable and safe.

This method creates a powerful body rotation that naturally whips your arm into action, maximizing your throw without extra effort.

🔗 Watch the Full Explanation and Drill! 👈

Ready to dive deeper and see this method in action?

Click here to watch the YouTube video where Coach T breaks down the importance of timing and provides an advanced drill to practice the Slingshot Method.

Get ready to feel the difference in your game!

🎯 Coach T’s Simple Drill for Practicing Perfect Timing

• Start with a standstill position, focusing on driving your hips.

• Practice turning your body first, then allowing your arm to follow.

• Remember, it's about sequencing, not speed.

💡 Key Takeaway:

Learn The Slingshot Effect 
Coach T has 100s of success stories which have doubled the speed of their arm compared to other timing methods.

By mastering this technique, you have the the ability to “DOUBLE YOUR ARM SPEED”.

You know what that means, don’t you?

M-O-R-E D-I-S-T-A-N-C-E!

It's about creating a stretch reflex that catapults your arm faster than ever.

🌈 Why This Method Works Every Time 
The Slingshot Method's simplicity lies in its sequence – turn the body, then the arm goes.

It's not about how fast you do it, but about doing it right every time.

Ready to transform your disc golf throws?

Don't miss out on this invaluable insight.

Watch Coach T’s latest video now and start practicing this drill to see a remarkable improvement in your game!

Wishing you effortless throws and satisfying games ahead! 🌟

-sean 🔥🕺

P.S. Here’s to this weeks long bombers…

P.P.S. Help grow the sport, forward this onto a friend who plays, or is someone you feel should learn about our sport so it can positively impact their life as it has yours!! 😉👍 (it takes less than 18 seconds, do it right now!)

Enjoying the newsletter?
Take 24 seconds and forward to a Disc Golf buddy!

If you haven’t subscribed… 👉 Join the newsletter (it's FREE).