Disc golf uses a variety of numbers to describe the characteristics and performance of discs. These numbers provide important information about how a disc will fly and help players choose the right disc for their specific needs. The most common numerical ratings associated with disc golf discs are the speed, glide, turn, and fade, often referred to as the “4-number system.” Here’s a detailed breakdown of what each number means:
- Speed (1-14):
- This number indicates how fast the disc can be thrown.
- Speed ratings range from 1 (very slow) to 14 (very fast).
Higher speed discs are generally used for longer throws, while lower speed discs are typically putters and mid-range discs that are used for shorter, more controlled throws.
Glide (1-7):
- Glide measures how well the disc maintains its lift during flight.
- Glide ratings range from 1 (very little glide) to 7 (high glide).
Discs with high glide will stay in the air longer, making them ideal for longer shots, while low glide discs tend to drop quicker and can be more controllable for short throws.
Turn (-5 to +1):
- Turn indicates how much the disc will turn to the right (for a right-hand backhand thrower) during the initial part of its flight.
- It can range from -5 (very understable, turning significantly to the right) to +1 (very stable, not turning much).
A disc with a negative turn is often better for hyzer flips or turning shots, while a disc with little to no turn is more neutral and tends to go straight.
Fade (0-5):
- Fade describes how much the disc will hook left (for a right-hand backhand thrower) at the end of its flight.
- Fade ratings range from 0 (no fade, finishing straight) to 5 (very strong fade).
- Discs with a high fade will finish sharply to the left, making them suitable for approaches and predictable finishing shots, while low fade discs will have a smoother finish.
Example:
A disc rated as 13/5/-1/3 would be interpreted as follows:
– Speed: 13 (fast disc)
– Glide: 5 (good lift in the air)
– Turn: -1 (slightly understable, will turn to the right a bit)
– Fade: 3 (moderate fade to the left at the end of the flight)
Understanding these numbers allows players to select discs that will perform in the way they desire for different types of throws and conditions on the course. Each disc will have its unique flight characteristics, and players often develop preferences based on their throwing style and the specific shots they need to execute.