I am new to disc golf. What are the best discs for a beginner to throw?
Resist the temptation to try lots of different discs. Concentrate on learning to throw only one disc until you develop a feel for throwing golf discs. The most common advice given is to look at the Pro D/DX lines. They're economical, under-stable and grippy. But in general, beginners should look into under-stable models of a lighter weight (i.e. the RoadRunner, Valkyrie, Stingray, XS/XL) - because they will achieve maximum distance with less power. Complete beginner sets should include one stable disc (+1 - +2), one straight flying disc (around +0) and one under-stable disc (-2 - 0). This way, you can get a feel for the difference in stabilities and potential flight paths.
Should I have a driver, mid-range disc and a putter? How do I choose the correct disc?
Established disc golfers tend to use of a variety of discs. Once you become more comfortable throwing golf discs, you may consider using different discs for different types of shots. Use a Driver for tee shots and long fairway drives. Use a Multi-purpose disc for shorter shots and approaching the basket. Use a Putter for short approaches and putts.
What are X-Outs / Misprints?
X-Out / Misprints are discs that have suffered some sort of flaw in the manufacturing process. PYD receives a large assortment of X-Outs, which are examined, sorted and inventoried alongside our stock discs. The X-Outs that we sell are physically intact and any flaw found in them will not adversely affect its performance.
What are the letters and numbers that appear on the bottom of the discs?
The numbers that appear on the bottom of the discs refer to the weight of the disc in grams. The letters denote the disc model.
What weight discs should I throw?
Weight is more a matter of preference than ability. In general light discs are easier to throw faster and will fly farther except into a headwind. Heavy discs are harder to throw fast, but are easier to control in the wind. Recommended weights for younger and/or newer players: Putter-165gm to 175gm, Multi-Purpose -155gm to 165gm, Driver-150gm to 165gm.
What do the flight rating numbers mean?
The numbers for Speed, Glide, Turn, and Fade can be used to rate various aspects of our disc's flight characteristics. Once you have thrown one of our disc models, you can use the flight rating numbers to compare the performance to any of our other discs.
What do the terms stable, understable and overstable indicate?
Stability is a description of the disc’s flight path. Stable is the tendency of a disc to remain straight through most of the flight. Understable describes a disc that turns right (RHBH thrower) during the high speed portion of the flight. Overstable refers to a flight that turns left (RHBH thrower) at high or low speeds. Understable discs are much more speed sensitive than stable or overstable discs. An understable disc will often fly stable to overstable at low speed.
What do hyzer and anhyzer mean?
Hyzer and Anhyzer refer to the bank angle of the disc at release. Hyzer is the angle of release where the outside edge or left edge of the disc is tilted downward for a right hand back hand (RHBH) thrower. Anhyzer is the angle of release where the outside edge or left edge of the disc is tilted upward for a RHBH thrower. These angles are reversed for left hand back hand throwers or right hand side arm throwers.
Why does the weight of a disc matter and how does it affect the disc's flight?
One of the most difficult questions to answer and 'yes', Weight matters!!!
In general, each disc has it's own of flight characteristics AND each disc has it's own RANGE around those particular flight characteristics. The weight of the disc determines where that disc falls in that range for the amount of power applied to it. For instance, a Champion Firebird has a PYD Stability of about 2.5. This rating (in our opinion) is what it's stability is when it's of Max Weight thrown by someone with maximum power (in this case, the max weight would be 175 grams). For a Champion Firebird that weighs 165, this stability might be more like a 1.8 when thrown by someone with maximum power BUT will be a 2.5 if thrown by someone with less power. A heavier disc:
Is more stable.
Requires more power to achieve it's optimal flight path and distance.
More durable.
Less effected by the wind. A lighter disc:
Less Stable.
Tends to have more glide (the tendency to stay in the air).
Will fly further with less power.
Can achieve unique flight paths that it's heavier counterpart can not.
Better for beginners. So why would I want a disc that isn't Max Weight?2 Major reasons:
1. Not everyone can benefit from a disc that is of Max Weight. For instance, Let's say you want a disc that is under-stable, like the Z XS (PYD stability of -0.5). This stability rating is based on someone with good power at Max Weight. If you're using this disc and are unable to achieve this desired flight path, it's because you need a lighter disc to match your throwing style and power. With the correct weight you will achieve maximum distance and desired optimal flight path.
2. With a disc that is not of max weight, you can achieve a UNIQUE flight path. What does this mean? Going back to the Champion Firebird... If you over-power a Champion Firebird that isn't Max Weight(i.e. 165), you will find it being less stable; thus turning over to the right at the beginning of it flight path (right-handed backhand toss). As the disc slows down, you will notice the disc starting to fly more like stable Max Weight Champion Firebird; cutting back hard to the left. Why? Because when a disc loses it's power it begins to match it's true stability for that specific weight (as if thrown by someone with less power). Finally, through experimentation you can find a disc of a lighter weight that can achieve a flight path this is both stable and under-stable throughout it's flight path, thus achieving a shot that is truly unique.
What is the difference between Champion plastic, Pro Line, and CE Plastic?
Our current top of the line plastic is called Champion plastic. Since the original introduction of the Champion (Candy) plastic, it has gone through three name changes. All three are basically the same family of semi-clear or pearlescent plastic. When the Champion plastic was first introduced, it was called Champion Edition (CE). Then it was briefly called Pro-Line. (Pro now refers to our current line of grippy, opaque discs made with a unique blend of plastics.)
What's a roller disc and what makes a disc a good roller?
A roller disc is a disc that when thrown consistently the same way, it will yield a desired rolling path; either flying first & then cutting into the ground &then rolling OR thrown directly into the ground rolling the whole way.
What makes a good roller disc? Sadly, there isn't one right answer for this question. Some discs are good rollers for some, but not for others... Also, there are backhand rollers and sidearm rollers; where backhand roller discs tend to be better if they are under-stable and sidearm rollers tend to be better if they are over-stable. We suggest experimenting, but to get you started:
A great backhand roller disc is the DX Stringray. It has a heavy edge, is under-stable and for some reason when completing 'experienced' it just wants to start rolling once you release it. Once you find the right angle of release, you can get the DX Stingray to fly about half-way to your target BEFORE it starts rolling!
Driver, Midrange, Putter... what's the difference? Can't I just use one disc?
Yes, you can just play with one disc and will probably have a great time! However, once you start developing power and control, you will desire other flight paths and other consistencies that one disc alone cannot provide. The main difference between a driver, midrange and putter is the amount of control. Drivers will fly far, but they also have a higher degree of left/right variability. Midrange discs fly slower than drivers, faster than putters and have less left/right variability than drivers, but more than putters. Putters fly very slow, have very little left/right variability and will settle on your target zone (vs. skipping or rolling out of it like a driver will).
