Beginner’s Guide to Flight Ratings
If you’ve ever picked up a disc golf disc and noticed four mysterious numbers printed on the top—you're not alone in wondering: What do the numbers on disc golf discs mean?
These numbers represent the flight characteristics of a disc, and understanding them can completely change your game—especially if you're a beginner looking to throw farther, more accurately, and with more control.
🌀 What Are Disc Golf Flight Numbers?
Most disc golf discs display four numbers, like this:
[Speed] / [Glide] / [Turn] / [Fade]
Each number tells you something important about how the disc will fly when thrown. Let’s break them down:
1. Speed (1–14)
Speed refers to how fast you need to throw the disc to get the intended flight path.
- Low-speed discs (1–6) are easier to control—great for beginners.
- High-speed discs (10–14) are designed for advanced players with strong arms.
Pro Tip: Start with lower-speed discs for better results if you're a beginner.
2. Glide (1–7)
Glide measures how well a disc stays in the air.
- High glide (5–7) = longer hang time, good for beginners and distance throws.
- Low glide (1–3) = more predictable drops, ideal in windy conditions.
3. Turn (+1 to -5)
Turn is the disc’s tendency to curve right (for right-handed backhand throws) during the fastest part of its flight.
- Negative numbers (-1 to -5) = understable and veer right.
- Positive numbers (0 to +1) = resists turning, flies straighter.
Beginner Tip: Look for Turn ratings like -3 or -4 for easier straight throws.
4. Fade (0–5)
Fade indicates how sharply the disc will hook left at the end of its flight (for RHBH).
- Low Fade (0–1) = straighter finish.
- High Fade (4–5) = strong left hook at the end.
🔍 Real Example: What These Numbers Look Like in Practice
Innova Destroyer – 12 / 5 / -1 / 3
- Speed 12: Fast disc, needs strong arm
- Glide 5: Good hang time
- Turn -1: Slight right movement
- Fade 3: Strong finish left
This disc is a favorite for experienced players with powerful throws.
🎯 Which Numbers Are Best for Beginners?
If you're just getting into disc golf, here’s a great starting combo:
| Flight Category | Beginner-Friendly Range |
|---|---|
| Speed | 4–7 |
| Glide | 5–7 |
| Turn | -2 to -4 |
| Fade | 0–2 |
💬 FAQs: What Do the Numbers on Disc Golf Discs Mean?
Q: Are higher speed discs always better?
No. Higher speed = more power needed. Beginners often get better results with slower discs that are easier to control.
Q: Why do two discs with the same numbers fly differently?
Great question. Factors like plastic type, weight, weather, and wear can affect flight. Numbers are a guideline—not a guarantee.
Q: What’s the difference between stable, understable, and overstable?
- Stable: Flies straight (Turn 0, Fade 1–2)
- Understable: Turns right (Turn -3 or lower)
- Overstable: Fades left hard (Fade 3–5)
Q: Do flight numbers apply to forehand throws too?
Yes, but they may behave differently. Forehand throws often make discs act more overstable than on backhand.
Q: What about disc weight and plastic?
- Lighter discs turn more and glide better—great for newer players.
- Premium plastics are more durable and often more overstable than base plastics.
🛠️ How to Choose a Disc Based on Flight Numbers
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to pick the right disc:
| Goal | Ideal Numbers |
|---|---|
| Max Distance | Speed 10–13, Glide 5–7, Turn -1, Fade 2–3 |
| Straight Shots | Speed 4–6, Glide 5–7, Turn -2 to -3, Fade 0–1 |
| Fade-Heavy Finish | Speed 7–10, Glide 3–5, Turn 0, Fade 4–5 |
| Beginner Control | Speed 3–6, Glide 5–6, Turn -3 or -4, Fade 1 |
👋 Final Thoughts: Why Flight Numbers Matter
So, what do the numbers on disc golf discs mean? They’re your cheat code to playing better.
Understanding Speed, Glide, Turn, and Fade lets you choose the right disc for your skill level and the shot you want to make. Once you start picking discs based on flight numbers, your consistency improves fast.
🚀 Ready to Level Up?
Now that you know what the numbers on disc golf discs mean, grab a couple of beginner-friendly discs and hit the course.
Need help choosing a disc? Drop a comment with your experience level and throwing style—I’ll suggest the best options for your game.
👉 What discs have you been throwing lately, and how do they match up with their flight numbers? Let’s talk in the comments!