Wondering what those numbers on top of your disc mean? We’re here to help! Most disc golf discs have numbers printed or stamped on the top of the disc. If you’ve been playing for long, chances are you’ve noticed them. Maybe you’ve wondered what they are or how to use them to better your game. They can seem confusing at first, but it doesn’t take long to master them. This quick guide will help you understand what the numbers on a disc golf disc mean and how to use them to make your game better.
Most disc golf discs have four numbers on the top of the disc (or flight deck as some call it). However, some have more than four (more on that later). These numbers work together to give a complete picture of how the disc will fly. We call them the “Flight Rating System”. Read from left to right the numbers are;
| Speed | Glide | Turn | Fade |
| 1 to 14 | 1 to 7 | +1 to -5 | 0 to 5 |
What Each Number Means
Speed
The first number in the flight rating system is the speed rating. We number speed from 1 to 14 to indicate how fast the disc can fly through the air. The greater the number, the faster the disc can fly. Generally, disc golf discs with a high-speed rating are meant for long throws – like a distance driver or fairway driver. With a hard throw, these discs can travel very fast and travel long distances. Slower discs like putters, do not fly as fast but have more accuracy for close-range throws.
Keep in mind that discs with a high-speed rating also require more power to throw. So, we recommend that beginners stick with slower-speed discs. Then progress up into the higher speed drivers and distance drivers. Jumping to a high-speed disc too soon will only lead to frustration and poor throwing form.
Check out the best discs for beginners here.
Glide
The second number in the flight rating system is the glide rating and we number it from 1 to 7. As you might have guessed, it tells us how long the disc tends to stay in the air. Discs with a high glide will glide for a longer period of time than a disc with a lower rating. So, it makes sense that discs with more glide are best for long throws where maximum distance is needed. However, they also tend to be more affected by gusts of wind than discs with less glide
Generally, we recommend discs with a higher glide rating. They are usually easier to throw and fly farther than a lower-speed disc. However, it’s best to keep a few lower glide discs in your bag if you’re playing on a windy day.
Turn
The third number in the flight rating system is the turn rating. Turn numbers are +1 to -5 and refer to how easily a disc will fade (or turn) right when thrown with a right-handed backhand throw (think of a normal right-handed frisbee throw). A disc with a higher turn rating, like 0 or +1, will be less likely to fade (or turn) right. A disc with a less turn, like -4 or -5, will be more likely to fade (or turn) to the right.
Discs with less turn, like -4, or -5, tend to turn to the right if they are thrown too hard. Another way to say this is that the disc was “overpowered”. However, discs with a lower turn usually have less speed and more glide so they are easier to throw. As you develop your game, you’ll find a happy medium between high and low turn discs that works well for your throwing style.
Fade
The last number in the flight rating system is the fade rating. It’s numbered from 0 to 5 and tells us how much a disc will curve to the left when thrown with a right-handed backhand throw (again, think of a normal right-handed frisbee throw). A disc rated 0 fade will fly in more of a straight line with a minimal curve at the end of the flight. A disc rated 5 will curve hard to the left at the end of the flight, like an upside-down letter “J”.
High fade discs are great if you need to curve the shot around an obstacle. Low fade discs are great for straight throws where you have a narrow corridor and any fade would send your disc out of bounds or off the fairway.
I’ll admit, it can be a bit confusing to understand and visualize. Here’s a helpful video from Innova if you’re still trying to wrap your brain around what each number means and how it impacts the flight of the disc.
What about discs with more (or less) than 4 Numbers?
Great question! Most discs use the flight rating system described above – originally developed by Innova. However, if you have a disc golf disc made by Discraft, it either has five, or only one number depending on when it was made. Discraft originally only had one flight number, a stability rating, which was roughly equivalent to the turn rating discussed above.
Several years ago, Discraft switched to using the Innova system but tacked their old stability number on the end. That made a total of 5 numbers. We recommend just ignoring the fifth number to keep things simple unless you prefer the old system for a reason.
Things to keep in mind
An important thing to keep in mind about the numbers on a disc golf disc is that they are an estimation. How flight ratings are decided may vary from one manufacturer. So don’t be surprised if your Innova discs fly slightly differently than your Discraft discs.
Wear affects flight performance
That brand new driver you just crashed into a tree? it’s not going to fly the same as it did when it was new. Any warping or nicks in the discs are going to change its aerodynamics and its overall flight performance.
In general, worn discs tend to fly like they have a lower turn rating. We would say the disc is “understable” or “turns over easily”. It’s important to keep that in mind if you’re buying a new disc or trying to find a good replacement for the one you’ve lost.
Plastic affects flight performance
Different plastics or molds tend to fly differently even if they are technically the same model. Also, different plastics wear differently which will have a significant impact on flight performance. Champion plastics tend to be more durable than cheaper plastics like Star and DX. So champion discs naturally tend to hold more true to their original flight system rating.
Disc Golf Numbers: Conclusion
Remember that the numbers on a disc golf disc are only for comparison between disc models. In fact, two discs with the same glide, turn and fade but different speeds may have a drastically different flight pattern.
It’s important to get your hands on a few discs and get a feel for how they fly with your throwing style. The next time you’re handed a new disc you’ll have a good expectation of how it will fly! Speaking of discs, make sure to check out some of our other guides including our top disc recommendations!
