Ever looked at those four numbers on a disc golf disc and wondered what they mean? You're not alone! These mysterious numbers, known as flight ratings, are your key to understanding how a disc will fly. Whether you're new to the sport or looking to expand your disc knowledge, we'll break down everything you need to know about these important numbers.
If you're unsure of some of the terms or phrases used, check out or Disc Golf Lingo for Beginners guide.
What Are Flight Numbers?
Flight numbers are the four digits you'll find on most disc golf discs. While they're not an exact science, they provide a reliable guide for how a disc wants to fly. These numbers represent Speed, Glide, Turn, and Fade - in that order. Think of them as a helpful starting point when comparing similar discs.
Speed (1-14)
Speed is perhaps the most misunderstood rating. Simply put, the higher the speed number, the farther the disc CAN go - but there's a catch. Higher speed discs require more power to reach their full potential.
Speed ranges:
- Putters: 1-3
- Midranges: 4-5
- Fairway Drivers: 6-9
- Distance Drivers: 10-14
Fun fact: The speed rating originally came from the actual width of the rim. A disc with a 1.7cm rim width would get a Speed rating of 7, while a 1.9cm rim translated to Speed 9. You may occasionally see .5 added to some speed ratings.
Pro Tip: For beginners, we recommend sticking to discs with Speed 9 or lower, ideally in the 6-7 range for drivers.
Glide (1-7)
Think of glide as how much a disc wants to be a frisbee and float in the air. Some discs, like the Latitude 64 River, use their high glide rating more than their speed to achieve distance. Others, like the Kastaplast Berg or Streamline Range, have intentionally low glide - we often joke that you could put 100 feet of power into a Berg and it'll only go 90 feet!
Pro Tip: A disc's dome can affect its actual glide. A domey disc with a glide rating of 4 might fly more like a 5 or 6, while flat discs might glide less than their number suggests.
Turn (+1 to -5)
Turn indicates the disc's high-speed stability - or how much it wants to turn right during the initial part of its flight (for right-hand backhand throws). The more negative the number, the more the disc will turn right during its high-speed flight.
Key points about Turn:
- Ranges from +1 to -5
- More negative numbers typically mean more beginner-friendly
- Forehand throwers: stick to 0 to -1 turn ratings (due to increased torque)
- Great for headwind? Look for 0 turn rating (sometimes -1 can handle it too)
Important note: Not all 0 turns are created equal! An Innova Mako3 and a Firebird both have 0 turn, but they fly very differently due to their other flight numbers. The Mako3 won't turn much but has a soft fade, while the Firebird strongly resists turn and handles headwinds with ease.
Fade (0-5)
Fade describes what happens at the end of your throw - how much the disc wants to hook left (for right-hand backhand throws). Here's a quick breakdown:
- 0: Straight finish, minimal fade
- 1: Slight left finish ("not zero")
- 2: Predictable left finish, breaks out of turn and finishes past center
- 3: Strong left finish, easily breaks out of anhyzer
- 4: Sharp "knifing" finish, good for skip shots
- 5: Maximum overstability, fades early and hard, requires significant power
How Numbers Work Together
Turn and fade create a disc's personality. For example:
- Mako3 (0 turn, 0 fade): Straight flyer
- Firebird (0 turn, 4 fade): Overstable workhorse
Here's a helpful tip: Add the turn and fade numbers together. Generally, the more negative the sum, the more beginner-friendly the disc. But remember - a Speed 12 disc with -2 turn and 2 fade (sum of 0) is very different from a Speed 7 disc with -1 turn and 1 fade!
Real-World Example: The Halo Star Mamba
Let's see how flight numbers work in practice with one of our most popular discs: the Innova Halo Star Mamba (11, 6, -5, 1). This disc perfectly illustrates how flight numbers can be both a guide and a journey.
The Mamba's numbers tell an interesting story:
- Speed 11: A distance driver
- Glide 6: Excellent float
- Turn -5: Maximum turn rating
- Fade 1: Minimal fade
Here's what makes it special for developing players: Most beginners can't generate enough arm speed to make the disc fly according to these numbers - and that's actually a good thing! When thrown at lower speeds, the Mamba might fly more like a -3 turn with a 1.5 fade. The high glide rating helps the disc stay airborne longer, allowing players to achieve good distance even without maximum power.
As your form and power improve, you'll notice the disc gradually flying more like its stated numbers - making it an excellent benchmark for tracking your progress in the sport.
The Fifth Number? Discraft's System
Discraft traditionally used their own single-number stability system (ranging from 3 to -1):
- 1-3: Overstable
- 0: Straight
- -1: Slightly understable
While they adopted the four-number system in 2018, you might still see their stability number alongside modern flight ratings.
Taking Flight: Putting It All Together
Flight numbers are your disc golf decoder ring - they help you understand what's in your bag and what might be missing. Whether you're shopping for your first distance driver or looking to fill a specific gap in your arsenal, these numbers guide your journey.
Remember that while these ratings are standardized, factors like plastic type, wear, weather conditions, and your throwing style all influence how a disc performs. Start with neutral, slower-speed discs, master their flight patterns, and let your growing skill set guide you toward higher-speed options.
Most importantly, use these numbers as a tool, not a rule. The best disc golf players aren't just those who understand flight numbers - they're the ones who learn how to make any disc work for their game.
Ready to put this knowledge into practice? Check out our guide to the Best Disc Golf Discs for Beginners or dive deeper into Disc Golf Terminology to continue your disc golf journey.
