Disc (Frisbee) Golf at RTL

[steveyo]

It's interesting when you see a "serious" disc golfer, with a bag full of discs - like 14 discs. Each disc has slightly different characteristics - different stability ratings. Yet there's a such variability in the throw as to render slight differences in each disc moot. Sure, you might want one stable and one unstable driver, a putter, and maybe a midrange, but 14 discs?!?

From the point of view of an ultimate player (I've played it competitively for 25 years), we use one disc and the arm's throwing motion is what you vary for different curves. I was carrying 6, 7, 8 discs around the links, but I realized I really only need 3 or 4. I still miss most of my putts , but I tee off as well as ever with just two drivers.

[darchibald]

I've thought that too, but having never played - I don't really know.

Anyway it says you guys will arrive here at 6 (though since its a race I imagine that's more of a general estimate, and you'll all be spread out). You stop right at the field we play at, Columbus, and though there might be something set up for you guys on the 'field' field, its in a park so there is plenty of space. I'm looking forward to this.

There is a lot of rumblings going on about this thing, in the paper and radio, and various posters etc. (RTL not frisbee). Best of luck to everyone.

David

[nathan]

About a dozen of us had a great game of disc golf at the Gaelic College the day after the race finished. No disc lost was a nice bonus, but playing in perfect sunny nice weather, everyone feeling great after the race was the best. Thanks to all of you who played.

---Nathan

[steveyo]

Originally Posted by nathan

About a dozen of us had a great game of disc golf at the Gaelic College the day after the race finished. No disc lost was a nice bonus, but playing in perfect sunny nice weather, everyone feeling great after the race was the best. Thanks to all of you who played.

Dang - I'm sorry I missed it.

[maestro8]

Originally Posted by steveyo

Each disc has slightly different characteristics - different stability ratings. Yet there's a such variability in the throw as to render slight differences in each disc moot.

Really? Then why do disc golf manufacturers produce dozens of models of discs? Why shouldn't they just produce one driver, one midrange and one putter?

Discs have ratings for high-speed stability, low-speed stability, speed, glide / range, turn, fade and break-in period. Discs come in a range of weights and types of plastics. Discs react differently to varying wind conditions, different throwing styles (such as forehand, backhand, overhead, roller...), and different terrain.

Yes, throws can vary, but you make it seem as if its a fluke that a disc ever makes it near a basket. That is simply not the case. Many players have developed a very consistent throw that delivers deadly accuracy, and they do so by exploiting the characteristics of their chosen disc.

[steveyo]

Originally Posted by maestro8

Really? Then why do disc golf manufacturers produce dozens of models of discs? Why shouldn't they just produce one driver, one midrange and one putter?

Why? To sell more discs, silly.

Originally Posted by maestro8

Discs have ratings for high-speed stability, low-speed stability, speed, glide / range, turn, fade and break-in period. Discs come in a range of weights and types of plastics. Discs react differently to varying wind conditions, different throwing styles (such as forehand, backhand, overhead, roller...), and different terrain.

Yes, throws can vary, but you make it seem as if its a fluke that a disc ever makes it near a basket. That is simply not the case. Many players have developed a very consistent throw that delivers deadly accuracy, and they do so by exploiting the characteristics of their chosen disc.

Hmmm...yeah, but no, though.

A disc can be specifically designed to hyzer (stable), a lot or a little, or an-hyzer (unstable) a lot or a little. Then there are a million discs in between a lot and a little. The fractional differences between discs are slight, and your throw varies more. Maybe a few of the very best golfers need a bag of 14 discs, but the average disc golfer has much more variance in his or her throw, than the tiny difference between an Innova XCaliber and Destroyer, or between a Discraft XL and XS.

FWIW, I'm a long-time disc golfer (played my first basket course in 1985), with big (not huge) throws and many aces. When I play with just 3 or 4 discs, (2 drivers - 1 stable, 1 unstable, maybe a roller, and a midrange/putter) I throw a stroke or two worse, on average, than if I take my whole bag-full. Lefty, well, then I'm 10 or 12 strokes off my usual game.

But then, I'm a longer-time ultimate player (1st tourney 1983), so I'm used to making a single disc do everything.