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Flight Ratings Guide

These four numbers describe how a disc tends to fly when thrown flat, at fair speed, and in calm conditions. Use them as a compass, not a law—runs, plastics, wear and wind can shift results.

Speed (1–14)

  • How “fast” a disc needs to be thrown to fly as designed.
  • Higher = sharper rim, more arm speed/torque needed.
  • Newer arms: start around speed 7–9 or lower.

Glide (1–7)

  • How easily the disc stays aloft.
  • Higher = more carry; often more wind‑sensitive.

Turn (+1 to –5)

  • High‑speed drift right (RHBH). More negative = more flip.
  • Reverse directions for LHBH.

Fade (0–5)

  • Low‑speed finish left (RHBH). Higher = stronger hook.
  • Pairs with turn to define stability.

Visual legend

Three flight paths: Understable, Stable, Overstable.
  • Overstable: Low/neutral turn (0 to +1) and higher fade (3–5). Trusty into headwinds, predictable finishes.
  • Stable: Small turn (–1 to 0) and modest fade (1–2). Point-and-shoot control.
  • Understable: More negative turn (–2 to –5) and low fade (0–1). Easy distance for slower arms, hyzer‑flip lines, turnover shots.

Quick chooser

GoalTryTypical Numbers
First driver / easy distance Fairway driver Speed 7–9 • Glide 4–6 • Turn –1 to –2 • Fade 1–2
Wind-resistant control Overstable fairway or distance driver Speed 9–12 • Turn 0 to +1 • Fade 3–4
Straight approach Stable midrange or putt and approach Speed 3–5 • Turn –1 to 0 • Fade 0–1
Reliable finish Overstable midrange or putter Speed 3–5 • Turn 0 • Fade 2–3

Sample molds we carry

MoldBrandTypeSpeedGlideTurnFade
Buzzz Discraft Midrange 54-11
Zone Discraft Putter / Approach 4303
Heat Discraft Distance Driver 96-31
Raptor Discraft Fairway Driver 9403
Timberwolf Daredevil Discs Fairway Driver 96-10
Swift Fox Daredevil Discs Fairway Driver 95-21

Ratings are manufacturer-provided targets; runs and plastics vary. Use the mold links to view matching products and the type links to shop by disc type.

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