When Should You Move Up to Distance Drivers from Fairways in Disc Golf?? | Beginner Tips

[@robrusleg]

I set a 330ft distance PR with an Insanity last week. When Robbie said “330 feet” at the end of the video, I blurted out “AHA!” while driving alone in my car

[@DavidInSomnia]

I'm only 3 months into disc golf and my farthest throw is with a 7 speed Maverick at 250ft. It flies exactly like the numbers say now. I know I'm not ready for distance drivers. I've finally solved the nose angle thing so baby steps.

[@jonwivccc7926]

a 7 speed ? your still about 100 ft from average .. i can get a putter 315 ,6 months in

[@hpe340]

weird flex

[@DavidInSomnia]

@@jonwivccc7926 I know I'm 100ft off. Thats why I won't throw a faster disc. Was your comment suppose to be encouraging?

[@TonySop]

@@jonwivccc7926no you can’t

[@ToddsDiscGolf]

I’m about 5 months and *just* got my 7-speed River to 300 last week. Sounds like we’re on the same progress curve. Can’t believe that dork’s comment up there either 😂 what a tool

[@tlbryant4697]

The escape has been my go to disc off the tee ever since I started playing 2 years ago

[@travisgarrison983]

I've found a really enjoyable "line" of drivers to work with. The Stig, The Falk, and the Vanilla. They are all -2/1 in the turn and fade, but require different speeds to get them up and running. Starting with the Stig at 6 gave a really nice flight pattern and control, then the "bigger brother" Falk at 9 provides very similar flight patterns to the Stig just more reach. Finally you end with their cousin from Finland, the Vanilla who is a true distance driver at 11, but again carries that same flight pattern as the Stig and the Falk

[@ryanjones6111]

Leave it to Robbie C to once again create a video answering a question I was discussing with my disc golf partner over the weekend. Love you man, please keep making this content. I always appreciate it.

[@tylerhoffman2271]

I would say you probably should throw 300' plus before switching to a 11+ speed but in the end, whatever you enjoy throwing do it! I waited a long time to try out really high speed drivers i.e. Nukes because I always thought I needed to hit a certain distance threshold first before using them. Turns out, at least in my case, they allowed me to throw even further. Went from maxing out around 380-400' feet with my 9-11 speeds to hitting 450'+ consistently with Nukes. I would probably stay away from them if you can only throw 200' but if you love the feel of a driver then go ahead and grab one.

[@drewg3087]

This 100%.

[@dalgrim]

I throw my Crave 285-315ft. My star Wraith and neutron Wave about 285-315ft so maybe 330 is the magic number. That said when doing field work you will have those “good” throws, those unrepeatable ones where you miraculously had better timing, etc. On those throws the Crave or leopard3 go 320-330ft but the wraith or wave go 375ish. That is perhaps a reason you haven’t mentioned: On a relatively open hole, as long as it isn’t hurting your max distance throw that 11speed you might get that unicorn throw and park that 380ft hole, even if you usually only throw 315. Now a caveat on this is I also have a star destroyer in my bag (who doesn’t) and my average on that is only 250ish. Unless I have that unusually excellent throw I just can’t come close to getting it up to speed. So If you’re going to try those distance drivers use a more under-stable one. I have the destroyer for either super windy days or must hyzer 180-200ft shots.

[@skydawg203]

The advice I got recently was "use a leopard until you throw it 325ft" and I think that is not great advice. I throw an teebird about 280 on an average day LHBH. I keep a few different fairways in my bag and I keep 5 distance drivers for 2 reasons. 1) I know that I throw 325 -350 LHFH on a good day and can utilize those for open distance shots and 2) they take up space in my bag and help me limit my decision making when considering what to throw LHBH because I have less discs to choose from. I think the "throw this distance before moving up" is not great advice because I may get to 300ft BH with a distance driver and can use that extra 20 -30 feet when needed. But also, as you mentioned, you can get some good lines when you use them correctly on lighter throws.

[@pathape]

It's all dependent on shot shapes and especially hand feel/clean releases. I think the best test for figuring out your actual power is how far you can throw on an actual hyzer (15 to 30 degrees) without any real noticeable turn. That's where pros or power throwers have an advantage usually. Since hyzers with little to no turn are IMHO the most dependable shot shape by far. I recommend finding that threshold., and try different speed discs to find that. All other shots are going to be based on the combination of turn, dependability, and distance. Also, I think it's good to carry a distance driver or 2 to practice with even if you're not getting the results you want.

[@skydawg203]

@@pathape see, This is what I would expect for a truly reliable answer on when to throw faster discs. Nothing says "Don't" but you offer a little more insight into what to expect. There are a number of discs that I carry that are 7-9 speed that I can hyzer flip and get 0 turn but a very straight flight. But 10 speed or higher, I get nothing but loss of distance and nothing but fade. Which is to be expected with where my arm speed is. But I have been told explicitly to remove the distance drivers from my bag before. I think your thoughts on this are golden.

[@pathape]

Higher speed flatter discs are helpful in strong headwinds. Finding one of those that you're comfortable with can be very useful. Also, it's easy to get hung up on what pros throw. Lots of people build their bag based on what they see from pros. However, in all reality 90% of courses require way more midrange and fairway lines/discs. Carrying 5 to 7 distance drivers can actually hurt your results based on that. Consistency and accuracy is the name of the game.

[@Phyco8]

My first 325 shot was with a champion tern. It thought me how to throw more nose down with fast discs.

[@muchograndeyolatengo]

As a beginner distance drivers are a big mystery to me. It seems like they are mostly fitted for distance competitions based on the distance people generally advise people to reach before switching to them? I've rarely seen a hole that requires much more than 330 to birdie.

[@newmonikermusic]

Very helpful. I appreciate the long answer and explanation of how the disc rim affects the throw. I’m at 280’ feet now. I’m going to pull my 10 and 11 speeds out of my bag save 1 for headwind shots and look forward to the day when I can add them back. Subscribed.

[@NinjaThatLongboards]

I picked up a Disc Mania Genius and man do I love that disc. I feel like just a few rounds taught me a ton about shot shaping and hyzer angles. I'm throwing it just a hair over 300' now and noticed my throws with drivers are a lot more consistent and powerful.

[@RyJitsoup]

I started back in April & went straight into field work aka playing solo fetch to work on form. By early July, I started seeing 280-310’ (rhbh) with an x-line Avenger SS. And again with a Wild Honey, Vanilla & a Nuke SS. Then I decided to try out a Crank & Thrasher in Z-Lite plastic. Felt like a full flight distance cheat code. 😮 Surprisingly, they didn’t turn into fly away kites in windy conditions like my lightweight Wraith, Beast, Mamba & Destroyer did. It’s unfortunate I had to pause my DG progression due to a work injury. My bag seemed like it was starting to take shape.

[@cplis]

I’m so happy to finally hear someone giving the stalker some credit. It’s been my go to disc for a long time

[@sebmeunier3528]

I like 330ft as a threshold because - it's exactly 100 meters and an easy threshold to relate to when you use the world - USA measuring system :-D - if you follow the rule of 35, that distance corresponds ~ to a 9 speed, so the higher end of Fairways - on a more personal experience, it's a distance I can barely get to with my 8-9 speeds (Diamond, Jade, Evader, Volt, Tesla...) but I can reach "more easily" with 11 speeds like a Fission Wave or Blizzard Wraith. I think there might also be a correlation between max distance / wind conditions / disc speed / disc weight to discuss. For ex: - In low wind conditions, I try to stick to the speed that matches my distance (8-9 speed for me), at a "normal weight" (more reliable, 160-165 for me) - In head wind, it's ok to disc up and go heavier (11 speed 175g Grace for me) - In tail wind, lighter discs, I currently probably go as far with my 155g Diamond on a Hyzer line (300-330) than with my Blizzard wraith (

[@sanethpierre8560]

As a board gamer and video gamer longer than I thrown discs. Bards of the Board sounds awesome! Disc golf and Board games form 1 channel? Jackpot!

[@yoda_bard_gaming1712]

Now I will say if any beginner wants to try out a distance driver is a fission wave. It is pretty understable and I have to throw it on a decent amount of hyzer with enough height in order to get a good hyzer flip for it and I can only throw 300-350 so i definitely recommend this one

[@yggyking10]

Agreed. I've been playing for a couple years and just starting to hit 300' more often, PB about 340'. I should throw more fairway drivers, but the Wave is my only consistent distance driver, maybe it should be called a "high speed fairway driver", lol.

[@JAK1981]

Hey I played that course , well the front 9 at least lol. I go to Birmingham every year for the World Deer Expo as a vendor . That course is great , fun layout and the setting is so peaceful . I could only finish 9 though because it was the middle of July so it was humid as hell and with the constant elevation changes I just got burnt out lol. Great advice though , I only have 1 distance driver in the bag and I use it specifically when I need to finish hard to the right . Im happy with the distance I get from the Escapes I bag so no need for more of what I cant throw lol.

[@MichaelSmith-xq6qo]

Thanks Robbie , food for thought , I definitely feel like i can do more things with my fairway drivers than higher speed discs ,and your comments about having more control on the slower discs are appealing . I’ll give it a shot .

[@gruvious]

I’m just getting to that 330 mark. I’m fond of the Wild Honey by Clash, and the Thrasher by Discraft as the first two distance drivers I’m starting to get comfortable with.

[@matthewcordeiro8212]

Just subscribed to Bards. Cascadia is in my top 10, and Sushi Go Party is a big hit with my family. My recent KZbin history is like 95% videos featuring Robbie C!

[@youreatowel1103]

Cool topic Robbie, all up for debate obviously, but I like the 330 ft threshold for stepping up. Seems like a reasonable goal, and easy to do once you get into the 7, 8, 9 speeds with decent form. I found myself sort of molding my bag around steps of 2 speed. I have a ton of 3 and 5 speeds to go with my zone for midrange/approach, but then once I started adding fairways and drivers I found myself skipping all the even numbers to fill out my bag. 7, 9, and 11. I'm not sure if its a weird psychology thing, but the odd number rims feel better and stepping up by 2 speed is more noticeable (and easier to decide when to throw which disc). Like my brain tells me its silly to bag a teebird, a teebird3, and a thunderbird, but its totally fine to have both my teebird and my thunderbird. They both very clearly have different shot shapes too. Not sure if this gives you a topic to roll with but I always find it interesting how other folks decide between one disc or another for a shot or what to bag.

[@brandonbensel3536]

I usually throw my fairways in that 330-360 mark and I agree that I am just barely seeing added utility from distance drivers. I'm mostly throwing them when I need something to fade or I need to trust something into a headwind. However, my flippier distance drivers will go farther than the fairways, but generally that's happening at the cost of some control and as you said bringing in bigger risk of a bad time due to a nose up throw. But I feel that I am at the point where I would benefit from learning to use distance drivers on my backhand. I can get my forehand about the same distance as my backhand, and there I am seeing a lot of use from distance drivers. I throw mainly discmania, so for long forehands I lean on the PD and the DD3 when I need that extra distance or there's some extra wind to manage. My go to fairway is the FD, and I'm leaning on the FD1 as the overstable complement for now - I have found I like 7 speeds more for the backhand than 9 speeds, probably because I am 100% certain I'll get the 7 speed up to speed. I am still learning the new DD but I think it's going to be very useful as I make the jump, and the DD1 is also great as it's essentially a wraith in different plastic. DD1 is a little flippy for those power forehands, so that's where the DD3 has become a needed part of the bag. Good content as always!

[@sterlingramirez9337]

My dad introduced me to disc golf in middle school (I’m 25 now) but I haven’t really got into it until about a year ago. Now I play at least 2-3 times per week. I originally learned to play by throwing distance drivers with a forehand throw. As I got more into it over the past year I noticed I really liked fairway drivers specifically the Undertaker. Now, I am experimenting with different weights and noticed I can get different utility from the different weights of my undertakers. Also, I experimented with a Destroyer but I mostly use it for a specific utility now. My Destroyer I throw it as a thumber over trees for a few technical shots on a few select courses. But, I am feeling like I am ready to experiment with a Wraith.

[@munchieleggo]

Doing great today Robbie thanks for asking so much! Super informative video once again too I appreciate you

[@kieronmckay4276]

Well the simple answer is whenever you can actually throw them farther than a fairway...there are also very understable drivers like the Mamba or Orbital which may be better as your first driver for your backhand, I'd personally recommend taking whatever weight disc you're comfortable throwing and finding one a couple grams heavier. They are still stable enough for beginners and intermediates and allow you to learn hyzerflips as you progress. If you're throwing 350 or less these are still extremely good discs for easier distance as long as you're not throwing into headwind conditions. Plus, they're huge benefits when throwing in tailwinds and uphill. You don't always have to choose the 12+ / 5 / -1 / 3 destroyer-esque / cloudbreaker-esque driver that your favorite disc golfer throws or that you mainly see on racks in stores. Chances are if you're choosing stable destroyer-esque discs for your backhand driver, you're more likely to lose distance and probably alot of it. Even if you throw a lighter beat in version of the stable driver, chances are you'll still be cutting down your max distance by a good margin. Throwing understable discs in the disc golf community seems to have this like "you're a total weakling trash player" stigma to it...ignore those awful people and throw what works for you. The other BIG reason not to throw stable drivers before you already have some distance in your throws, is they have a better chance at ruining your form as you will be like anhyzer flexing everything. Throwing understable or less stable drivers first gives you a chance to learn how to throw hyzer and flat and still see a full disc flight rather than only experience total dump truck flights or having to way overcompensate for that and locking in bad habits that will make it harder for you to learn how to throw power hyzers and flat later.

[@naclamore]

thank you, just the advice I was looking for

[@matthewcordeiro8212]

I'm pretty new and still have a lot to figure out, throwing 6/7/8 speeds about 250. However, I also have a Mamba (11 speed) in my bag because I can get a little more distance out of it. It's very understable (-5 turn) so it flies pretty straight for me. That's the only distance driver I feel comfortable throwing.

[@ComeatMEOW]

I was tinkering with the discmania genius 7 speed 5g -5t and 1f, playing with anhyzer, then I came back with my mamba, and proceeded to hit the very line and distance I was thinking about (on a hole I could never even get close to a birdie, so always played for par). however 20 throws later couldn't do it again...kept hitting the wrong line or hitting the trees.

[@ComeatMEOW]

I've only been in playing for 3 & a bit months. So fairly new

[@MalcolmMX]

I have a Champion Mamba, which sounds similar, and it's one of my absolute favorite drivers! Have been regularly able to get it around 100m (rhbh) from full run up. When I get the throw and release point just right it goes like a lazer! Definitely one of my favorite discs, full stop!

[@albertoquagliaroli4230]

I throw short (max 106 m, usually for 'full power' throws, around 80-85 m), but my major distances come out from throwing lighter distance drivers (in specific, a Bolt 157 g and a Ballista 159 g), no fairway driver can give to me, with consistency, those farther distances. Furthermore, for example, I bag a Grace (heavy and overstable for me, 173 gr), but if I use it to for short or medium throws with skip, it comes out very useful, more than a putter.

[@NeilRobinsonv]

Thanks Robbie, I didn't know that I needed another board game podcast to listen to. Interested to hear your thoughts on Cascadia.

[@BardsoftheBoard]

Check out Ep2 from Bards of the Board and you’ll hear it. 😊

[@RobbieCDiscgolf]

We’re having a blast with it!!

[@NeilRobinsonv]

I'll definitely give it a listen.

[@serenityinsilence]

I throw 250-275 backhand depending on the stability on average. In perfect conditions I can get to 300 feet. I use mostly fairways off the tee and it vastly improved my game. Forehand I average 285-325, so I still carry a couple overstable distance drivers for that. After having shoulder surgery on my throwing arm, I basically had to start over. Still trying to dial in my form and just got back to throwing nose down a couple of weeks ago.

[@DiscPayne]

I've always found the rule of 35 to be pretty close to accurate to pick disc speed. Example if your average distance is 350 ft you can get flights that act like the numbers out of a full weight 10 speed. Or lighter 11/12

[@johnanderson7076]

It's really hard to beat a Teebird. If you must go up a step, a Sidewinder is a nice glidey choice, maybe a bit less stable. At that speed, a Thunderbird makes a nice into the wind driver and a good forehand disc. What's overlooked sometimes is a Blizzard Wraith. Mine seems to have a Teebird-like flight. My Blizzard Beast has an S-shaped flight. But in the wind, they're dicey.

[@dakota82]

i needed this. im still new and figuring out this sport. i watch a lot of you videos. you explain things really well and it helps ALOT! my record is 303 feet with an infinity Maya. but it was yanked to far right. i can throw 250 consistently with mids and fairways. ill keep working on it. i have to many distance drivers i think. mystere, destroyer, trespass, Maya, nuke ss, force. i might go shopping for more fairways. what are some good ones you would recommend? i have a stag, evader, vandal, escape, firebird.

[@DeadphishyEP3]

I always tell people to primary toss MR and FW, but they should get atleast 2 DD drivers to practice with every once and a while. You have to learn how to throw faster discs, you dont just graduate from a fairway, and magically, you can toss a DD further. You need to work at it, even if you dont have the arm speed. I have a few DDs that i use for sub 300 shots for the movement or wind resistance.

[@jcgarcia1931]

Insightful and helpful content as usual. Thanks bud. And hey, we're enjoying this game Everdell right now. Interesting mechanics and play... in case you haven't played it yet.

[@jonezy911L]

I feel seen, my bag is currently holding so many more discs because my forehand power is far superior to my backhand. I almost need a set for each throw

[@JTNob-pt3sp]

Love the videos Robbie. Always been a huge fan.

[@RobbieCDiscgolf]

Thank You!!

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

when you find a brand new 13 speed disc 100 feet off the tee pad in the bushes to the left - you know then they weren't ready to use that disc 😎

[@robertrubio1552]

😂

[@John336NLT]

I am Green2discgolf, mainly working on driving with putters. I am learning. I recently went out and threw mid-ranges only. I have 5 different but similar in flight number mid-ranges. My star aviar, I can throw 100-150ft flat and fairly straight. With the mid-ranges I was throwing about 180ft, but was all over the place. However, I was working in 20mph wind; thats normal for my area. I will need much more practice for me to hit 300ft

[@MalcolmMX]

@John336NLT, I've been playing a year now, and started off playing super inconsistent and no idea what to throw etc. I pretty quickly ditched a full run up for a standing throw, and paid huge dividends in accuracy and consistency. Because of improving my technique (I almost exclusively throw rhbh - my forehand is rubbish!), I've gone from throwing around 40m with midrange to throwing midrange around 80m from a standing throw - my Lat 64 Saint and River are my gold fairway drivers, and my Viking Warrior is my favorite midrange. All really stable, allowing me to concentrate on flat straight throws. I do throw distance drivers, with a full run up, and reasonably consistent with them, but because of the multitude of things to concentrate on and get right/timing, etc - it's taken a lot of work to get accurate and reasonably consistent. Keep working on it mate - it's worth it! Can be so much fun once the distance starts getting a little further!

[@ogdiscgolfer]

I really liked you example on Hole #3 with the 2 molds in two stabilities. Great way to help folks know if they are reaching the speed to get different flights. Thanks. PS. yes that tree is evil! :D

[@patnope6344]

yea ive been playing since about April, and i would say my furthest throw is around 350 and i would agree with the 330 statement, i can sometimes turn a hades which is -3 turn, but its nice to finally see flip up and turn in a driver. although obviously i wouldnt be able to do that with a destroyer or even a wraith probably

[@patrickrussell7947]

I'd say if you can get a distance driver to turn even a little and you can land it in the area you are aiming, you are ready. If it dumps or maybe you get it up to speed but you have no idea where it's going, best to stick to slower discs until that gets ironed out.

[@TonySop]

I really like my champion boss off the tee and my prodigy d2 for forehand’s!

[@gwsmallwood]

I think that 330 can come down a bit for forehand. I’m forehand dominant and I throw my Volts around 300 consistently. I can push them farther, but only if I throw 100% or put a decent flex on them. I can throw most of my 10-11 speeds out to 340 or so. With a good rip and a bit of flex I can get my Pro Destroyer out near 400. I do a lot of fieldwork and tracking. I definitely get something different from the drivers starting around 300’.

[@Iliyena87]

One thing that I find FUN and IMPORTANT is to try new discs now and then, SOME discs just fits the hand and current throwing technique great even being high-speed, for example the furthest throw I've ever made is with an Opto Ballista +400', 2 years ago ! with way worse form than now. It's still in the bag and still my furthest flyer, it just fits ME compared to +30 other DD's several way less stable. Oh, should add that 400' is something I can only strive for, I dont have that distance in me, and 300' in the woods is a stretch at best! Still the last distance driver I bought and will be having fun with is an MVP Orbital, its a crazy understable driver (S11, G5, T-4.5, F1) that I am gonna use to get my distance driver form better without running up and using my arm in a bad way and such, it will be very fun to use it instead of a stable to overstable driver when doing form, it will also show my mistakes a lot more, less spin less stability, less power less flip up and so on.

[@josephroberts9779]

I would agree 330 is a good bench mark before moving to distance drivers. I use to throw predominantly forehand but am finding value added by my back hand i throw consisently 250-300ft with mids and fairways but distance drivers flight pattern haven't changed yet they all hyzer out to fast due to me throwing on a natural hyzer. Absolutely love getting your perspective on disc golf has helped me grow as a player!!!

[@coleprivett9125]

Mvp has good discs in the 6 speeds that are in-between mids and fairways. Best way to grow your arm

[@michaelfaber6904]

Right now the disc that is consistently the longest in my bag is the DX thunderbird. It's pretty beat in, so it will hold a line (or even turn over a bit to start). My max is about 280. My favorite disc to throw is the Leopard (not 3) in star plastic, and I can throw that around 250. Highly recommend either.

[@calebdyer6332]

I think it depends on the person. I haven't been throwing distance drivers for a while, but yesterday during by fieldwork the destroyers consistently went 20-30 feet farther than my 9/10 speeds. So I think im ready for them

[@drewg3087]

Best ive played is when i only stock 4 speeds- 10 speeds in my bag. No drivers. Even no 11 speeds. Most courses are 400-500ft in on each hole and most around 300-300ft. So drivers are obsolete. I hope to get to a steady 350-400ft with my drivers and right now right around 300-325 with the longest at or near 400ft downhill. So thats my plan and its been very helpful for controlling my speed, slowing down and taking strokes off my games.

[@cosmolean]

With about 300ft distance, I'm bagging a Stalker, FD, TL3, Essence, Dynasty and FX-3 for fairway drivers. My distance drivers are a Medusa, Wraith, DD1, Wave and DX Destroyer. I can get a DX Destroyer to turn over but typically only using this in the wind.

[@scottdvorak5606]

I think 330 feet sounds reasonable as the benchmark. I’ve been playing for about 3 years. I can just crack 300 feet on my longest throws. I can consistently get a nice flex shape out of a Valkyrie (9/4//-2/2) or a solid turn out of a Discraft Heat (9/6/-3/1). However I have some difficulty getting an Innova Tern (12/6/-3/2) to turn over. So 330 feet makes sense to me as a rough rule of thumb. Obviously this will vary depending on the thrower and conditions. But it sounds like a decent rule of thumb to me.

[@drager9398]

Mohawk? As a fellow 5 head guy nice. If not I feel your pain when missing a spot. I hope those are flamingos on the shirt I might get one. Thanks swanky

[@FlingDye]

Hi Robbie i throw mostly backhand but my forehand is on par whit my backhand throws even tough i only practice backhand. So my longest average shots whit distance drivers are around 320-330 feet, and a few lucky ones that go 30-50 feet longer. My Fairway drivers go an average of 280-300, and my mids are 10-20 feet behind average fairway shots. my most reliant disc is the Luna and my longest shot whit it is 311 feet. I feel like its easier to time the throw whit the Luna compared to any other disc's, but i am struggling whit nose angle. My home coarse is mostly short and technical holes. So i feel like i have a pretty decent shot shape, but i lack a lot in distance. Iv tried to remove all discs whit more than 9 speed, but that did not go so well hehe. I should be able to take on all the 18 holes whit a fairway driver or less. I should probably not throw distance drivers, but there is certain shots that i just need the distance driver for... it just works for me. But i feel like its stealing my distance in the long run. Been playing disc golf since 2020, only regret is not discovering this fantastic sport until my mid 30. Anyway keep up the great content !

[@FifaInspected]

330 seems about right. I'm 54 with a noodle arm and can throw my 7 speed Vortex 300-320. I bought a 10 speed Avenger SS a few days ago and after a very brief field session I'm seeing more distance and full flights our of the Avenger SS... it's just what I was looking for.

[@jamesfarabaugh6669]

I cannot seem to get any turn or distance out of a Champion Leopard or an Active Premium Genius, but I can turn a base Underworld and DX Teebird. Granted, I throw standstill 180-200ft, am just now figuring out how to keep the nose flatish and working on using more body, less arm strength.

[@tomjo44]

I have been playing for six months. I throw mid range almost all the time. I have a River and i have tired various other drivers and cant throw them well. Three weeks ago i bought a diamond. I can throw it 50-60’ more then any other disc. It only weighs 159 g. I never hear about anyone talking about the weight of the disc is this why am having more success?

[@MalcolmMX]

Fair comment! I started a similar time to you, but always had full weight (173-5gm) discs, so that's just what I got used to... throwing lighter discs now feels kinda weird to me, but I can see how it could benefit. I definitely rate a heavier putter in windy conditions, as it seems to get less affected than a lighter one does - for me, at least!

[@Fantastik87z]

330 sounds prty close. Id think you can throw non beefy 10-11s and semi flippy 12+s. Very valid point you made with forhands that you can use the higher speeds and have enough torque to get them to fly well.

[@skipcalhoon3186]

I would say a champion TL is where I find tha most workability in innova's lineup. Once I could manipulate it for several shot shapes, I moved to a Valkyrie to push distance and repeated until a wraith was viable. Thanks for tha encouragement and entertainment.

[@pasmith4668]

I'm very interested in the nose angle video, distance with my drivers is eluding me. I'm curious if nose angle is my issue. I can push my putters to around 300' but driver's are only topping out around 400'🤘✌️

[@BowerP0w3r]

Could you put number on when talking about discs and show what shows what’s over stable or under stable

[@michaelrunge1922]

The best answer is throw the discs that you can get to fly the way you want them to. If the 14 speed does what you want/expect, throw it. If the Leopard is what you want to keep throwing, go for it. You don't have to be able to max out a disc before moving up in speed.

[@chasemesserly3937]

Robbie, great content like always! Question.. is it a poor decision to step down to a lower weight of disc to potentially throw a little bit faster of a disc?

[@RobbieCDiscgolf]

I don’t think it’s a bad idea! Just makes the wind become more of a factor lowering the weight!

[@ToddsDiscGolf]

My favorite fairway is the River, and it’s the lowest speed that I’ve broken 300 with. Unfortunately my farthest throw is only 320’ with a champ mamba, so I’m definitely not “ready” for distance drivers, but I can cheat the mamba pretty well 😂

[@MalcolmMX]

The River is such a sick disc! One of my permanent in bag discs - can't recommend it enough! I really like the full weight ones, and am able to get it to stay straight and good average length from a standing throw of around 70-80m. The Saint is also a sweet disc too for a similar flight 😀

[@njrandall5]

Tired, my one day off. thanks for asking!

[@OkieTradez]

feel youre on point with everything youre saying.. form tip.. i assume you dont look at the disc bcuz in the past you followed with your head so yanked it but now you dont look at all and early releasing.. tip is be soooo loose like never before and let your left shoulder move your head to follow the disc naturally vs trying to not look that will get your timing better i promise!

[@davismorehead2494]

I like your idea of being able to get different flights out of you fairways as a good indication better that distance. Also I can get different flights by throwing lighter discs

[@RajPatel-nq8rs]

3 months into frolf, my distance pr is 335ft with a 9 speed... sidewinder I think? the thing just leans right the entire way, thrown RHBH

[@baustin612]

Innova Valkyrie and Prodigy FX-4 400 are my go to fairways.

[@dougadamsau]

Take your average golf distance throw in meters, divide by 10, and that’s your disc speed cap. Feel free to add a faster disc for wind/skips/utility, etc. If you work in feet, divide by 33.

[@alanlundberg4534]

I throw about 225'. I can get a new 165g Star IT and a new 164g Star Archangel to flex appropriately. I have a new 165g Champion Valkyrie that is still too stable for me. My light DX Leopard is definitely turning too much now. I can throw my 173g Champion Mako3 almost as far as my fairways. I really like your 330' number. Until I can get my form to allow 330' with the Valkyrie, I will not ever use anything with a higher speed rating. I'm 63, so that may be never, but I'm okay with that.

[@chndlrsmth]

robbie i hope ur doing okay man, please take breaks and take care of yourself when you need to. we are all just trying to make it in this life. thanks for the content always

[@joshashby2397]

I've been playing for about 2 months now and apparently I can't chuck anything other than a Lat 64 Diamond with any kind of accuracy or (hehe) distance. I got the disc to snap once by accident about two weeks ago and I've been chasing that ever since. Anyway.. Love the channel! Anyone playing in North Alabama or South TN this weekend, HMU. If you play with me, you'll feel real good about your game!

[@bakerby]

Lots to talk about from this episode. Rereading what I wrote suggests I have lots of opinions, but no through line. I actually stopped it at one point and went back to the beginning. It is frustrating for me that at times my putters/mid-ranges/fairway drivers fly roughly the same distance. That being said, ‘on a great day’, at least during field work, I can forehand a distance driver with some success, but not 100m The 100m rule seems a bit off. In my experience most courses, not built upon golf courses only have 2-3 +110m baskets. This would suggest that distance drivers are like sports cars with turbo engines-pretty, but not for everyone. Perhaps we need to move away from the golf terms and just use speeds to differentiate discs. On an aside, I watched a four year old throw a 9 speed (Firebird?) with better accuracy that I ever could. Interesting episode, thanks for the content.

[@timhill1196]

Going into the video i was thinking 350 for a distance driver threshold for 11-12 spds. 400 for 13+ spds so id generally agree with this assessment. But also i agree with the idea of throwing what is best for your game.

[@TheDrakmannen]

the difference between rim sizes 11-13 will differ alot with different manufacturers so I dont think we really need to get that deep into it. For example, the L64 Rive is a 13 speed with a wing size of 2.3cm, while the discraft nuke is 2.5cm, and every manufacturer does their own thing with the speed number. MVP for example has very wide wings for their discs all the way from distance drivers to slower fairways, for example, the MVP Volt is an 8 speed, but has very close to the same wing width as a discraft Anax which is an 10 speed.

[@thor9722]

After you can toss a 9 speed stable disc around 300-320, then you will find something like shryke, corvette or tern drivers 50 feet more. Stay away from something overstable like new destroyer or boss cause those did require you have faster arm. For my personal experience the number of turn have more effect on your distance than the speed.

[@OmegaXIIV]

I think throwing 330’ is a fair enough number with a fairway driver to move to a distance driver. I’d like to say maybe also it being a 60% power effort as well. Throwing 330’ and ripping your arm out to do it would only sacrifice accuracy. I can pump a Buzzz out to 400’ for reference.

[@paddlepedal4780]

What about WEIGHT! I am able to get a better flight out of lighter weight discs. I'd curious if your thoughts. Could there be a "Rule of Thumb" comparing weight to speed. Like a disc that is 10 grams lighter will allow you to throw a 1speed faster disc. If you can get good results with a 170g Leopard mean you might be to do similar with 160g Leopard3 and get a little more distance.

[@jhoo58]

Another thing to consider with disc speed is wind conditions. If you're throwing into a headwind you're basically getting "free" speed on your throw, time to disc up a bit. TLDR: Head wind, big disc. Tail Wind, small disc. Long form: This really confused me when I started playing, I would immediately think "Oh tail wind time for a big drive" and watch my driver bite more than usual. The opposite with head wind "Oh head wind time to disc down for a easier throw" and watch my mid range turn completely over. You can imagine your disc as always standing still and energy entering the disc translating into movement of the world around it. Then the faster you throw your disc would mean the faster the world is moving around your disc. In windy conditions the world is already moving around disc according to the wind. Head wind would mean that your disc is already "moving forward" before you even throw, ie it already has speed. Vice versa for tailwind.

[@WhoThaCazer]

Im more of throw what ever feels best. Im on season where mids just feel bad on hand and fly shorter than putters and cant get accurate throw whit fairways than distance drivers. funny things when everythin goes bottoms up.

[@DANIELpellerito]

I am currently throwing a fairway driver and a mid range approximately 250 feet on average, very frustrating. I can’t seem to break that plane consistently. Farthest I’ve ever thrown a Fairway driver is 306 feet.

[@russb8291]

Lightweight distance drivers are the way in for lower arm speed throwers. Lightweight as in under 168g.

[@discgolflife]

When I started a playing disc golf, a seasoned professional told me. Always throw the slowest speed disc possible to get to your desired target. If you can't get there with a putter use a mid. If you can't get there with a mid use a fairway and so on. With time better form and such, all you'll prolly wanna throw are mids and putters? Much love ✊...

[@taylorwong8491]

I’d have to disagree. At least a little bit. I’d add that you should through the slowest speed disc you can comfortably throw the distance to the target. I’m not a pro but I don’t think it’s good practice too always max out your throws

[@jstnclee]

My biggest question with this is: what kind of shot shape should you be throwing to get that recommended 330ft? Because I can throw a forced over turnover to gain a bit more distance. Should it be a near straight shot, or ever a full hyper to reach that 330ft?

[@taylorwong8491]

I‘d say the shot shape should be what some people call the max distance line. Some turn, some fade, finishing pretty straight overall. If your max distance is with a turnover shot try throwing a slightly more stable disc or with more hyzer. You’ll probably be able to get some more distance. Generally though if you can confidently say you throw 330+ ft you’re probably ready to try at least a more flippy distance driver

[@snikwahjets]

If it was easy for people to know their arm speed, maybe 40-45mph would be the switch over. And that should get you to 330ft if you throw a good line.

[@hpe340]

Good sir Dennis, I regret to inform you your KZbin like for Bards of the Board is currently not functioning, and directing to page not found. I hope this finds you in good health.

[@Xuyah]

Where do I get one of those black and red atlas bags?! 👀👀🤑🤑

[@morticianjohn]

My suggestion is for beginners to start with a destroyer and work their way down to fill in the rest of their shots. It was more fun for me when I was a beginner and I think players are more likely to stick with the sport given the enjoyable flight of the destroyer no matter the arm speed.

[@sebmeunier3528]

From personal experience, I would disagree with that. I have 3 Destroyers, all found (no numbers or drop box) on holes < 300ft (tells a bit who probably threw them...). They have 3 very, very different flight paths and to my surprise, the Champion one is the only one I can really throw and enjoy compared to the Star or the G Star ones which are more on the beefy side. Basing disc choice and flight feelings on ONE Destroyer thinking your Destroyer represents what any Destroyer should do sounds like a bad idea to me.

[@bigolbrass]

Having fully embraced my noodliness, I carry high-power drivers only for gale-force headwinds.

[@basp-ef7jx]

I've got nerve damage in my right arm, so I'm never throwing bombs. Anything past an 11 speed is beyond my capabilities. That's probably why I like the woods so much.

[@snikwahjets]

If your stuggle to throw 110m dont worry 330ft is actually =100m 😅 Also If it was easy for people to know their arm speed, maybe 40-45mph would be the switch over. And that should get me to 330ft if i throw a good straight line.

[@snikwahjets]

Does anyone else know what arm speed gets them to 330ft?

[@SwankyDiscGolf]

I only throw 13 speeds..

[@miniaturecolossus5242]

Why do I feel like videos like this always forget that wind exists? If you're playing into strong head wind you'll be well advised to go up significantly in speed and stability compared to what you would normally throw. My champ thunderbird is 100% pure brick that does not want to fly at all, but when I went out today it was pretty much the only thing I could throw on a lot of holes because of the wind. On at least one of the holes I would probably have been even better off with a higher speed distance driver as with just a little bit more distance I could have maybe gotten a reasonable putt.

[@gphgph5324]

Why say over or under stable without giving flight numbers?

[@John336NLT]

Ever throw a disc and it visually vibrate and make fluttering sound?

[@AppleseedVaj]

Was told not to move to drivers until you can through a midrange 300ft consistently

[@sammyboyyy]

I went backwards. I started out with a destroyer and a Wraith, and then I got a midrange, then I don’t even remember how I got a fairway 😂

[@brannnnnnn]

Why not throw Firebird instead of Destroyer if you want more workable reliability.

[@DamianM90]

Robbie I don’t think my life (or wallet) can handle you doing a cross-over of my two favourite hobbies! Also, you 100% need to do a Talisman ep

[@christiang5536]

"Give it the beans" 😂

[@tarverator]

A useful rule of thumb is to take your longest throw with any disc in feet, and divide by 25. That gives a number that's around the fastest speed disc that you "should" be throwing. So if you are throwing 330', then you should be able to make use of 9 speeds reasonably well. Of course you can still make use of faster discs in lighter weighs, understable molds, etc if they work for you, especially if you are looking for the ground effects, as faster discs tend to skip more.

[@Iliyena87]

An easier way even, learn meters! Then take the speed eg. 9 and add a zero (0); so +90 meters (approx. 300') and it should start show you what its supposed to do and start to do other stuff due to overpowering. ;D Same goal, else I'd be able to turn several discs that refuses to show turn. (Just realized that your calculation is a bit off 330/25 = 13,2 ! I think your division is supposed to be 35 since 10 meters = 32.8 feet.)

[@TheDrosul]

Never liked the advice that new players should avoid any discs. People get better with practice. Let them experiment with different molds and weights. Even maxing out at around 300 yards myself, my corvette throws exactly in the flight path it's supposed to (usually at least, I could probably get a second, lighter one for when I'm getting tired after a few rounds) , and roughly matches my blizzard boss (though that's beat to hell as my oldest current disc and getting understable so control is becoming a problem).. But both out drive my wraith, which out drives my valkyrie, which out drives my leopard. A basically perfect correlation between speed/glide ratings and distance. Imo if they're not hitting the right flight path, they should be looking to adjust weight of the disc first. As for me, my next discs to try will likely be the shryke and katana (going a bit more under stable on molds because champion plastic is my preference for durability reasons, and tends to tilt discs towards over stability)