How to Judge the Stability of a Disc in Disc Golf

Disc type, weather and player power are all factors that affect the stability of a disc in the recreational outdoor game of disc golf. Understanding stability will better assist a player in selecting the proper disc to make any type of shot.

Instructions

1. Understand stability. In disc golf, stability refers to the tendency of a disc to curve toward a given flight path. For a right-handed thrower throwing backhand, a disc tends to curve to the left during flight. A more stable disc will have a stronger tendency to curve to the left for a right-handed thrower, and a disc with lower stability will fly more straight, or even curve to the right, before assuming its natural tendency to fade to the left. The natural flight arc of a disc is reversed for a right-handed thrower throwing forehand--meaning a very stable disc will curve hard to the right. The disc curve for a left-handed thrower is opposite that of a right-handed thrower, so a left-handed backhand will curve right, and a left-handed forehand will curve left.

2. Consider the type of disc. The type of disc being thrown is the most important factor in determining stability. Popular disc golf disc brands like Innova and Discraft rate the stability of a disc on a numeric scale. A disc with a rating of zero is meant to fly straight when thrown at high speed, while a disc with a rating of one, two or three is more stable. A disc rated negative one, negative two and negative three is less stable. This rating system is a useful guideline for the stability of a disc. Apart from the disc model itself, stiffer plastic will cause a disc to fly more stable, while softer plastic will cause a disc to fly less stable. Heavier disc weight will also cause a disc to be more stable, while a lighter disc will be less stable. Another important factor is the wear of the disc. As a disc is used, it becomes less stable over time, especially if the disc hits trees and is made of less durable plastic.

3. Understand the other conditions that can affect the stability of a golf disc. On windy days, disc stability will vary depending on the direction of the wind. Into a headwind, a disc will fly higher than usual and is more stable, because it loses speed more quickly. A cross wind traveling in the direction of a disc's natural curve will make a disc more stable, while a cross wind traveling against the natural curve of a disc will cause it to be less stable. Throwing with a tailwind does not affect stability greatly, but will cause a disc to lose altitude more quickly than normal. Temperature also affects stability. On cold days, a disc will be more rigid and throw with higher stability. On hot days, a disc will be flexible and throw with lower stability.

4. Gauge the strength of a player. The more power a player can put into a throw, the less stable the throw will be in the end. Conversely, a player with very low power will find that a stable disc curves toward its natural arc almost immediately, and will not achieve much distance. A player with low power should throw a lighter, less stable disc to get straight drives and maximize distance, while a more powerful player should select a heavier disc for long straight throws.

Tips & Warnings

• Knowing the factors that impact disc stability can help a player select the best disc for any shot, and make recommendations to newer players.