This winter has been unbearably bad in Northern Utah. It's almost March, and we still have more than a foot of snow on the ground!
Not exactly ideal conditions for disc testing.
Hopefully by the end of March, we will actually be able to do some serious testing. Here are a few of the tests we plan to do.
InfiniteDiscs.com has discs sortable by speed and stability. We plan to take every combination of discs and compare them one with another for both field testing, and for actual rounds.
For example, We will go through all the speed nine under stable distance drivers, perform field tests for distance and accuracy (as well as general thoughts and opinions about the discs). And then we will have different disc golfers play two rounds of disc golf on two different courses, and compare the results of each comparable driver.
It should be a lot of fun, and provide some great information to help people choose the best possible golf discs from the many, many different options with all the up and coming discs these days.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Testing New Mid-Range Discs
It's been a harsh cold winter in Logan Utah.
But. It looks like spring is actually here.... We now have daylight in the evening, and believe it or not, but the temperatures exceeded 40 degrees today. The snow has melted on the sunny side of things, and I took out a few of my new discs for some test throws.
Within the last couple of weeks both MVP and Westside have released new understable mid-range discs with similar flight ratings.
After testing them in a slightly muddy field this afternoon, I can say, I like them both.While testing these discs, I also through around the Innova Kite, Discraft Buzzz SS, Gateway Element, and MVP Axis.
I love MVP discs and think that Gyro technology is the real deal. My worry with the Tangent was that it was going to easily flip over on me when thrown with a little power, like my Innova Kite does. It didn't. While it would turn somewhat, it wouldn't turn and flip into the ground. The tangent flew straight and held its line very well.
Before actually throwing the discs, my assumption was that I'd like the Tangent better, because I love MVP. And while I like the Tangent, I think I might like the new Westside Tursas even better. Like the Tangent, this disc also didn't flip over on me. It threw beautifully threw the air, went farther than the Tangent for throws with the same power, and for the most part landed right where I wanted it to with any type of throw.
It's just one day of field testing, but I'm liking both these discs and think that one of them will end up in my permanent bag before all is said and done. It might be possible that one of these discs might even replace my beloved Axis....
Stay tuned for some more official mid-range tests once the snow and mud actually goes all the way away.
But. It looks like spring is actually here.... We now have daylight in the evening, and believe it or not, but the temperatures exceeded 40 degrees today. The snow has melted on the sunny side of things, and I took out a few of my new discs for some test throws.
Within the last couple of weeks both MVP and Westside have released new understable mid-range discs with similar flight ratings.
After testing them in a slightly muddy field this afternoon, I can say, I like them both.While testing these discs, I also through around the Innova Kite, Discraft Buzzz SS, Gateway Element, and MVP Axis.
I love MVP discs and think that Gyro technology is the real deal. My worry with the Tangent was that it was going to easily flip over on me when thrown with a little power, like my Innova Kite does. It didn't. While it would turn somewhat, it wouldn't turn and flip into the ground. The tangent flew straight and held its line very well.
Before actually throwing the discs, my assumption was that I'd like the Tangent better, because I love MVP. And while I like the Tangent, I think I might like the new Westside Tursas even better. Like the Tangent, this disc also didn't flip over on me. It threw beautifully threw the air, went farther than the Tangent for throws with the same power, and for the most part landed right where I wanted it to with any type of throw.
It's just one day of field testing, but I'm liking both these discs and think that one of them will end up in my permanent bag before all is said and done. It might be possible that one of these discs might even replace my beloved Axis....
Stay tuned for some more official mid-range tests once the snow and mud actually goes all the way away.
Monday, January 28, 2013
My New Favorite Putters
It has been a long, harsh winter here in Northern Utah. There is more than a foot of snow on the ground, and we literally went weeks without the temperature ever rising above 20 degrees. Needless to say, the progress of the disc golf test lab has definitely been limited.
However, I do have a basement, and I have been doing some putter tests. I have a bucket of about 30 different putters, most of which I didn't use in my initial putter tests last fall. These tests have been a bit more casual, and I've haven't really taken the time to record the results of every single disc thrown.
Instead I take the bucket, and from about 18 feet (that's the farthest I can really throw from inside my house) throw each disc, one by one, at the basket. Any frisbees that miss, are left out of the next round. So after each round, I have a few less discs to throw.
By the time I get down to a handful of discs, I know I have some good ones as they have been true for 20 - 25 straight makes. Now the last two times I've done this experiment there are a couple of discs that have really stood out, and have made it to the end.
With my current throwing style and routine, I'd say these are the best disc golf putters for actually throwing short putts into the basket. From my experiments, I've found that the super soft putters, aren't as accurate because they often stick to my fingers and don't release soon enough. Alternately, discs that are too slippery, often come out prematurely, and also miss the target. The best discs, are those that are grippy, but not too grippy.
I've also developed a like to the thicker, slower, beefier type putters. The two putters that are really rising above the cream for me are the Innova Pig, and the ABC Money putter. The Pig is in a super nice R-pro plastic. I love the feel, and it's the perfect grippiness. The ABC Money putter is in "Bronze" plastic, which I'd say is kind of like a combination of Innova DX and Pro plastics. It's softer than traditional DX, but a little firmer than the Pro plastic.
Overall these two discs rock, and come spring, I'm going to be lighting the chains up with thick slow beefy putters with the perfect combination of grip
However, I do have a basement, and I have been doing some putter tests. I have a bucket of about 30 different putters, most of which I didn't use in my initial putter tests last fall. These tests have been a bit more casual, and I've haven't really taken the time to record the results of every single disc thrown.
Instead I take the bucket, and from about 18 feet (that's the farthest I can really throw from inside my house) throw each disc, one by one, at the basket. Any frisbees that miss, are left out of the next round. So after each round, I have a few less discs to throw.
By the time I get down to a handful of discs, I know I have some good ones as they have been true for 20 - 25 straight makes. Now the last two times I've done this experiment there are a couple of discs that have really stood out, and have made it to the end.
With my current throwing style and routine, I'd say these are the best disc golf putters for actually throwing short putts into the basket. From my experiments, I've found that the super soft putters, aren't as accurate because they often stick to my fingers and don't release soon enough. Alternately, discs that are too slippery, often come out prematurely, and also miss the target. The best discs, are those that are grippy, but not too grippy.
I've also developed a like to the thicker, slower, beefier type putters. The two putters that are really rising above the cream for me are the Innova Pig, and the ABC Money putter. The Pig is in a super nice R-pro plastic. I love the feel, and it's the perfect grippiness. The ABC Money putter is in "Bronze" plastic, which I'd say is kind of like a combination of Innova DX and Pro plastics. It's softer than traditional DX, but a little firmer than the Pro plastic.
Overall these two discs rock, and come spring, I'm going to be lighting the chains up with thick slow beefy putters with the perfect combination of grip
Friday, December 28, 2012
Tips for Playing Disc Golf in a Foot of Snow
My brother lives in Ohio, so it's not often we get a chance to play disc golf together. He was here in Utah for the Holidays, and we desperately wanted to go out and let the plastic fly. The problem was that we had more than a foot of snow. The snow was fresh powder, light and fluffy, and discs sunk beyond visible unless thrown perfectly flat.Unless you enjoy playing paleontologist, digging through a foot of snow is not exactly a fun way to play disc golf. So don't even try right?
Wrong.
Playing disc golf in the snow can be very fun, and tromping through a foot of snow is even better exercise than regular disc golf.
Here are a few tips to make disc golf work when there is lots of light fluffy snow:
1. Use Bright Color Discs - Yeah, this one is probably a no brainer, but just in case your common sense didn't register, don't use white discs. I find that the best color discs for snow play are bright red/pink. These discs show up well, and seem to have a little glow to them under an inch or so of snow.
2. Tape a Ribbon on Top of Your Discs - I read on a forum somewhere that tying a ribbon on discs was a good way to find discs in the snow. While the discs themselves go feet into the snow, the ribbon leaves a nice trail that usually stays on top of the snow, making it easy to find your disc.
On rare occasions, both disc and ribbon submerged below the snow. Even when this happened, the bright disc and ribbon were still partially visible through the thin layer of snow.
Once my ribbon was gone, my drives went a lot farther, but It was substantially harder to find my disc. Well worth the loss in distance for a more enjoyable round of snow DG. I'd estimate the riven reduced my distance by about 30%.
3. Be the first group to play after a new snowfall. When there were no footprints around, it was easy to see where discs went in the snow. When footprints were around, not so much. Especially after my ribbon fell off.
4. Bring a Towel and Keep it Dry. While the snow I played in was fairly dry, it was still nice to dry the disc off before each throw. The only problem was that my towel kept getting dragged in the deep snow. For other rounds of snow disc golf I've played I wore a jacket with a big pocket in the front. This made the perfect place to hold my towel, and my glove while I threw. When the snow is so light that your bag sinks 4 inches, chances are your towel will get wet.
You can play Frisbee golf when there is lots of snow on the ground, you just need to be prepared so that you will have fun.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Top Rated Disc Golf Discs
At the Disc Golf Test Lab, we primarily focus on our experiences testing different brands and makes of plastic. And while testing discs is a great way to determine the best, user experience from a multitude of different players, is also a good way to determine good discs.
Infinite Discs recently launched a retail disc sales website.
In the last week, Infinite Discs has received more than 500 reviews by disc golfers from all over the country. While there were a good share of discs reviewed from the "big dawgs" Innova and Discraft, some of the highest rated discs come from manufacturers such as MVP, Vibram, and Latitude 64.
Here are the top rated discs according to InfiniteDiscs.com:
Surprisingly, none of the super fast distance drivers are rated the highest. Probably due to the fact that the average disc golfer doesn't throw hard enough take advantage of the thick rim and speed. The top rated distance driver is actually the Innova Roadrunner. This understable disc has had 7 reviews and a rating of 4.8 out of 5.
The Latitude 64 Saint received the most reviews, 11, and had a rating of 4.75 out of 5. The Saint is the only distance driver with a glide rating of 7. The Westside Sword was another popular distance driver. It had 7 reviews and an average rating of 4.5.
Without question, the top rated fairway driver is the Innova Teebird. With 11 reviews, this disc had a perfect 5 rating. Everyone who reviewed the Teebird absolutely loves it and rated it as a "must have." This must be a great disc if everyone who has rated it thinks its better than "very good." Several commenters said that this disc is the single greatest disc ever made.
The Latitude 64 River is the only other fairway driver that has received double digit reviews. Like the Saint, this fairway driver has an incredible glide rating of 5. The 10 visitors who rated the River gave it a rating of 4.38 out of 5. The common complaint with this disc is that it doesn't handle wind very well.
The Discraft Buzzz is clearly one of the most used golf discs on the market. It has received 22 ratings and 17 reviews -- almost all of which are very positive. The Buzzz currently has an average rating of 4.86 out of 5... Impressive. I might want to consider throwing this disc again.
Other highly rated midrange discs include the MVP Axis, ABC Flying Squirrel, and the Discraft Comet.
While there are many highly regarded disc golf putters, the MVP Ion is the only putt and approach disc with a perfect 5 star rating. This disc is especially popular as an approach disc, and for making long putts.
The overstable Discraft Zone putter had some very high ratings, and rated 4.71 out of 5 by its reviewers. I guess it's safe to say that this is the top rated overstable putter. The Gateway Wizard, and MVP Anode are also very highly regarded disc golf putters.
While we haven't personally tested several of these top rated discs, there are many disc golfers out there who swear by him. This data is very valuable to people who really want the best possible frisbee golf discs.
In the last week, Infinite Discs has received more than 500 reviews by disc golfers from all over the country. While there were a good share of discs reviewed from the "big dawgs" Innova and Discraft, some of the highest rated discs come from manufacturers such as MVP, Vibram, and Latitude 64.
Here are the top rated discs according to InfiniteDiscs.com:
Top Rated Distance Drivers
The Latitude 64 Saint received the most reviews, 11, and had a rating of 4.75 out of 5. The Saint is the only distance driver with a glide rating of 7. The Westside Sword was another popular distance driver. It had 7 reviews and an average rating of 4.5.
Top Rated Fairway Drivers
The Latitude 64 River is the only other fairway driver that has received double digit reviews. Like the Saint, this fairway driver has an incredible glide rating of 5. The 10 visitors who rated the River gave it a rating of 4.38 out of 5. The common complaint with this disc is that it doesn't handle wind very well.
Top Rated Mid-Range Discs
Other highly rated midrange discs include the MVP Axis, ABC Flying Squirrel, and the Discraft Comet.
Top Rated Putters
The overstable Discraft Zone putter had some very high ratings, and rated 4.71 out of 5 by its reviewers. I guess it's safe to say that this is the top rated overstable putter. The Gateway Wizard, and MVP Anode are also very highly regarded disc golf putters.
While we haven't personally tested several of these top rated discs, there are many disc golfers out there who swear by him. This data is very valuable to people who really want the best possible frisbee golf discs.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Frustrations of Forehand Throws
So Kirk and I have narrowed down or forehand test discs to the final six, these are discs that have all performed well for test throws in the past, so I should be able to consistently throw them right?
That's what I would have hoped. I've literally done thousands of forehand throws while we've done our tests, and the sad thing is that not only have I not improved my average distance, but it's actually decreased.
After twelve throws each with our top six discs, my median and average distances went down...
Oh well, at least the positive is that my backhand distance has substantially improved over the summer, so my game hasn't totally diminished. It's just evolved to a different primary drive.
From our results, the top 5 discs for backhand distance throws for intermediate disc golfers right now are:
We still have about 16 more throws with these discs, then we'll get to 100 total throws and will publish our results.
That's what I would have hoped. I've literally done thousands of forehand throws while we've done our tests, and the sad thing is that not only have I not improved my average distance, but it's actually decreased.
After twelve throws each with our top six discs, my median and average distances went down...
Oh well, at least the positive is that my backhand distance has substantially improved over the summer, so my game hasn't totally diminished. It's just evolved to a different primary drive.
From our results, the top 5 discs for backhand distance throws for intermediate disc golfers right now are:
1. Innova Star Destroyer
2. Innova Champion Krait
3. Latitude 64 Bolt
4. Latitude 64 Flow
5. Innova Champion Monarch
We still have about 16 more throws with these discs, then we'll get to 100 total throws and will publish our results.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Best Forehand Distance Driver for Beginners/Intermediate Players
For the last few months Kirk and I have been testing out different disc golf drivers for the sole purpose of finding which one we can get the most distance with from our forehand drives. We haven't focused on accuracy, just pure distance.
While we have some discs that have been consistently good for both of us, the different throwing styles and techniques have a lot more to do with getting distance than do the discs you're throwing. With that said, there are clearly some golf discs that perform better for distance driving, especially for forehand throws. For me to get 300+ feet of distance from my forehand drives, I need a high speed disc with the right sized rim (not to thick, not to narrow) that is overstable, but not too overstable.
When I throw discs that have a high degree of turn, my sidearm drives turn over and crash into the ground without getting very significant distance or glide. My sidearm throw naturally goes anhyzer on my flick release, so in order to get maximum distance I need a disc that will recover from the anhyzer angle with a highly overstable fade.
While most discs with high turn ratings don't fly well for me for forehand throws, my two best discs, the Latitude 64 Bolt, and the Innova Monarch are actually fairly understable but these discs resist the tendency to turn over.
When disc rims are too thick, (Like the Innova Boss, Dominator, and Discraft Nuke) I have trouble releasing them and they turn over. When rims wing length is too thin, the same thing happens. After our first round throwing 70 different disc golf drivers, here are my top 10 drivers after the first round:
While we have some discs that have been consistently good for both of us, the different throwing styles and techniques have a lot more to do with getting distance than do the discs you're throwing. With that said, there are clearly some golf discs that perform better for distance driving, especially for forehand throws. For me to get 300+ feet of distance from my forehand drives, I need a high speed disc with the right sized rim (not to thick, not to narrow) that is overstable, but not too overstable.
When I throw discs that have a high degree of turn, my sidearm drives turn over and crash into the ground without getting very significant distance or glide. My sidearm throw naturally goes anhyzer on my flick release, so in order to get maximum distance I need a disc that will recover from the anhyzer angle with a highly overstable fade.
While most discs with high turn ratings don't fly well for me for forehand throws, my two best discs, the Latitude 64 Bolt, and the Innova Monarch are actually fairly understable but these discs resist the tendency to turn over.
When disc rims are too thick, (Like the Innova Boss, Dominator, and Discraft Nuke) I have trouble releasing them and they turn over. When rims wing length is too thin, the same thing happens. After our first round throwing 70 different disc golf drivers, here are my top 10 drivers after the first round:
Alan's Best Distance Drivers for Forehand Throws
- Latitude 64 Bolt
- Innova Monarch
- Latitude 64 Flow
- Innova Destroyer
- Discmania DD2 Frenzy
- Discraft Flash
- Westside King
- Discraft Wildcat
- Innova Krait
- Westside Giant
We're taking our top 20 discs and doing additional throws so that we can narrow down the results and really answer the questions, "What is the best driver for disc golf?" at least for beginners and intermediate players who throw similarly to Kirk and myself...
Stay tuned for more results...
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