I've been playing disc golf for years, but only recently became more serious and started trying more discs and learning the differences between different drivers. I need some basic info on the varying weights.

(1)
I know that lighter weights are recommended for beginners to get longer drives, but I can't seem to get much distance with the very light (150 g - lower 160s) discs. I get the most distance with my 172g Champion Orc- about 300 - 350 ft. on level ground, and I have found with other distance drivers I get more distance in the 167-172g range. I'm wondering what other peoples experiences with 150g discs are.

(2) Max weight (175g):
As I said, I get great distance with a 172g driver, but that distance is killed if I switch to a max weight (175g) disc. I consistantly throw about 50ft. further with a 172. It doesn't seem like 3 grams should make that much difference, and if anything I should be able to throw the heavier ones farther with more speed, right?

(3)
Are different weights better for different conditions? Are heavier discs better on a windy day? What about throwing uphill, is a lighter disc better? Is a heavier disc better for throwing downhill? How does the weight affect the stability- for example: which would tend to be more overstable: a 165g disc or the same disc at 175g?

Any input and personal experience is appreciated.


Edit:One more question: Just out of curiousity, how are the different weights of the same disc manufactured? Is it a different mold? If so, do the lighter discs just have a thinner flight plate, or is the rim different, too? Or is the plastic a different density?

1. Light discs are more sensative to speed-spin ratios. You can't "arm" a light disc like you can with a heavier disc. When beginners try to throw distance, they usually just torque overstable discs and force them to flex. I used to do it too. Once you get your technique ironed out, you can chose what style and discs are best for YOUR throw.

2. Heavier discs are generally more overstable. They may flex out too early for you to get max distance out of them. Also, many max weight discs are actually heavier than 175. Just like 150 class discs include anywhere from 145-155, I've had max weight discs that cover 173-181 for a disc marked 175. Generally, Innova DX discs run about 2g heavier than what they say. Champion are lest consistant.

3. Heavier discs are not always better on windy days, but more overstable discs are. Heavier discs are more overstable than light discs, so thats why people say to throw heavier discs in headwinds. Likewise, less stable discs are better for going up hills. Lighter discs are less stable, therfore, lighter discs are good for up hill shots. A heavy disc will almost always be more overstable than a light disc of the same mold.

4. In some cases, the shape of the mold DOES change, usually just a thinner flight plate. Most of the time, they just adjust the ammount of weighting agent they put into the plastic! Because of this, heavier plastic is usually more dense and hard, HOWEVER, some discs with NO weighting agent, such as 100-120 gateway discs are extremely hard and durrable. Most discs with no weighting agent are translucent.


In the end, it all comes down to the aerodynamics of the disc. Both Gateway and Discraft have proved that, with their Speed Demon and Flick, respectively. Even 120g Speed demons fly like firebirds!