Tips and tricks
For Choosing the Right disc
Understanding Flight Numbers
A thing you’ll quickly run into when you’re browsing for discs are flight numbers, these are used to understand how the disc is expected to behave during flight.
Different companies use different flight number systems, but when you’re browsing Supersonic discs, you’ll be met with our own flight numbers system.
Due to our patented design and new profile, our discs are different from the others on the marked, meaning that we find it necessary to classify them manner that fits our discs flying abilities, to the fullest extent. Making it easier for the user to understand what they can expect from the disc.
While these flight numbers aren’t always fully reliable, they can be used as guidelines for what to expect of a disc.
So, what do these numbers mean? The flight numbers consist of 4 numbers, telling you 4 key pointers of how the disc flies, telling you about the disc Speed, Glide, Turn and Fade.
Speed
The first number represents how much speed at which a disc has to be thrown, to perform as intended.
A disc with a high speed indicates that more power or arm speed is required to throw effectively. While a high-speed disc, doesn’t directly correlate with longer distances traveled, they are often for discs that do travel longer distances that require more technique to be able to achieve it’s intended flight path.
Low-speed discs, often offers more control and used for shorter distance throws, better suited for people with less arm speed.
Glide
The second number is used to describe the discs ability to maintain its lift and stay in the air as it moves forward.
When a disc has a high glide number, it means it can travel longer distances using less power, making them useful maximizing distances of a throw, and keeping them airborne longer. Meanwhile, a lower glide disc can often give more controlled and precise shots, where too much life and glide could obscure the flying ability.
Turn
The third number is used to describe the disc’s behavior during it’s initial part of its flight, and how much the disc is trying to turn to the right. (For a right-handed, backhand throw)
The turn tells how much a disc is willing to curve to the right during the first part of the flight, meaning that a lower turn disc is more prone to turn to the right, making it optimal for throws that need to curve right, while a higher turn number will make the disc try to stay straight or even turn to the left during the first part of its flight path.
Fade
The fourth number is used to describe the discs tendency to curve to the left, (For a right-handed, backhand throw) at the end of the flight as it loses speed.
When the fade rating is higher it tells how much a disc will curve sharply to the left as it slows down, which is useful when you want a strong leftward ending. While a lower fade rating, means that the disc will have a straighter finish, the disc making minimal effort to deviate towards the left as the disc slows.
Stable, Overstable and Understable, what's the difference?
Understable Discs
Characteristics:
- Tend to "turn" or curve right in the early to middle part of their flight (for a right-handed, backhand throw) before fading back left.
- More affected by wind, especially tailwinds, which can enhance their distance.
- Require less power to throw straight, making them more suitable for beginners.
Suitability:
- Ideal for new players who have not yet developed high throwing speeds.
- Useful for shots that require a rightward curve (for right-handers) or for achieving longer distances with less power.
- Good for tailwind conditions, where the wind can help carry the disc further.
Meaning for Play:
An understable disc is often used for "anhyzer" shots, where the disc is released with the edge tilted upward, expecting the disc to curve rightward significantly before potentially fading back. They are also favored for long-distance shots in tailwinds or for creating specific flight paths not achievable with more stable discs.
Stable Discs
Characteristics:
- Tend to maintain a straight flight path when thrown at the correct speed and angle.
- Exhibit minimal fade at the end of their flight compared to overstable discs and less tendency to turn compared to understable discs.
- Provide a balance between distance and accuracy, making them versatile for various shots.
Suitability:
- Suitable for players of all skill levels, from beginners seeking to improve their straight throws to advanced players needing precision and control.
- Beginners may find stable discs easier to control and achieve straight flight compared to overstable and understable discs.
Meaning for Play:
Stable discs offer a reliable option for maintaining control over the disc's flight path, especially in tight or technical courses where precision is key. They are essential in a player's bag for situations that require a straight throw with minimal risk of fading too much to one side or the other.
Overstable Discs
Characteristics:
- Tend to "fade" or turn left more sharply at the end of their flight (for a right-handed, backhand throw).
- Are less affected by wind, especially headwinds, making them more predictable under various conditions.
- Require more power or speed to be thrown straight.
Suitability:
- Ideal for experienced players who can throw with high speed and power.
- Useful for shots that require a leftward curve (for right-handers), or when a strong fade is needed at the end of the flight.
- Good for fighting headwinds, as their stability helps them maintain their flight path.
Meaning for Play:
An overstable disc is often chosen for its predictability and resistance to turning over in strong winds. It's especially useful for "hyzer" shots, where the disc is released with the edge tilted downward, expecting to travel in a sharp curve.