Disc Golf - Disc Stability Explained

The stability of a golf disc refers to the amount of turn that a disc will make during its flight. For the purpose of this article we will assume that you are a right-handed, back-handed thrower. This is the most common type of throwing technique. If you throw left-handed or fore-handed keep in mind that the Frisbee will fly the opposite way for you. Disc golf manufacturers make literally hundreds of different discs, referred to as molds. Each mold has their own specific flight characteristics. They can be either overstable or understable.

A disc that is overstable will have an extreme turn to the left during its flight (or to the right for left-handers!). This type of Frisbee can be very useful for a number of reasons. For one, holes that require a right-to-left shot will be best played with an overstable mold. Overstable discs are also very useful for experienced players with stronger arms. Such players can take advantage of the disc's stability by throwing very hard without having the risk of the Frisbee flipping over, or turning in the opposite direction. Most players carry at least one overstable mold in their bag.

Understable molds behave the complete opposite way. These discs will actually turn to the right during flight for right-handed players. They are useful for "turnover shots" where a left-to-right motion is required. Understable molds also make great roller discs. A roller shot is executed by throwing the Frisbee on its side so that it rolls like a wheel. Understable discs are great for beginners because they tend to resist turn and fly much straighter than more overstable molds. Discs with low stability ratings are carried by players of all skill levels to execute these different types of shots.

How can you tell if a disc is overstable or understable? That depends on the manufacturer. However, there are some general guidelines. Molds are given ratings based on their flight characteristics. For example, Discraft (a major disc manufacturer) uses only one number that ranges from -3 to +3. The more negative the number the more understable the disc. Innova, another Frisbee golf manufacturer uses several numbers, but the same ideas apply. Overstable discs are given positive numbers and understable discs are in the negatives.

Some popular overstable discs include the Innova Destroyer, Innova Wraith, Discraft Predator, and the Discraft Pulse. Examples of popular understable discs are the Innova Valkyrie, Innova Roadrunner, and the Disraft Avenger SS. These discs will help you get started but there are literally hundreds of discs on the market. I recommend you explore some disc golf review blogs for further reading on golf disc selection. Most importantly, throw as many discs as you can. You never know what you will like until you throw it.