If you’re new to disc golf, you’ve probably noticed the set of four numbers stamped on most discs and wondered what they mean. I remember having the same question when I picked up my first Innova starter set. It wasn’t until I started exploring new discs and trying to understand flight differences that I finally dug into the numbers. These numbers are known as the flight rating system, and they tell you how a disc is expected to fly.
In this guide, I’ll break down what each of the four flight numbers means and how to use them to choose discs that match your game.
Understanding the Flight Rating System
The flight rating system was introduced by Innova and has since been adopted by most disc manufacturers. It uses four numbers to describe a disc’s flight characteristics:
- Speed
- Glide
- Turn
- Fade
Speed (1 to 14)
This first number represents how fast the disc cuts through the air, but more importantly, it tells you how much power you need to throw it properly. Higher-speed discs (10-14) are typically distance drivers, while lower-speed discs (1-3) are putters.
Disc Types by Speed:
- Putters: 1-3
- Midranges: 4-5
- Fairway Drivers: 6-8
- Distance Drivers: 9-14
Higher-speed discs are more wind-resistant but harder to control for beginners. Slower discs are more accurate and easier to throw, especially in tailwinds.
Glide (1 to 7)
Glide tells you how long a disc stays in the air. A higher glide rating means the disc floats more and can carry farther, especially useful for newer players who haven’t developed full power yet.
- High Glide (5-7): Better for max distance
- Low Glide (1-3): Better for control and putting
Turn (+1 to -5)
Turn describes how much the disc veers to the right (for right-handed backhand throws) during the early part of its flight. A disc with high negative turn (-3 to -5) is called understable and is easier to throw for beginners.
- +1: Overstable, resists turning
- 0: Stable, flies straight
- -1 to -5: Understable, turns right for RHBH
Understable discs are great for hyzer flips, long turnovers, and rollers.
Fade (0 to 5)
Fade tells you how much the disc hooks left (for RHBH) at the end of its flight. A fade of 0 means it will finish straight, while a fade of 4 or 5 means a strong finish left.
- 0: Straight finish
- 1-2: Gentle fade
- 3-5: Strong hook at the end
Discs with more fade are useful for skip shots and reliable finishes in windy conditions.
Example: What Does 12/5/-4/4 Mean?
If a disc has a flight rating of 12, 5, -4, 4:
- Speed 12: It’s a distance driver, meant for high-speed throws.
- Glide 5: Stays in the air well, offering great carry.
- Turn -4: Very understable, turns right easily.
- Fade 4: Strong finish to the left.
Thrown RHBH, this disc would turn sharply right during the high-speed part of the flight, then hook back left as it slows down. It might be useful for rollers or big S-curve shots.
Flight Numbers for Beginners
What to Look for as a New Player
- Speed: Stick with lower speeds (6-8 for drivers). Higher-speed discs often act more overstable when thrown with less power.
- Glide: Go for discs with more glide (5-7) to help you get more distance with less effort.
- Turn: Choose understable discs (-2 to -4). They’ll help you throw straighter and longer.
- Fade: Try discs with less fade (0-2) for straighter finishes and easier control.
Want to Try Beginner-Friendly Discs?
Check out our collection of starter sets or explore fairway drivers that are easier to control.
If you’re ready to try specific discs, consider beginner-friendly options like the Innova Leopard or Dynamic Discs Breakout.
Final Thoughts
The flight rating system isn’t perfect, but it gives you a helpful baseline to compare discs and understand what to expect from them. As you gain experience, you’ll learn how your form, speed, and conditions affect how each disc actually flies. But for now, knowing what those four numbers mean can help you make smarter choices and improve faster.