Disc golf: Why I’m big on 11-speed drivers

My game goes through phases …

Perhaps you can relate.

After James Conrad won Worlds, I was bound and determined to throw more putters off the tee. When I learned Drew Gibson fan-grips almost everything, I became obsessed with doing the same. And the speed of my walk-up has slowed and quickened more times than I can count.

Right now, I’m BIG on 11-speed discs.

It’s been over a year, though, and I’m still at it. It’s getting to the point where the 11-speed distance driver is no longer a “flavor of the week” and more just a staple of my disc golf bag.

The reason for my infatuation?

I hate fairway drivers.

You can read all about that here.

The skinny of my disdain has to do with the feel of thin-rimmed drivers – I don’t like ‘em. I much prefer the wide-rimmed feel of a Scorpius, Emperor, Destroyer or Cloudbreaker.

So, early on in 2022, I straight-up yanked the more controllable, neutral-flying fairways from my bag. The Firebird could stay, but straighter stuff like an FD, Exodus or Leopard3 had to go. To fill the hole left by them, I experimented with Star and Pro Wraiths, as well as ESP Scorches.

It worked.

Here’s why …

Yet again, feel. I know it’s boring, but it’s true. When a disc doesn’t feel right in your hand, even when the course calls for it, you shy away from it – you avoid it at all costs. And when you finally do work up the courage to toss it, due to a lack of familiarity, it inevitably fails.

It feels good to use ALL the discs in my bag.

Next, though technically a distance driver, stable, 11-speed frisbees cover a crap-ton of lines. Power up on them with a full-throttle throw, and they’ll soar just as far as a Nuke SS. Or, fan-grip one at 75% power, and it’ll rocket dead straight on a tightly wooded course.

The biggest thing for me, though?

Confidence.

I didn’t have it – now I do.

One more thing worth mentioning …

You don’t need “permission” to tug on an 11-speed disc. For weaker arms, an 11-speed is a great introduction to high-speed plastic. For middle-of-the-road arms, they’ll quickly become workhorse drivers. And if you’re Garrett Gurthie, expect plenty of mid-air movement.

Literally, these things can work for everybody …

Most importantly, they work for me.

Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

Editor’s Suggestions:

• Disc golf: The benefits of leaning (heavily) on one disc
• YouTube: Why bad (amateur) disc golf is so entertaining
• UDisc is great, but don’t forget about Disc Golf Course Review

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