Flight numbers.
Everyone has an opinion on them.
Few are good. Most are bad.
But they are always strong.
With that in mind, the question begs asking …
Why on Earth would Discraft introduce a fifth flight number into the mix?
Today, I’ll answer that inquiry.
But first, a quick recap …
Here’s what the four flight numbers everyone uses mean:
- Speed is first.
- Then comes glide.
- Followed next by turn.
- And fade brings up the rear.
They’re sometimes accurate.
But they frequently aren’t.
That’s why people have a cow about ‘em.
So, does Discraft’s fifth option do anything to rectify that issue?
Eh, not really.
Maybe the opposite, in fact – it depends on who you ask.
Discraft’s additional flight number is meant to measure stability. On a right-hand, backhand toss, understable discs turn right. Stable discs fly straight. And overstable discs fade to the left. Should they be required for your game, flip those flight paths for left-hand, backhand or forehand lines.
To represent those flight tendencies, Discraft’s fifth digit uses a scale from negative three to three. You can already see where this is headed, I’m sure – here’s how those numbers read:
- A -3-rated disc is understable.
- Naturally, a 0-rated disc is stable.
- And a 3-rated disc is very overstable.
Fill in the gaps, as needed.
What’s the point of all this, exactly?
For a long time, Discraft chose to zig, while others zagged – in the flight-numbers department, at least. Believe it or not, Discraft didn’t swap out their one-number system for what everyone else uses until 2018. And contrary to what your young-adult children might say …
That wasn’t long ago.
The change was made to help newcomers to the manufacturer better understand why two discs with the exact same stability rating flew completely different – should’ve seen that one coming.
Then, to appease their loyal, long-time buyers, they simply tacked that fifth numeral onto the end of the tried-and-true, flight-numbers formula. Hey, it’s weird, but it works – I support the change.
It was a long time coming.
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The 4 number system was developed by Innova so they resisted using it like other manufacturers.
They instead used their own single number system and used posters to show the differences between similar stability discs.
Eventually Innova’s system “won” and other manufacturers started using their own version of it. Discraft added their number at the end.
Thanks for the additional information, Nelly – appreciate it!
Nostalgic stuff. I played a little in the 90s in high school, and only ever saw Innova. When I got out of the Navy and started college I started to play again and saw 90% Innova, 9% Discraft, and every once in a while you’d see Gateway, or some niche’ brand.
My first Discraft disc was a Nuke I found. Loved it.
Ultimately, in the flight numbers debate, I like the 4 number system. Similar to ratings, it’s not perfect, but it gives you an idea…and it’s become a staple of disc golf.
Although Discraft is probably my favorite brand today(by a very small margin), I really do think they should drop the 5th number.
Couldn’t agree more …
Just unnecessary confusion.
For is enough for most to deal with – kick it to the curb.
You spelled four wrong. Sorry Lucas I’m going to have to ask you to stay after class and write sentences. 25 of them that will say…. I will not spell the number four wrong again, DANG IT!
That sounds brutal …
However, if the punishment fits the crime, who am I to argue?
Haha 🙂
Shouldn’t a (12,5,-2,2) have a stability of 0?
If that scorch has a stability of 0.5, then the numbers should be (12,5,-2,2.5)?
That’s the math. Right???
You can see the problem, huh?
For the life of me, I just think it’s madness …
Having thrown (and loved) the Scorch, I THINK (that’s the keyword) it gets a 0.5 stability rating because it finishes at the end of its flight.
If it had none of it and just cruised straight, I think it’d get that 0 you’re talking about …
But no, the “math” doesn’t necessarily make sense.
And for that reason, kill it, Discraft …
Please.
I understand the -2,2 to me it will fly equidistance to the right and then to the left in the S curve. Not that it’ll fly straight.
Assuming flat throw, not a hyzer flip.
My guess is, nobody looks at the fifth number when buying a disc. It doesn’t have any additional meaning than the previous 4 numbers provide.
You could argue it helps the beginners who don’t fully understand the 4 numbers, but they can understand the single digit 5th.
But….a beginner seeing 5 flight numbers probably gets even more confused unless a friend tells them…. Just ignore the first 4 for now.
All in all, flight numbers just give you an “idea” of what a disc SHOULD do …
That’s good enough for me.
This is why my bag is 90% innova. So my flight numbers are at least consistent. I don’t have time or money to learn how a discraft fade of 3 compares to an innova 3???
Love a greensplatter investigative journalism piece on how each company decides the numbers…..
Added to the list!
Also, that’s a strong argument for sticking (largely) with a single manufacturer, even as an unsponsored amateur …
Like that 🙂