Flight numbers on the disc and how they work

''Why are there numbers on the disc and what do they mean?''

Excellent question and we've all asked ourself that at some point in our discgolf-career.

SPEED (1-14). Describes the disc's potential maximum speed when thrown with power. Higher speed require more arm power. Usually the rim's thickness on the disc decides what speed it is.  

GLIDE (0-7). Indicates the disc's ability to stay in the air and resist descending during the flight. Higher number means the disc will glide longer time. 
 
TURN (+1 to -5). Represents the disc's tendency to turn ''the wrong way'' during flights. When a disc is thrown with backhand from a right handed player, and the disc has a high negative number, the disc will turn right instead if its natural path going left (Because physics). This type of behaviour is often referred as ''understable'' or ''flippy'' in todays modern society.  

FADE (0-5). This shows the disc's tendency to go ''the right way'' during flights. When a disc is thrown with backhand from a right handed player, and the disc has a high number, the disc will go left (physics is hard, we know) . The higer the number, the sooner and harder the disc will go left. This is often referred to ''overstable'' or ''beefy''.  



''This disc had x x x x numbers but it doesn't fly like that''
Altough the numbers are suppose to show the correct flight numbers there are some exceptions. 

1. When the disc gets ''beat in'', its referred to the wear and tear a disc can undergo when it has been thrown alot. Damages to a disc, such as scuffs, scratches and warping, can change the the flight chacteristics. 
2. What type of plastic the disc has can also affect the flight. Base plastic and softer plastic often makes the disc more ''flippy''. These plastics gets faster beat in because of the soft and not very durable material.  
3. The following conditions can make difference on how the disc flies: Player arm speed, release angle, weather condition.