The term unstable is an essential concept in disc golf, used to describe a disc’s flight pattern. It refers to a disc that tends to curve to the right at low speed for a right-handed backhand throw or to the left for a left-handed one. Understanding the unstable disc can significantly improve your gameplay, as it is essential for accurate shot execution and strategic disc selection. It is easy to use for new players but also helpful for experienced players in executing complex shots. In this guide, we will explore what does understable mean in disc golf, its characteristics, and how it can make your disc golf strategy more effective.
Understanding Disc Stability
Disc stability plays a significant role in determining a disc’s flight pattern and can be broadly divided into three types:
- Overstable: This type of disc bends rapidly at the end of its flight, which results in a leftward curve on a right-handed backhand (RHBH) throw. This is ideal for upwind or reliable flight paths.
- Stable: These discs fly straight and show minimal deflection in flight, making them ideal for controllable and accurate shots.
- Understandable: These discs bend to the rightward curve during flight (on an RHBH throw). They are helpful for slower players and longer drives.
In this article, we will discuss understandable discs in particular. We will explore their mechanics, benefits, and how to use them for maximum effectiveness on the disc golf course. If you’ve ever wondered what does understable mean in disc golf, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding.
What Makes a Disc Understandable?
Understable discs are designed to turn to the right (on a right-handed backhand throw) during the high-speed portion of their flight due to their aerodynamic properties. Some of the key factors that affect these characteristics are:
- Turn Rating: The turn rating is a negative number in the disc flight rating system. The more negative a disc’s turn rating is, the more understandable it is. For example, discs with a -3 or -4 turn rating are unstable.
- Weight: Lighter discs generally exhibit more understandable behaviour. This is especially helpful for low-power or slow-moving players.
- Plastic Type: The disc’s plastic composition can also affect its stability. Over time, some types of plastic can change the disc’s shape and flight pattern, making it more unstable.
Combining these factors makes understandable discs extremely useful in certain situations.
Understandable Disc Numbers
The flight rating system is a helpful tool for understanding unstable discs. It typically uses four main numbers to describe the flight characteristics of a disc:
- Speed: An indicator of how fast the disc must be thrown. Higher speed means more power is required.
- Glide: How long the disc remains in the air. A higher glide rating is helpful for longer flights.
- Turn: How much the disc turns to the right early in its flight (for a right-handed backhand throw). Negative turn values indicate instability. For example, a turn rating of -3 or -4 indicates a very unstable disc.
- Fade: How much the disc turns to the left late in its flight (for a right-handed backhand throw).
Example
- A disc with a turn rating of -3 will have a significant rightward turn in its flight.
- In comparison, a disc with a turn rating of -1 will be less unstable and have fewer rightward turns.
These numbers give a clear idea of the disc’s flight pattern and help players choose the right disc for a particular shot.
Why Throw an Understable Disc?
The versatility and ability of the understandable disc in certain situations make it a valuable asset for disc golfers. Depending on your skill level or course conditions, it can provide multiple benefits:
1. Beginner-friendly
Beginners often lack the hand speed and strength needed to handle a high-speed, over stable disc. The understandable disc can deliver a full flight without effort, helping beginners develop the proper technique.
2. Highswing Flips
The understandable disc is ideal for high-swing flips.
- How it works: Throw the disc at a high swing angle. It flies straight, flat in the middle of the flight, and shows minimal fade at the end.
- Uses: Perfect for straight and controlled shots on narrow fairways.
3. Turnover Shot
When you need a right-handed backhand shot, the understandable disc is excellent.
Uses:
- Navigating dogleg-right holes.
- Avoiding obstacles on the left.
4. Tailwind Throwing
Tailwinds affect the disc’s stability, often causing an overstable disc to be more or less stable in flight.
Benefits of the understandable disc:
- Maintain flight characteristics.
- Perform better in tailwinds without compromising distance.
5. Maximize distance
Experienced players can gain impressive distance by exploiting the flight characteristics of the understable disc.
How to:
- Use the disc’s turn to create a subtle turn to the right.
- Use a combination of glide and highspin for a balanced flight.
Summary: The understandable disc is helpful for both beginners and experienced players. It helps execute specific shots and becomes an essential tool for a controlled, distance-optimized game.
Understable Discs Are Not Just for Beginners
Many think understandable discs are only suitable for beginners because they can produce full flight even with low hand speed or power. However, this idea is not entirely correct. Experienced players also use understable discs to perform specific shots such as high spin flips, turnover shots, or increased distance. The versatile use of this disc helps to deal strategically with different situations on the course.
Suppose you’re curious what does understable mean in disc golf. In that case, it’s essential to know that these discs aren’t just for those starting—they are powerful tools for any player who understands their unique characteristics.
Understandable does not mean unpredictable
Many consider the flight pattern of understable discs uncontrollable or unreliable. In reality, they are very predictable and controllable when thrown correctly. Understanding their flight pattern and applying the proper technique can provide a significant advantage on the course. When used skillfully, they have the power to change the outcome of the game.
How to Throw an Understandable Disc Effectively
To throw an understandable disc correctly, you must focus on precise grip, release, and angle control. Ensure a smooth and wobble-free throw during release, as errors can negatively impact the disc’s flight pattern. Practice throwing at high, flat, and anheuser angles to understand the disc’s response. It’s essential to adjust the power according to the type of shot, as throwing at high speeds can cause the disc to turn more. If you’re wondering what does understable mean in disc golf, it’s essential to understand how weather changes such as tailwinds and headwinds can significantly impact the disc’s flight, so practice regularly in different conditions to get a good idea of how the disc behaves.
Examples of Popular Understable Discs
For Beginners:
For Advanced Players:
Understable vs. Overstable: Key Differences
Feature |
Understable |
Overstable |
| Flight Path | Turns right (RHBH) | Fades left (RHBH) |
| Beginner-Friendly | Yes | No |
| Tailwind Performance | Excellent | Less effective |
| Versatility | Great for hyzer flips and turnovers | Ideal for headwinds and fades |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What number makes a disc understable?
A turn rating of -1 or more negative indicates understability.
2. What does flippy mean in disc golf?
“Flippy” is a slang term for highly understable discs that easily turn over when thrown.
3. Are understable discs good for forehand throws?
They can be, but forehand throws often favor stable or overstable discs for control.
4. Can you hyzer flip an understable disc?
Yes! Hyzer flips are one of the most common uses for understable discs.
Conclusion
Understanding what does understable mean in disc golf is an important part of improving your game. These discs offer incredible versatility in various course conditions, improved distance potential, and practical solutions for special situations. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a user-friendly disc or looking to perfect your technique for better shot shape, unstable discs are an essential part of your disc golf bag.
Ready to improve your skills and upgrade your game? Check out our guide to the Best Disc Golf Sets for Beginners!
