In the realm of disc golf, distance drivers hold a prominent role, distinguished from other disc types by their impressive capacity to traverse vast distances when thrown with precision and power. But do we fully grasp the intricacies of these unique disc types? How and when do we leverage their potential to the fullest?
This detailed guide on distance drivers aims to shed light on their mysteries and elucidate their application on the disc golf course.
Distance Drivers in Disc Golf: Distinguishing Features
Distinct from their putter, midrange, and fairway driver counterparts, distance drivers are uniquely designed to achieve maximum flight distances. Their wide, shallow, sharp rims and flat, aerodynamic forms set them apart. However, these discs demand the right blend of power and technique to bring forth their intended performance. They are usually reserved for throws exceeding 300 feet (91 meters).
The Anatomy of Distance Drivers
Sporting a flat, sharp, and aerodynamic edge, distance drivers are engineered to slice through the air while maintaining high speeds over extended durations, thereby maximizing their travel distances. Compared to fairway drivers, their distinguishing attribute lies in their wider rims and sharp edges.
Flight Numbers and Trajectories
Distance drivers have flight speeds ranging between 9 and 15. When launched at the appropriate speed, their flight characteristics can mirror those of slower discs, varying widely in terms of stability. However, underthrows can render them significantly overstable, causing them to fade out abruptly.
Distance drivers are notorious for their sizable skips upon ground contact, attributable to their retained speed and the wide rims and sharp edges that facilitate skipping and extended gliding from the initial contact point.
The Art of Throwing a Distance Driver
For disc golfers capable of handling the speed of a distance driver, the recommended grip is the ‘power grip.’ The thumb is positioned just inside where the rim starts, providing evenly distributed pressure. The remaining fingers are stacked together and wrapped tightly inside the rim, ready to generate the torque necessary for a high-powered throw.
“If you cannot get the high-speed driver up to speed, then you shouldn’t be throwing that disc,” as AJ Carey, the 2017 Advanced Amateur Disc Golf World Champion, aptly stated. The effectiveness of a driver, like all discs in a disc golfer’s bag, hinges on the handler’s aptitude, arm speed, and experience level.
Deciding When to Use a Distance Driver
The decision to employ a distance driver pivots on the golfer’s ability to command it effectively. As Erikah Weir, the Advanced Women 2019 Amateur Disc Golf World Champion, noted, “It is hard to watch touring male professionals throw a 175-gram destroyer over 500 feet and not want to emulate them.
Understandably, this is not feasible for everyone.” For many, especially novices, the recommendation is to avoid distance drivers until their arm strength and technique can harmonize power with control.
There are four general circumstances warranting the use of a distance driver:
- For Maximum Distance: A distance driver becomes indispensable when a fairway driver fails to cover the necessary yardage.
- For Maximum Fade: When there’s an obstruction that a long fairway bends around, a distance driver, with its overstable characteristics, is ideal for negotiating the bend in a single shot.
- To Combat Wind: In strong headwinds, a distance driver, with its sharp edge, may be necessary to minimize wind impact and preserve a predictable flight path.
- For Maximum Skip: When a sharp angle or low ceiling impedes your reach with an air shot, an intentional skip shot using a distance driver can be the solution, given its predictable skip potential.
Best Selling Distance Drivers
The top-selling distance drivers in recent years were predominantly Discraft drivers and include the Discraft Nuke, the Discraft Zeus, and the Discraft Heat. It’s no surprise that these were the discs topping the sales charts, as they are used by almost all of the top disc golf pros like Paul McBeth, Paige Pierce, Ezra Aderhold, Chris Dickerson, and Aaron Gossage.
In the dynamic world of disc golf, distance drivers stand as essential components in a player’s arsenal. With their unique features and powerful capabilities, these discs can transform the game when utilized correctly. Understanding their anatomy, mechanics, and effective application is crucial for any disc golfer aspiring to elevate their gameplay.