Gone are the days of playing disc golf with just any Frisbee you can find. The beauty of the game now lies in the myriad of specialized discs available, each tailored to various aspects of the sport. Within this treasure trove of options, fairway drivers hold a prominent position, and this article aims to shed light on this particular type of disc.
Understanding Fairway Drivers
Imagine standing at the tee, your eyes gauging the distance to the pin. You’re too far away to use a midrange, yet the hole isn’t quite distant enough to warrant a distance driver. In such scenarios, the fairway driver becomes your trusted ally.
What is a Fairway Driver?
Fairway drivers strike the perfect balance between midrange discs and distance drivers, according to Innova. Engineered for control and distance, they are the go-to choice when the hole falls between 300 feet/91 meters and just above, for amateur players. For the pros, these discs can covera even more ground.
Fairway Driver Design
Fairway drivers boast a more streamlined profile than putters and midranges, which enables them to achieve and maintain higher speeds. Yet, they sport a blunter edge than distance drivers, along with a smaller rim, ensuring a comfortable grip.
Flight Numbers and Patterns
With speeds ranging between 6 and 10, fairway drivers cater to an array of flight patterns. You’ll find understable discs ideal for left-to-right shots, stable ones for precise straight trajectories, and overstable ones for when you need that hard-turning capability.
When and How to Use a Fairway Driver
Optimum Distance
When controlled distance is crucial, but maximum range isn’t the target, a fairway driver is typically the best bet. Remember, these drivers are intended for distances beyond a midrange but less than a distance driver.
Throwing Techniques
The flight pattern of a fairway driver often suits shorter, tighter holes better than a slower disc. Some players prefer a fan grip, where the index finger tucks slightly inside the rim, while the pinky, ring, and middle fingers fan out underneath the flight plate. This grip ensures control and accuracy. Others prefer the power grip, where all four fingers wrap tightly inside the rim, generating more force upon release.
Ideal Scenarios
When your midrange disc just doesn’t cut it, it’s time to reach for your fairway driver. They are a perfect progression for distance after a midrange and may well be the ultimate choice for those who can’t generate the power necessary for a distance driver. Moreover, fairway drivers prove useful in windy conditions or on specifically shaped fairways.
Popular Fairway Drivers
When it comes to selection, top choices among amateurs and professionals alike include the Innova Leopard, MVP Volt, and Innova Teebird. The Leopard is lauded as one of the straightest flying drivers for beginners, and is a great hyzerflip/roller disc for more advanced players. The Volt shines as a shot-shaping driver, and the Teebird provides extra stability when the wind picks up.
Armed with a comprehensive understanding of fairway drivers, you’re now ready to take your disc golf game to the next level. Remember, practice is the key to mastering any disc, and with a fairway driver in your arsenal, you’re one step closer to becoming a disc golf champion.
Remember, in disc golf, as in life, it’s not just about the distance covered but the journey itself. So go out there, enjoy the game, and make the fairway driver your trusty companion!