Disc Golf Flight Ratings: What is Glide in Disc Golf?

Out on the disc golf course, we all want some distance. Because that’s what the game is all about. You know, getting from the teepad to the basket any way you can.

And as we search for the best ways to get distance on our throws, sometimes we forget that there are really easy ways to get some extra distance in our game. One of those ways is by finding discs with extra glide.

But first, let’s take a look at glide and see what exactly it is, whether it really matters, why beginners need more glide, 3 ways to increase your glide, and 5 of the best disc golf discs for glide on the market. So what is glide?

What is glide in disc golf?

Glide is a disc golf disc’s ability to maintain loft, or stay in the air, during flight. Glide is also the second number in a disc’s flight ratings and ranges from 1 to 7. The higher the number, the more glide a disc has.

Does glide really matter?

In theory, yes, it does. Glide allows the disc to keep flying through the air. So the more glide on a disc, the farther it can go.

But does it really matter? I would say yes and no.

If you’re choosing a putter or a mid-range, I would definitely check to see how much glide the disc has. That can really help you if you’re throwing your putter or using your mid-range. For drivers, having a moderate amount of glide is adequate (3 to 5 glide).

Why beginners need glide

We all remember being a beginner. Not being able to throw a hundred feet without the disc either hitting a gnarly fade, hitting a tree, or just flying off somewhere random. It sucked being new at disc golf. I mean, it was cool to start learning this awesome sport. But it sucked to suck.

As a new player, you should always look for ways to improve or get a bit more on your throws. Discs with extra glide can help you get that little bit extra. And believe me, sometimes 10 or 15 extra feet can make a huge difference! That extra distance could potentially take a few strokes off your score, thus improving your game.

3 ways to increase your glide

1. Buy discs with a high glide rating: simple, right? Find discs with the most glide and you will instantly increase the amount of glide you can get on your throws. Hint: check the recommendations below.

2. Use discs in your skill level: in order to increase the amount of glide you can get on your throws, make sure to always use discs that are tuned to your skill level. If you’re a beginner, use beginner discs. This will guarantee that those pesky discs fly correctly and allow you some glide/distance on your throws.

3. Make sure you improve your speed: one big thing that you can do is work on your ability to throw the disc faster. If you can get a decent amount of velocity on the disc, you will probably get more glide on your throws.

Now check out our recommendations below for five of the best discs for glide on the market today. Whether you’re new or not, these discs can help you get more distance and improve your game.

5 of the best discs for glide

1. Latitude 64 Fuse – Mid-range (5, 6, -1, 0)

The Fuse is a really great mid-range with a ton of potential and even more glide. It is, first and foremost, a beginner mid-range. But it can benefit just about all disc golfers.

Beginners, though, should look at the Fuse as a disc that can truly help them learn the game so that you can improve quickly.

The Fuse is an extremely reliable disc and it usually flies exactly how you want it to. It has a great understable to stable flight path if you work the angles and control your power. And this disc GLIDES FOR DAYS if you put just a little bit behind it. You can get one here on InfiniteDiscs.com.You can get one here on InfiniteDiscs.com.

2. Discraft Comet – Mid-range (4, 5, -2, 1)

The Comet has been a really awesome disc for a lot of years. With it being an extremely straight-flying and reliable disc, it’s no wonder the Comet is so popular. For beginners, or if you just need really good glide, this disc will absolutely give you what you that.

The Comet is one of the closest disc golf disc there is to an Ultimate Frisbee, so I recommended this to all Ultimate Players as it just continues flying forever after you throw it. You can get one here on InfiniteDiscs.com.You can get one here on InfiniteDiscs.com.

3. Innova Wombat – Mid-range (5, 6, -1, 1)

I absolutely love the Wombat. It was my first mid-range so I may be a bit biased, but I believe that with it’s 6 glide rating, the Wombat is a fantastic choice for new players looking to glide their way into some extra distance. This disc helped me out tremendously when I first started.

Regardless of power, the Wombat can hold just about any line you put it on. It’s incredibly straight-flying and is really easy to throw. So if you want one, grab one here on InfiniteDiscs.com.grab one here on InfiniteDiscs.com.

4. Dynamic Discs Buzzz – Mid-range (5, 4, -1, 1)

I put the Buzzz on this list because of how well this dang disc flies (even though it only has a 4 glide rating). The Buzzz is still, to date, the most popular mid-range. And it is a disc that you should definitely try out if you’re a new player. Even if the flight rating doesn’t suggest it, this disc flies forever if thrown with just a bit of power behind it. Grab a Buzzz here on InfiniteDiscs.com.Grab a Buzzz here on InfiniteDiscs.com.

5. Latitude 64 River – Control Driver (7, 7, -1, 1)

Once you get a few rounds in and work your way up to control drivers, the River is a disc that you just HAVE TO check out.

At first, the River may feel a bit domey on top. But the plastics that Latitude 64 uses in their discs feels great in the hand. And once you throw this disc, you’ll understand why I like it.

The River has a 7 glide rating! But you would feel the glide even if you didn’t know that. This thing seriously has an outrageous amount of glide and will stay in the air for a long time to get you the extra distance. Pair the glide with an extremely straight flight and you’ve got one great disc. Get yours here on InfiniteDiscs.com.Get yours here on InfiniteDiscs.com.

Glide is simple

The more glide, the longer the disc can stay in the air. So don’t think too much on it. More glide can give you more distance. That’s what you want, no matter what you’re skill level is.

Good players can take advantage of more glide on their long throws, while beginners can get just a bit more on it. So when looking for discs, make sure you get discs in your skill level that have a lot of glide. It can really help you on the course.

Check out the book!

You can also grab a copy of our book, “The Disc Golf Player’s Manual,” here on the site. It’s packed full of extremely practical tips and tricks to help you immediately start improving on the course!

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