What Does “Speed” Mean in Disc Golf?
If you’ve ever browsed disc golf discs online or checked the stamp on a new putter, you’ve probably noticed a set of four numbers. These are called flight numbers, and the first number is “Speed.” But what does “Speed” really mean, and why does it matter for your game?
Breaking Down the “Speed” Flight Number
The Speed rating (usually a number from 1 to 14) tells you how fast a disc needs to be thrown to fly as intended. It’s not about how quickly the disc travels, but rather the power and technique required to get the best performance from that disc.
- Low-Speed Discs (1–4): Putters and some midranges. Easy to throw, great for beginners.
- Mid-Speed Discs (5–8): Most midranges and fairway drivers. Balance of control and distance.
- High-Speed Discs (9–14): Distance drivers. Require lots of arm speed and power.
Why Speed Matters for Beginners & Casual Players
Choosing the right speed disc is key, especially if you’re new to disc golf or don’t have a “big arm.” At Divergent Discs, we design our discs for average arm speeds—making them easier to throw and control.
- Lower speed discs are more forgiving and fly straighter for most players.
- High-speed drivers can be tough to control and often “fade out” early if thrown too slowly.
- For beginners, starting with putters and midranges (speed 2–6) is usually best.
Examples: Divergent Discs Speed Ratings
Here’s how some of our most popular models stack up:
- Narwhal Putter – Speed 3 (super beginner-friendly)
- Leviathan Midrange – Speed 5
- Kraken Fairway Driver – Speed 8
- Basilisk Distance Driver – Speed 12 (for advanced or big-arm players!)
Explore our full disc lineup to find the right speed for your game.
Tips for Choosing the Right Speed Disc
- When in doubt, start slow! Lower speed discs help you develop control and confidence.
- As your skills grow, experiment with higher speed drivers—but only when you’re ready.
- Check out our Disc Golf Myths Busted series for more beginner tips!
Ready to Level Up?
Browse our disc golf sets for the perfect starter pack, or use our upcoming “Choose the Right Disc” guide for personalized recommendations.
Still have questions? Contact us—we love helping new players get started!
