Discraft’s Buzzz SS, a popular understable midrange disc, exhibits specific flight characteristics influenced by its plastic type, weight, and wear. These characteristics are often quantified and described using a standardized system of four numbers representing speed, glide, turn, and fade. For example, a common flight rating might be 5, 5, -2, 1, indicating moderate speed and glide, a tendency to turn right (for a right-handed backhand throw), and a mild fade back left at the end of the flight.
Understanding these metrics allows players to select the appropriate disc for a given shot shape and distance. These numbers provide a valuable shorthand for disc behavior, enabling comparisons between different molds and manufacturers. Historically, these standardized flight ratings have played a significant role in the growth and accessibility of disc golf, allowing players to more easily navigate the expanding selection of discs available.