The four numerals representing speed, glide, turn, and fade, assigned to a specific disc golf driver model manufactured by Discraft, quantify its aerodynamic characteristics. For example, a disc with values of 11, 5, -2, 1 signifies a fast driver with good glide, a tendency to turn slightly right (for a right-handed backhand throw), and a predictable fade back to the left at the end of its flight.
These quantifications provide disc golfers with crucial information for selecting the appropriate disc for specific shots and courses. Understanding these values allows players to predict flight paths, maximize distance, and improve accuracy. Historically, these numbers have evolved as disc technology has advanced, offering players a wider array of flight characteristics and strategic options. This system has become standardized within the disc golf community, enabling consistent comparison and selection across various manufacturers and models.
