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Disc Golf Flight Numbers Explained (Speed, Glide, Turn, Fade)

By Radius Team · May 28, 2026

Every disc has four numbers — like 12 / 5 / -1 / 3. They're the disc's flight rating: Speed, Glide, Turn, Fade, in that order. Learn to read them and you'll never buy the wrong disc again.

Speed (1–14)

How fast the disc needs to travel to fly as designed. High-speed drivers (10–14) need a lot of arm speed. If you can't throw them fast enough, they'll just fade out early. Beginners fly lower-speed discs farther.

Glide (1–7)

How well the disc stays aloft. Higher glide = more distance for the same power, which is why high-glide discs are great for newer players. Lower glide gives more control in wind and on touchy approaches.

Turn (+1 to -5)

The disc's tendency to turn right (for a right-handed backhand) during the fast part of the flight. A more negative number = more understable = easier to turn over and great for beginners, rollers, and turnover shots.

Fade (0–5)

How hard the disc hooks left (RHBH) at the end of the flight as it slows down. Higher fade = more overstable = reliable in wind and for forehands.

Stability in one number

Add Turn + Fade for a quick stability read:

  • Negative → understable (turns right, finishes gentle)
  • Around 0–1.5 → stable / straight
  • Higher → overstable (dependable left finish)

Putting it together

A 12 / 5 / -1 / 3 is a fast, glidey distance driver that turns a little then fades hard — a workhorse for strong arms. A 5 / 5 / -2 / 1 is an easy, flippy midrange perfect for beginners.

On every Radius disc page you'll see these numbers, the stability, and a flight-path chart — plus a tool to overlay discs and compare flights directly.

#flight numbers#gear#discs

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