Among the different types of Frisbee discs, there is a special category of discs called distance drivers. These discs are specially designed to cover long distances and are crucial to being successful at disc golf. But what makes a good distance driver and what flight characteristics do you need to consider? In this article, we will address these questions and help you find the perfect distance driver for your disc golf game.
Distance driver features & flight characteristics
The distance driver is a special frisbee disc that can fly very far, but should only be used by experienced players with the right technique and a fast arm . Beginners should use other discs due to the physical strain and the risk of learning the wrong throwing technique. Distance drivers require high speeds to fly well and are harder to throw than other discs. They are particularly suitable for special throws such as overhead, sidearm, roller and headwind putting at high wind speeds. You will often find terms such as speed, glide, turn, fade, hyzer, anhyzer, overstable, stable and understable in disc golf distance drivers. Don’t know what they mean? Then read our disc golf guide in advance.
The 9 best disc golf distance drivers
1. Latitude 64 Ballista
The Latitude 64 Ballista is a disc golf distance driver disc that combines speed and precision. It is one of the world’s fastest discs, but offers a reliable trajectory. The Opto Line plastic is one of the most durable plastics and can withstand extreme conditions. The target has a diameter of 21.1 cm, a maximum weight of 176 g, a height of 1.7 cm and a rim thickness of 2.4 cm. The Ballista is overstable for beginners and slightly understable for experienced players.
- Speed: 14 | Glide: 5 | Turn: -1 | Fade: 3
2. Yikun Disc Phoenix Star
The Yikun Disc Phoenix Star is a disc golf distance driver made of innovative material with elaborate production and offers a precise playing experience. It is suitable for advanced players who are looking for an exceptional throwing experience. With its excellent wind and flight ability, it can fly over 160 meters and is suitable for professional players with more power. The Yikun Disc Phoenix Star is PDGA approved and built to size and weight regulation standards.
- Speed: 13 | Glide: 5 | Turn: 0 | Fade: 3
3. Innova Thunderbird
The Innova Thunderbird is a reliable distance driver that combines the stability of the Teebird with the speed of the Valkyrie. The disc is slightly overstable and ideal for strong winds. The Champion plastic offers excellent performance and durability, while Innova’s precision-molded discs meet the demands of every shot. The Thunderbird flies with the control of a fairway driver and has the reach of a distance driver. The driver’s shot-shaping ability will be appreciated by pros, while less experienced players will find a consistent, predictable trajectory.
- Speed: 9 | Glide: 5 | Turn: 0 | Fade: 2
![INNOVA Star Thunderbird Distance Driver Golf Disc [Colors May Vary] - 173-175g](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41+2yyiaISL._SL500_.jpg)
4. Discmania Active Premium Astronaut
The Discmania Active Premium Astronaut is a distance driver disc for disc golf that is suitable for players of all levels. With a speed value of 12, it is fast but easy to throw and offers maximum distance for everyone. The disc is made from Active Premium plastic, which is extremely durable and robust. The Astronaut offers high speed, glide and minimal fade. With a diameter of 21.2 cm, a maximum weight of 176.0 g, a height of 1.8 cm, a grid depth of 1.1 cm and a rim thickness of 2.3 cm, the Discmania Active Premium Astronaut is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to improve their disc golf playing techniques.
- Speed: 12 | Glide: 6 | Turn: -4 | Fade: 1
5. Prodigy Disc D1 400 Plastic – Gannon Buhr
The Prodigy Disc D1 is a fast, overstable driver for power throwers and is suitable for all weather conditions. The consistent trajectory makes it a favorite among disc golfers looking for high accuracy. The 400 plastic is a high quality, durable material blend, with an impeccable grip, even in wet conditions.
- Speed: 13 | Glide: 5 | Turn: 0 | Fade: 4
6. Innova Beast
The Innova Beast is a distance driver that is suitable for both beginners and advanced players. With speed 10, glide 5, turn -2 and fade 2, it offers great distance and a gliding finish. Made from Champion plastic, it is extremely durable and retains its flight characteristics for a long time. The Innova Champion Beast is used by professionals such as Barry Schultz and is suitable for maximum distance, downwind shots and turnover throws.
- Speed: 10 | Glide: 5 | Turn: -2 | Fade: 2
7. Discraft Thrasher
The Discraft Thrasher is a fast and “understable” distance driver that is suitable for beginners and experienced players alike. It enables amazing distances and is easy to control. The ESP plastic offers the advantages of Z-Line and X-Line and is grippy and durable. The weight is in the range of 160 – 175 g. The Thrasher is perfect for maximum distance at low arm speed.
- Speed: 12 | Glide: 5 | Turn: -3 | Fade: 2
8. Doomsday Discs Dystopia
Doomsday Discs presents the Dystopia – a distance driver suitable for players at all levels. It is neither under- nor over-stable, but holds the trajectory you throw it at. Made of durable, grippy “survival” plastic, this disc is a great tool for all players. It is PDGA approved and weighs between 170 and 177 grams.
- Speed: 11 | Glide: 6 | Turn: -1 | Fade: 2
9. Infinite Discs Pharaoh
The Infinite Discs Pharaoh is a reliable distance driver used by many professional players. Made from a durable, grippy I-Blend synthetic material, this driver is ideal for advanced players who want to achieve maximum distance. With a diameter of 21.1 cm and a weight of up to 177.00 g, the Pharaoh is a stable distance driver.
- Speed: 13 | Glide: 6 | Turn: -2 | Fade: 2
Now you’ve bought quite a few disc golf distance drivers. Where do you live with them? It’s best to put them in the matching disc golf backpack or in a special disc golf bag.
Do you want to know what is important for disc golf and what you need to look out for?
