Understanding Disc Golf Speed Ratings: How Speed Affects Flight and Distance
If you’ve ever wondered what disc golf speed ratings really mean — and how they impact the flight of your discs — you’re in the right place.
This guide breaks down disc speed in simple terms, explains the physics behind it, and highlights the biggest mistake players make when choosing discs based on speed. (Hint: faster doesn’t always mean farther.)
What Is Speed in Disc Golf?
Before diving in, check out this helpful video where Bart breaks down disc golf speed ratings visually:
🎥 Watch here on YouTube
In disc golf, speed refers to how efficiently a disc cuts through the air. The more aerodynamic a disc is, the higher its speed rating.
High-speed discs have a sharper beveled edge and most of their mass concentrated around the outer rim. This rim design allows the disc to maintain spin longer, resulting in extended flights, which is why distance drivers tend to have thick rims.
The Role of Rim Width in Speed Ratings
The rim width of a disc is the main factor that determines its speed rating. Rim width is the distance from the leading edge of the disc to the inner rim.
- Wider rims = higher speed ratings
- The maximum legal rim width set by the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) is 2.6 cm, which typically equates to a speed rating of 14.
However, keep in mind that speed ratings are not standardized across brands. A Speed 10 disc from Innova might not match a Speed 10 disc from Discraft. Within each brand, though, higher numbers do indicate higher relative speed.
Moment of Inertia and Disc Performance
To understand why rim width matters, we need to talk about moment of inertia, which is an object’s resistance to rotational motion.
When a disc has more mass distributed along its outer edge, it requires more energy to start spinning but will maintain its spin longer once in flight.
Here’s what that means on the course:
- Wider-rimmed drivers need more arm speed to throw but stay in the air longer.
- Narrow-rimmed mids and putters are easier to throw but lose spin more quickly.
How to Generate More Snap
“Snap” is the secret to throwing farther and more consistently. A strong snap increases the disc’s launch speed, helping it stay stable and resist turning over too early.
To improve your snap:
- Grip – Keep a firm but relaxed grip.
- Arm Speed – Use your hips and core to generate rotational power.
- Wrist Action – Snap your wrist cleanly at release for maximum spin.
A clean, snappy release makes every disc fly faster, regardless of its speed rating.
Check out this image (source) for a visual illustration of generating snap:
MVP Disc Sports Overmold Technology
A good example of utilizing moment of inertia to improve disc performance is MVP Disc Sports‘ drivers & overmold technology. They use an ultra-dense plastic blend on the outer rim to concentrate more weight on the perimeter of the disc, resulting in longer and more stable flights.
This technology could potentially produce some of the longest-range drivers on the market, which is already starting to happen.
The Biggest Mistake Players Make with Speed Ratings
The most common mistake that I see beginners making when selecting discs is assuming that more speed = more distance. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
The reality is that high-speed discs are pretty much only for intermediate and advanced players who have excellent throwing technique. Beginners are better off starting with lower-speed discs that are easier to snap, allowing them to work on their throwing mechanics and develop better skills before leveling up their speed.
Let’s Recap
Speed ratings in disc golf primarily depend on the width of the disc you are throwing. High-speed discs are more aerodynamic, hold their spin longer, and are best suited for experienced throwers. It’s crucial for beginners to avoid the mistake of throwing high-speed discs, and instead focus on developing their throwing technique with lower-speed discs (preferably very stable ones.)
This article is the first in a four-part series covering disc golf disc ratings and numbers. Make sure to check out my article on disc golf glide ratings next, and then check out my article on how turn effects disc stability.