Ever wondered what sets the best sidearm disc golf drivers apart from the rest?
This comprehensive guide dives into the essentials of selecting the ultimate distance drivers for your forehand technique. Uncover the secrets to elevating your game with these incredible discs.
The Best Sidarm Disc Golf Drivers
Discraft Nuke
Flight Characteristics
| Speed | Glide | Turn | Fade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 5 | -1 | 3 |
Dimensions
| Diameter | Height | Rim Depth | Rim Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.20 cm | 1.60 cm | 1.20 cm | 2.50 cm |
Review
The Discraft Nuke is a powerhouse in the distance driver category, favored by players looking to maximize their distance with a reliable fade:
- Forehand Dominance: The Nuke is a beast for forehand shots, accommodating powerful rips and flex shots with a predictable S-curve, making it a go-to for those looking to bomb down the fairway.
- Not for the Faint-Hearted: This disc is a high-speed behemoth, requiring significant arm speed to unlock its potential. It’s not a beginner-friendly disc but a treasure for seasoned players.
- Hyzer and Anhyzer Compatibility: The Nuke is versatile in shot shaping, handling hyzer bombs with ease, and providing ample room for anhyzer lines, especially in ESP and Z plastic variations.
- Diverse Plastic Options: Available in several plastic types, each offering a unique flight path and durability level. ESP offers a slightly understable trajectory, while Z plastic is known for its overstable nature and resilience.
- Max Distance Achiever: When thrown with power, the Nuke delivers impressive distance. It’s especially adept at handling headwinds and maintaining stability.
- Personal Testimonials: Players often praise the Nuke for its ability to handle torque and deliver consistent fades, making it a reliable choice in various course conditions.
The Discraft Nuke remains a top pick for players looking to add a dependable and powerful distance driver to their arsenal, capable of handling the most demanding throws.
MVP Zenith
Flight Characteristics
| Speed | Glide | Turn | Fade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 5 | -0.5 | 2 |
Dimensions
| Diameter | Height | Rim Depth | Rim Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.20 cm | 1.70 cm | 1.10 cm | 2.20 cm |
Review
The MVP Zenith is a driver that stands out in the MVP lineup, especially for its suitability for a wide range of players. Here’s a deeper look into its performance:
- Forehand Flexibility: The Zenith is excellent for forehand shots, thanks to its stability and rim design. It allows players to shape various lines, maintaining predictability even in aggressive forehand shots.
- Versatility Across Power Levels: Suitable for both power throwers and those with less arm strength, the Zenith offers slight turn for distance while remaining reliably overstable for controlled shots in various wind conditions.
- Comparative Analysis: Reminiscent of the MVP Tesla but with added speed, the Zenith is a natural fit for MVP enthusiasts looking for a familiar yet faster distance driver.
- Gyro Effect: MVP’s gyro technology influences the Zenith’s stability, making it a unique choice for players who prefer a flat top for grip and release consistency, especially in forehand throws.
- Suitability for Beginners: The Zenith might not be the best choice for beginners due to its higher speed and stable-to-overstable nature, but it’s excellent for intermediate players looking to develop stronger throwing mechanics.
- Personal Experience: Users appreciate the Zenith for its controlled distance and accuracy, making it a reliable choice for both competitive and casual play.
Overall, the MVP Zenith is a well-regarded distance driver that bridges the gap between understable and overstable discs, making it a valuable addition to your disc golf bag.
Discraft Zeus
Flight Numbers
| Speed | Glide | Turn | Fade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 5 | -1 | 3 |
Dimensions
| Diameter | Height | Rim Depth | Rim Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.10 cm | 1.60 cm | 1.20 cm | 2.30 cm |
Review
The Discraft Zeus is a powerhouse in the realm of distance drivers. Molded for the power thrower, this overstable disc is a go-to for those epic hyzer flips and long S-curves. Its flight numbers promise a good balance between speed, glide, and a predictable fade, making it a consistent performer for skilled players.
When gripped for a forehand rip, the Zeus shows off its stability. It’s fantastic for players who revel in a flex shot or those craving a reliable finish on their drives. The wide rim offers ample space for a solid grip, facilitating maximum power transfer.
For those familiar with the Innova Destroyer, the Zeus feels like a kin but with its unique flair. The ESP plastic melds durability with a superb grip, enhancing its allure. It’s a disc that not only promises top-notch performance but also boasts a visual appeal with its swirly design.
Ideal for intermediate to advanced players, the Zeus requires a confident arm to unlock its potential. While it might be overbearing for a beginner, it’s a disc that grows with your skills. It’s not just a disc; it’s a statement on the course, a testament to your dedication to mastering those powerful drives.
In summary, the Zeus is a disc of choice for those who desire a dependable, overstable distance driver with the finesse to shape shots both in forehand and backhand throws. With its combination of high speed, moderate glide, and dependable fade, the Zeus stands tall in the pantheon of distance drivers, beckoning those ready to wield its power.
Thought Space Animus
Flight Numbers
| Speed | Glide | Turn | Fade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
Dimensions
| Diameter | Height | Rim Depth | Rim Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.20 cm | 1.60 cm | 1.20 cm | 2.10 cm |
Review
The Thought Space Animus is a versatile disc, heralded as a hybrid between an Innova Wraith and Thunderbird. It’s designed for those seeking a disc with a moderately overstable flight pattern, capable of handling torque well. This makes it a solid choice for experienced players, but its manageable fade also allows recreational players to wield it effectively.
The Animus, in ethos plastic, demonstrates characteristics akin to a faster PD, with a rim width that provides a comfortable hybrid feel. Forehand players, in particular, will find this disc to be a dream, enabling powerful and controlled flicks with ease. Its flat top and moderate rim width make it a reliable option for both forehand and backhand throws.
Its flight is consistent and predictable, with just enough high-speed stability to fight the wind, yet not so much that it becomes unmanageable. It’s perfect for achieving those straight flights with a dependable fade at the end. The Animus shines in its ability to handle a variety of lines and angles, making it a versatile addition to any player’s bag.
The Animus is particularly noteworthy for its beauty as well – the Nebula Aura plastic and Thought Space’s signature triple foil stamp make it a visually stunning disc. This combination of aesthetics and performance makes the Animus a disc that’s not just functional, but also a joy to have in your collection.
In summary, the Thought Space Animus is an excellent choice for players looking for a dependable, moderately overstable distance driver. It offers a great blend of control, distance, and aesthetic appeal, making it a valuable asset for both competitive rounds and casual play.
Kastaplast Grym
Flight Numbers
| Speed | Glide | Turn | Fade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 5 | -2 | 2 |
Dimensions
| Diameter | Height | Rim Depth | Rim Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.20 cm | 1.60 cm | 1.10 cm | 2.20 cm |
Review
The Kastaplast Grym, a disc known for its long, smooth s-curves and prowess in tailwind conditions, emerges as a favorite among those seeking a distance driver with a mix of stability and workability. Its 2.2 cm rim is both clean and comfortable, facilitating a flight path that holds true to the line you set.
K1 plastic, synonymous with quality and durability, makes the Grym a standout in terms of feel and longevity. This disc is surprisingly versatile, excelling in both backhand and forehand throws, and its slightly understable nature allows for some impressive flex lines when given height.
The Grym is somewhat shallower than other distance drivers, which might appeal to players who prefer a flatter disc. Its stability is more pronounced than its flight numbers suggest, making it a reliable option for players who want a straight flyer with a solid, predictable fade. It’s particularly effective in hyzer shots, where it exhibits a reliable skip at the end of its flight.
For forehand dominant players, the Grym offers a delightful experience. It can handle the torque well and achieves significant distance, making it a versatile tool in various course scenarios. The disc’s stability and grip make it suitable for powerful forehands, ensuring a reliable finish even in breezy conditions.
In summary, the Kastaplast Grym is a commendable choice for players looking for a stable yet workable distance driver. Its superior plastic, comfortable grip, and predictable flight path make it a worthy addition to any player’s arsenal, especially for those aiming to navigate long, challenging fairways with precision and power.
Clash Discs Salt
Flight Numbers
| Speed | Glide | Turn | Fade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 5 | -1 | 3 |
Dimensions
| Diameter | Height | Rim Depth | Rim Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.40 cm | 1.70 cm | 1.70 cm | 2.20 cm |
Review
The Clash Discs Salt stands out as an overstable distance driver tailored for advanced players who crave a blend of remarkable distance and precise control. Its design aims to be one of the farthest flying discs without compromising on accuracy and stability.
With a flight path characterized by a subtle high-speed turn, the Salt offers an ideal disc for those power-packed drives off the tee. It is especially adept at navigating long distances, making it a reliable choice for players seeking to elevate their game with consistency and power.
For forehand dominant players, the Salt is a gem. Its capacity to handle the torque and power of a forehand throw makes it an excellent substitute for other popular distance drivers like the Destroyer. The slight turn at high speeds coupled with its solid fade at the end allows players to achieve impressive distances with accuracy.
When released on a gentle hyzer angle, the Salt exhibits a straightforward trajectory, covering an impressive range before concluding with a dependable fade. This quality makes it a top choice for players looking to replace their current go-to driver with something that offers a bit more predictability and control.
In essence, the Clash Discs Salt is a versatile distance driver that promises both range and reliability. Its design considerations cater to advanced players, offering a perfect balance between the need for significant distance and the desire for precise disc control. Whether for forehand or backhand throws, the Salt proves to be a valuable workhorse on the course, making it a highly recommended addition for seasoned players.
What Makes A Good Forehand Distance Driver?
When you’re aiming to elevate your disc golf game, mastering the forehand throw is crucial. This technique, also known as the “flick,” is indispensable for navigating certain shots on the course. To aid you in this journey, it’s essential to select the right disc, particularly a forehand distance driver that matches your skill level.
Key Elements of a Forehand Distance Driver
- Speed Rating: Typically, distance drivers have a speed rating of 10 or higher. High-speed drivers demand good technique and considerable power, especially for forehand throws.
- Skill Level Consideration: Most disc golfers start with a backhand focus. If you’re transitioning to or just starting with forehand, choose a disc that complements your current skill set.
- Weight: Heavier discs (max-weight) offer better stability than lighter discs, an important aspect for forehand throws as they need to resist anhyzer angles effectively.
- Stability: Your choice should also consider the gaps in your current disc lineup. Both understable and overstable distance drivers have their place and utility.
What Makes a Good Sidearm Disc?
- Stability: Forehand throws generate a lot of torque, and overstable discs can handle torque better than any others.
Tips for Improving Your Forehand Technique
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice in a field or with a net is key to mastering forehand. Start with short throws and gradually work on longer drives.
- Grip: A proper grip is essential. Use two fingers (index and middle) inside the rim, with the disc tucked deep into the hand’s webbing for control. Ensure a firm grip to reduce disc flutter.
- Technique: Focus on wrist extension, using the middle finger as the primary contact point during release. Lead with your elbow and follow through for effective throws.
